Volltext Seite (XML)
pursuit, although the sawyers were paid at the rate of 12s. per hundred feet, and could earn, without difficulty, 4Z. per week. But since there are so many situations in New Zealand in which the timber trade can be carried on, and numerous parties contemplated the establishment of saw mills, it seemed probable that deals would very speedily become a cheap article in the market. In rounding Bream Head we were assailed by a succession of severe squalls, which caused our crew, consisting of two men and a New Zealand boy, to be on the alert ; ever and anon “ luffing up,” so as to expose the smallest possible quantity of canvas to the violence of these sudden gusts. Having passed the fine inlet of Wangari, we entered the Frith of the Thames, by the eastern channel, which sepa rates the main land from a large island. This passage being very rocky, we deemed it prudent to come to an anchor under the lee of the island, in a small picturesque bay, where it was our fortune to be windbound for eight- and-forty hours. During this period, however, we did not lack amusement. The woods abounded with wild pigeons, the rocks were incrusted with oysters, and in an abandoned native plantation we found plenty of wild celery and spinach. From an elevated summit we obtained a view of the estuary of the Thames, with its numerous islands, skirted, on the one hand, by the moun tainous peninsula of Shouraki, and on the other, by an undulating, fern-clad landscape, terminating in wooded ridges. Our destination, after leaving our harbour of refuge, was the mission station of Maraetai, where we were received with much hospitality by Mr. Fairburn, who has