if in competitive spirit with the white men, on the works in various places. They were treated with great kindness and leniency, and everything possible was done to lessen the bitterness of their imprisonment and enforced absence from their homes. So soon, however, as it became evident that the deprivation of their liberty was telling on their health, the Government promptly released them, and conveyed them back to their native hills. It is a pleasing fact that subsequently these men refused to take up arms against the Government, and the Waikato tribe have remained friendly ever since. The Parihaka men, a mixture of pure Maoris and half-castes, and who partook much more of the mischievous larrikin than of the noble, patriotic warrior, were also treated with special leniency, and after a short incarceration, they, too, were liberated and sent to their homes.
For several years also a few lunatics were located in the gaol, where for want of proper facilities they were a source of annoyance; but when the Lunatic Asylum was opened, they were removed to more suitable quarters. One amusing incident connected with lunatic life in gaol may not be deemed out of place in this sketch. One insane man, ordinarily a happy-souled being, but who, like many other insane persons, could show method in his madness, was peremptorily told by an officer to clean his (the officer's) long boots, and to "do them well." The officer's tone seems to have grated on the man's spirit, but he quietly answered, "Yes, sir, I'll do them well." In due course the boots were returned, shining to brilliancy. Forthwith the officer inserted his right foot, and, after it was down half-way, and with his fingers in the straps, and drawing himself together for the grand effort, he sent the foot home with a jerk, when lo! the member went right through, and away went the sole flying to the other side of the yard, while the perpetrator of the vengeful practical joke, with arms akimbo, stood against the wall leeringly watching proceedings. Close examination revealed the fact that the sewing or wooden pegs of both boots had been artistically cut, only two or three slim threads being left to keep the soles in their places! As the brushing of officers' boots was not government work, the owner of the tops could do nothing but growl.
