1835.] NEW ZEALAND. 



419 



day, always built on a level piece of ground. They consist of a 

 double stockade of thick and tall posts, placed in a zigzag line, 

 so that every part can be flanked. Within the stockade a mound 

 of earth is thrown up, behind which the defenders can rest in 

 safety, or use their fire-arms over it. On the level of the ground 

 little archways sometimes pass through this breastwork, by which 

 means the defenders can crawl out to the stockade to reconnoitre 

 their enemies. The Rev. W. Williams, who gave me this ac- 

 count, added, that in one Pas he had noticed spurs or buttresses 

 projecting on the inner and protected side of the mound of earth. 

 On asking the chief the use of them, he replied, that if two or 

 three of his men were shot, their neighbours would not see the 

 bodies, and so be discouraged. 



These Pas are considered by the New Zealanders as very per- 

 fect means of defence : for the attacking force is never so well 

 disciplined as to rush in a body to the stockade, cut it down, and 

 effect their entry. When a tribe goes to war, the chief cannot 

 order one party to go here and another there ; but every man 

 fights in the manner which best pleases himself; and to each 

 separate individual to approach a stockade defended by fire-arms 

 must appear certain death. I should think a more Marlike race 

 of inhabitants could not be found in any part of the world than 

 the New Zealanders. Their conduct on first seeing a ship, as 

 described by Captain Cook, strongly illustrates this : the act of 

 throwing volleys of stones at so great and novel an object, and 

 their defiance of " Come on shore and we will kill and eat you 

 all," shows uncommon boldness. This warlike spirit is evident 

 in many of their customs, and even in their smallest actions. If 

 a New Zealander is struck, although but in joke, the blow must 

 be returned ; and of this I saw an instance with one of our 

 officers. 



At the present day,from the progress of civilization,there is much 

 less warfare, except among some of the southern tribes. I heard a 

 characteristic anecdote of what took place some time ago in the 

 south. A missionary found a chief and his tribe in preparation 

 for war ; their muskets clean and bright, and their ammunition 

 ready. He reasoned long on the inutility of the war, and the 

 little provocation which had been given for it. The chief was much 

 shaken in his resolution, and seemed in doubt : but at length it 



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