for the fray,’ they would rush in and I would stand a very poor show. Still I had to protect myself and the bank property as far as I could, and this I was determined to do. They had several drinks in the bar, and away they went. I did not see any more of them. My idea was, had they shown up again, to challenge the first man at the doorway; had he attempted to advance—fire. I knew I could depend on my revolver and unless the mob tore down the tent I was good for six of them. All I can say is that I was in a very awkward predicament, and was not at all sorry they did not turn up again. I have often thought since what risks Walmsley and I ran, both of our lives and the bank property. Fortunately for us Burgess and party were not on the Coast. Had they been we would have stood but a poor show.”
The last entry in Preshaw’s diary for the year 1864 is as follows: “December 28th. A dispute arose this morning between Messrs. Cassius and Price about one of the business sites. Revell was called on, and decided in favour of Cassius. Price persisted in putting in his pegs and digging post-holes. Revell interfering, Price made a blow at him with a shovel, striking him across the instep of the left foot. I was present when the assault took place. The allotment in dispute was marked out by Cassius, and adjoined the one occupied by Messrs. Hudson and Price, the first storekeepers at Hokitika. It seemed hard that these men should
