y rule or authority to
regulate the dealings of the natives with the English, there were
constant troubles between the native tribes.

"Then began what is called the king movement. One of the tribes invited
others to join in establishing a central authority, who would at once
put a stop to these tribal feuds and enforce something like law and
order, and they thought that having a king of their own would improve
their condition--would prevent land from being sold to the whites and be
a protection to the people at large, and enable them to hold their own
against the settlers. Several of the tribes joined in this movement.
Meetings were held in various parts in imitation of the colonial
assemblies. The fruit of much deliberation was that a chief named
Potatau, who was held in the highest esteem, not only by the tribes of
Waikato, but throughout the whole island, as one of the greatest of
their warriors and wisest of their chiefs, was chosen as king.

"The movement excited much apprehension in Auckland and the other
settlements, for it was plain that if the Maoris were governed by one
man and laid aside their mutual enmities they would become extremely
formidable. At the great meeting that was held, the Bishop of New
Zealand, the head of the Wesleyan body, and several other missionaries
were present, and warned the Maoris of the dangers that would arise from
the course they were taking.

"The warning was in vain, and Potatau was chosen king. Mr. Fenton, a
government official, went on a tour among the natives. He found that
there was still what was called a queen's party, but the king's party
was very much the strongest. For two years, however, things went on
somewhat as before, and it was not until 1860, when a quarrel arose over
some land in the province of Taranaki, that troubles fairly began. In
this district a chief named Wiremu-Kingi had established a sort of land
league, and given notice to the governor that he would not permit any
more land to be sold in the district. A native named Teira, who owned
some land at Waiteira, offered it for sale to the government. After
examining his title, and finding that it was a valid one, the land was
purchased.

"In the spring of 1860 the governor tried to take possession.
Wiremu-Kingi forcibly resisted, the troops were called out, and war
began. Wiremu-Kingi had unquestionably certain rights on Teira's land,
for he and his tribe were amicably settled upon it, had built houses,