s, the deeper you cut your way, the
more entangled you became. Our patrolling duties often necessitated our
being away for five or six days, and enabled us to get some excellent
sport. There was but little trouble with the Maoris. They somewhat
objected to the making of roads, which were then being extended inland
towards the west coast, and they were a source of some annoyance to the
working parties; but the appearance of one of our armed patrols soon
brought them to reason.

Ohinemutu was a Maori village at the foot of the wonderful hills up whose
slopes rose the marvellous pink and white terraces which were, a few
years later, to be wiped off the face of the earth by the terrible
volcanic eruptions that devastated that part of the North Island. Acting
upon the advice of our doctor I decided to take a short course of the
sulphur mud baths which were scattered here and there over the ground.
Having obtained permission from Te-Whiti, the then king, I spent eight
days at Ohinemutu. The two chief guides, Maria and Sophia, were well
known in those days to all tourists who were fortunate enough to visit
that wonderful region. I had been free from any rheumatic pains since my
landing at Dunedin, but the doctor assured me that the sulphur baths
would complete the cure. He was right, as I am thankful to say that from
that day to this the old enemy has never tackled me again, though I am
afraid I have sorely tempted him.

It was one day shortly after my sojourn at Ohinemutu that I received a
letter from Sir Frederick Weld, the then Governor of Tasmania, offering
me the position of private secretary, which had become vacant. I had
taken out letters of introduction to him from some mutual friends, which
I had posted on my arrival in Dunedin; hence his offer. I was naturally
delighted, and cabled accepting. Without delay I tendered my resignation
to the officer in command of our district, Major Swinley, who told me I
could count upon its being accepted, and could make my arrangements to
leave for Tasmania as soon as a steamer was available. I found there
would be one leaving Auckland for Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin in
a few days. This was indeed fortunate, for it would enable me to see
Auckland, call upon our chief, Colonel Reader, at Wellington, thank him
for his kindness in giving me the appointment at Tauranga, and say
good-bye to all my old friends at Dunedin. At Auckland, a beautifully
situated city with an excellen