Chapter 16

Missionaries were active in New Zealand and had been spreading God's word and selling muskets to Māori for many years. The Christian Mission Society and the Wesleyan Methodists travelled extensively throughout the northern island, achieving some success in converting many Māori to Christianity. The Reverend Henry Williams, whose CMS church was vehemently opposed to the actions of the New Zealand Company, previously spoke to Nga Pakawa and made the views of his church perfectly clear about land purchases and colonisation.

The words of Reverend Williams were familiar to all who attended the hui, but to the insecure Nga Pakawa, they unsettled and disturbed him. It was finally agreed that Nga Pakawa would accompany the other five chiefs to the Tory, keep an open mind and, with hope, thought Te Wharepouri, change his opinion so that the group would have consensus. Te Wharepouri had a quiet encouraging word with Nga Pakawa.

Although not a chief, Minarapa Rangihatuake, a Māori Christian preacher and respected leader from the Te Aro Pa, came to see Te Wharepouri. He expressed his concerns and insisted that the Te Aro land not be included in the agreement. As outlined to him, Te Wharepouri agreed. Many in the Te Aro Pa were once slaves; in the Māori community they were perceived as having a lower social standing. Politically, Te Wharepouri couldn't be seen to openly support them and risk being perceived as being weak, but yes, he thought, he would quietly raise this issue with Wakefield and insist the land around the Te Aro pa not be included.

The array of merchandise, fabric, tools and weapons carefully laid out on the deck of the Tory was alluring. It was a slow and deliberate seduction and each chief yearned to own such wonderfully well-made items. Crates full of muskets beckoned and finely woven cloth were enticements difficult to ignore. Tools with sharp edges to chop wood and tend to the gardens, these were useful things to make life easier for the people of Te Wharepouri. This wasn't just about vanity or greed, it was about necessity.

Te Wharepouri cast a casual look at Nga Pakawa and saw he too was transfixed.

Colonel Wakefield stepped closer, "Is there some apprehension? Are you displeased?"

"Problem?" translated Barrett.

"We wish to discuss this briefly amongst ourselves," replied Te Wharepouri.

"They want to talk, sir," stated Barrett.

"Very well, let's give them some time," said Wakefield, tactfully grabbing Barrett's elbow and leading him away.

Jerningham Wakefield was busy transcribing his notes and now began writing the actual deed of sale document. The colonel approached him and looked over his shoulder, "Any questions?"

"No, Uncle, all is well," he replied.

The colonel continued, ensuring that Dickie Barrett was listening. "It is vital to the integrity of this company, and those fortunate enough to enjoy its association and business activities, that any and all transactions are legal." Colonel William Wakefield turned to look at Barrett and spoke slowly. "And that there be no merit or foundation to a challenge of its covenants." He pointed to the deed.

Jerningham paused, looked up at his uncle and casually nodded.

"Of course, sir, wouldn't expect nuttin' else," said Barrett quickly.

"Very well, carry on," instructed the colonel, who turned his attention back to his guests.

Speaking for the assembled chiefs and to appease Nga Pakawa, Te Wharepouri took a step forward. "We have a concern."

Barrett translated, "He has a question."

Wakefield indicated for Te Wharepouri to continue.

"In time of need, will Pakeha come to the aid of Māori?" Te Wharepouri looked at Colonel Wakefield closely. "Will your people help us if we come to your homes, or will you turn us away?"

Wakefield understanding the serious tone of the question turned to Dickie.

Barrett cleared his throat, allowing time to formulate his reply. "He wants to know, if he needs help, will you lend him a hand?"

Colonel Wakefield nodded and looked at Te Wharepouri smiling, "Of course I will help."

"Yes," translated Barrett.

Jerningham had almost completed the deed-of-sale. William invited the six Māori chiefs to his cabin where the deed would be explained, and they could share in a glass of wine to celebrate while they waited for young Jerningham to finish.

Jerningham sat at his uncle's writing desk and began to read the completed documents aloud. He paused after every few paragraphs or two, which allowed Dickie Barrett time to interpret the legal terminology and translate into Te Reo, the spoken Māori language. Predictably, Barrett's translations were vague and omitted detail. The translation didn't take much time. While Te Wharepouri did his best to understand Jerningham's oratory, there were many words and sentences that were unfamiliar. He was also aware that Barrett's translation was inaccurate and incomplete. He guessed it was essentially a loose and general translation that contained very few specifics.

Te Wharepouri had doubts, lots of them. If he refused to sign the documents then Wakefield would approach other chiefs who would eagerly sign with little or no thought to the significance of their actions. The lure of displayed merchandise was too tempting. It would shift the power balance between Māori chiefs and increase the threat of war between them.

Would Pakeha honour their words? Te Wharepouri looked at the deed, the marks and scribbles on the paper that meant so much to Europeans, yet meant nothing to him. What did Māori care for words on paper? Was not a man judged by his actions, by his honour? No one present in the cabin saw Te Wharepouri's brief look of contempt as he turned his head and looked at Wakefield. Ngaiti, who stood at his side, also appeared to be unhappy.

Barrett finished the deed translation and Wakefield waited anxiously as the six chiefs talked amongst themselves. Finally, to Wakefield's immense relief, Te Wharepouri informed him that they all unanimously agreed, they would sign the precious Pakeha paper that was so important.

Colonel William Wakefield was overjoyed. He'd not only completed his first land purchase, but he'd stolen a march on the English Government, and it would only cost three-hundred and sixty pounds of purchased merchandise. They all returned to the deck of the Tory. Ngaiti stood near Chief Te Wharepouri as everyone gathered to witness the signing of the Port Nicholson agreement.

In contrast to the smile of Colonel Wakefield, the Māori chiefs were not smiling, their expressions grim.

"My heart tells me this is wrong," whispered Ngaiti to Te Wharepouri. "Barrett's translations were not accurate, it would be wrong to proceed."

The chief turned to Ngaiti and nodded in understanding. After considering Ngaiti's recommendation for a moment, he turned away from the group and spoke quietly, for Ngaiti's ears alone. "If we do not sign, others will. I have no choice."

Prior to departure from the Te Awaiti whaling station, a whaling ship from England delivered a dispatch to William from Edward. The message detailed that in response to the Tory's covert and hurried departure from England, a ship called the Druid was on its way to New South Wales, carrying Captain William Hobson, RN, who had been proclaimed Lieutenant Governor of the British Colony about to be established in New Zealand. Hobson's task was to ensure that Māori title and sovereignty over their lands was indisputable. Hobson would likely inform the New Zealand Company that the British nation was taking possession of New Zealand and that the actions of the Company were illegal.

Edward had instructed his brother William to purchase as much land as possible before Hobson arrived and began passing any laws. They would deal with any repercussions later.

Fiercely loyal to his brother, that was exactly what William intended to do. He must hurry.