passes could be more exact than the lines and
circles he formed. So unrivalled is he in his
profession, that a highly-finished face of a
chief fiom the hands of this artist, is as
greatly prized in New Zealand as a head from
•the hands of Sii Thomas -Lawrence is amongst
us. It was most gratifying to behold the
respect these savages pay to the fine arts.
This “ professor” was merely a kooky or
slave, but by skill and industry he raised himself
to an equality with- the greatest men of
his country; and as every chief who employed
him always made him some handsome
piesent, he soon became a man of wealth,
and was constantly surrounded by such important
personages as Pungho Pungho, Ruky
Ruky, Kivy Kivy, Aranghy Tooker, &c. &c.
My friend Shulitea (King George) sent him
every day the choicest things from his own
table. Though thus basking in the full sunshine
of court favour, Aranghie, like a true
genius, was not puffed up with pride by his
success, for he condescended to come and
take tea with me almost every evening. He
was delighted with my drawings, particularly
with a portrait I made of him. He copied
so well, and seemed to enter with such interest
into the few lessons of painting I gave
him, that if I were returning from here direct
to England, I would certainly bring him
with me, as I look upon him as a great
natural genius.
One of the important personages who came
to the village to employ the talent of our
artist was a Mr. Rooky Rooky, (and he was
always very particular in remembering the
Mister) ; he brought four of his wives with
him, leaving six more at home, (polygamy in
New Zealand being allowed to any extent).
One of this man’s wives was a little girl not
more than ten years of age, and she excited a
great deal of interest amongst us, which when
he discovered, he became very anxious to dispose
of her to any of us. He importuned us
incessantly on the subject, saying she was
his slave, and offered her in exchange for a
musket.
Though from my increased knowledge of
the language, I was enabled to hold longer
conversations, I could not discover that the