239 CHAPTER XVIII. Rumours of wars—Departure for Waimate—Projected townships— Falls of Wytangi—Mountains of New Zealand—Native tradition— Fertile district—Mineral springs—Native costume—Education of white children—Native religion—Cookery—Lake Manpere—Na tive labourers—Kaori forest—Rain. Shortly after the arrival of the Governor, the tran quillity of Kororadika was disturbed by various unfounded rumours. It was whispered that the natives were laying out all their money in ammunition, furbishing up their arms, and holding korreros, or councils of war, all over the country. However groundless, these reports were calculated to shake the confidence of families and of strangers, who entertained opinions and apprehensions as to the native character completely at variance with truth and probability ; and with the intention of exciting their fears, these reports were mischievously propagated by the old settlers, who enjoyed the somewhat ludicrous terrors displayed by the new comers. It was reported that Pomare had been exerting his influence throughout the northern part of the island to induce the tribes to assemble on a fixed day and attack Kororadika; that Taria was bent upon nothing less than the extermination of the Pakehas ; even Rivas, the