Boundary

Chapter 5

"Ngaiti? Yes, he's actually becoming a bit of a nuisance. His goals and that of the New Zealand Company seem to be at odds. He's opposed to having the New Zealand Company purchase land from Māori; he claims our plan is flawed and will cause trouble." Wakefield laughed and Dickie joined in.

"I don't think we can have that, sir. Perhaps if you no longer require his services, then I could assume his responsibilities?"

"Yes, I think that may be best. I will be sorry to see him go; he's been a good lad to my brother these last two years." Wakefield returned to studying the chart. "I will make an announcement at dinner this evening, inform everybody of our destination and then I will speak with him."

As usual, the dawn of a new day brought no change to the bleakness of the whaling station and its morbid activities. Furnaces continued to spew oily, black smoke and rotting flesh, combined with the pungent and vicious smell of boiling blubber, were attracting nature's more opportunistic foragers.

Gaily painted whaling chase-boats, many of them owned by Dickie Barrett, departed the station hoping to catch one last whale, the bright colours of the boats in sharp contrast to the dangerous and grisly task they performed.

Andrew and Eleanor were at their customary position on the foredeck of the Tory when Ngaiti ambled up.

"We missed you last night Ngaiti, we had a rather rigorous debate," said Andrew.

"What was the topic?"

"In the married state, which constitutes the greater evil, love without money, or money without love?"

"And you supported which side?" asked Ngaiti with a grin.

"Money without love."

Eleanor directed her elbow firmly into Andrews's ribs.

"Ellie wouldn't let me choose that point of view," laughed Andrew. "So we debated that the greater evil is money without love, and we lost. Captain Chaffers' team put up a good fight." Andrew rubbed his side. "But where were you, Ngaiti? We both looked everywhere for you, we would have won with you on the team."

Ngaiti looked around to ensure they were alone. "I went ashore to see my cousin, Honi."

"How thoughtful of you, Ngaiti," said Eleanor, "saying goodbye before we depart tomorrow morning?"

"No, Miss, I spoke with my cousin over the worry I feel about the land purchases."

"Did your cousin make you see sense, that your concerns are for naught?" asked Andrew.

"No, my cousin sees it as I do. We were trying to decide what we should do to warn Māori."

"Ngaiti! If Colonel Wakefield hears of this, there will be trouble. You risk your employment," warned Andrew.

Ngaiti was looking outward towards a small cluster of small boats tied to a rickety pier. He frowned. "It is too late for that, Andrew."

Andrew's mouth opened in surprise.

"Ngaiti, what is going on?" asked Eleanor, expressing concern.

He paused for a few heartbeats then turned to face her. "I am no longer employed by Colonel Wakefield, my services to the Company have been terminated," he responded sadly. "Once we reach Port Nicholson, then I must leave the ship."

"Who will perform your duties for the colonel?" Eleanor asked.

"The man you saw yesterday, Dickie Barrett, he is now the interpreter for Colonel Wakefield."

"He seems a happy and agreeable chap," offered Andrew.

"Yes, that is what he wants everyone to see, but he is a hard and unpleasant man, as are most whalers. Do you believe an honest man could survive and do business in this place, amongst this?" Ngaiti again turned and leaned over the rail, waving his arm to encompass the beach and the squalor.

Andrew and Eleanor turned and looked outwards, grimacing.

A longboat with a mast slowly made its way from the pier heading out of the bay. Four men rowed and another sat at the stern on the tiller.

Ngaiti smiled and pointed. "Look there goes my cousin now."

The three friends watched silently as the longboat cleared the bay and the young men aboard quickly raised a dirty. canvas sail. Immediately the boat heeled over and gained speed as they headed out towards the Cook Strait, the body of water that separated New Zealand's southern and northern islands. The winds were favourable and the sea was calm.

"Where are they going?" asked Eleanor.

Ngaiti looked nervously around him again and spoke quietly, "They are going to Port Nicholson, to visit a Māori chief called Te Wharepouri. I have instructed my cousin, Honi, to tell the chief of Wakefield's plan to purchase land around Port Nicholson. Hopefully Honi can make the chief understand about the English concept of land ownership and what it will mean to them. With luck, Te Wharepouri and other chiefs can give thought to what they will do, hopefully avoiding any misunderstandings."

"Ngaiti, you are stepping into dangerous waters," warned Andrew. "If the colonel finds out what you have done, there will be problems for you."

"Andy is right, Ngaiti. You must be careful."

"Yes, I know this, but I am doing what is right for my people ... and your people too."

"Our people?" asked Andrew.

"What will happen if colonists and settlers don't receive what they expect?

"They'll do what they've always done, complain bitterly! The British Empire has survived on its resolve, superior strategy and a fine cup of tea," Andrew laughed, with the others joining in.

"Isn't it dangerous to travel all that way in a small boat?" asked Eleanor.

"Yes, it is, but Honi and his brothers are experts on the ocean. They know the weather will not cause problems for them today."

"I still think you are overreacting to this, Ngaiti," said Andrew quietly.