being well out. Arrived at the Okatika River at five o’clock. Here I found a calico store and another building close to it, built of brushwood, flax, &c., the only two buildings on the north side of the river; the store was kept by Messrs. Price and Hudson. Hudson attended to the store; Price did the packing. Their supplies were obtained from Reuben Waite, of the Grey. The other building was occupied by Ramsay and party. The first ferry boat was formed from a large tree scooped out, all in one piece; 2s. 6d, the charge for crossing the river. On the south side we found several tents and four stores. Finding the waggon was not going any further—so many returning from the Totara, and the day turning out wet—we determined to return to the Grey. I camped at the Arahura in company with Morey and a man named Murrell; had a small tarpaulin, which we rigged above us, with boughs at the back and sides; made a large fire, boiled the billy, and had tea. The rain came down in torrents and put out the fire. Our blankets were soon wet through. Murrell and I were seated on a box containing my gold scales. There we sat shivering, “not a drap of the cratur,” and in this plight did we remain till one a.m., by which time the rain ceased. Murrell was between Morey and myself, and had decidedly the best of it, for he would snooze away leaning his head first on my shoulder, then on Morey’s. A fresh fire was lighted, the billy boiled, and some coffee made. Bush rats were about us in hundreds; the ground all round us some inches deep in water. This was without exception the most miserable night I ever spent. What made it so bad was being compelled to sit in one position from seven in the evening till daylight in the morning. As soon as daylight appeared we were up, and spread out our blankets to dry. Discovered a whare within fifty yards of our camping-place, which would have afforded us good shelter. Unfortunately for ourselves we were not aware of the fact till too late. Started for Teremakau in the afternoon, which we reached about dusk. Crossed the river early next morning. On reaching the Saltwater Creek we found it flooded, so had to camp for the night. Sent one of our party to the Teremakau for some flour and “wai pero” (strong water, ie., gin). We were determined not to be in the same fix we were in on Sunday night at the Arahura.
16th November.—Broham and I met yesterday for the first time at the Teremakau, He was in M‘Gregor’s tent writing his usual weekly report. He was squatted on the ground, and writing on his knees, the rain drops coming through the roof on his paper; writing under difficulties, and no mistake.
17th November.—When on the south spit to-day I noticed a Maori picking up something and putting it into a kit (basket). I was inquisitive enough to ask what he was about, and found he was collecting eggs; the eggs of a small bird called tara, or sea swallow.
