180 MANNER8 AND CUSTOMS OF THE NEW ZEA LANDERS. 



the crew not to draw the seine on shore, but either from obstinacy or ignorance 

 they persisted ; the result of this act was, that the natives plundered the vessel, 

 and murdered the whole of the crew ; and then cooked the crew and devoured 

 them. When I was at the Bay of Islands in 1836, a French surveying vessel 

 came into the bay, which caused some commotion among the natives, who thought 

 that they had come to revenge the massacre of Marion and his crew, which 

 happened twenty-seven years previous ; thinking that other nations were as 

 revengeful as themselves, and sure of resenting an injury after the expiration of 

 so many years. 



The last massacre was that of the Boyd's crew, and all must acknowledge that 

 the unfortunate captain was to blame. This event took place about twenty-five 

 years back, since which time they know us better and respect us more ; in proof 

 of which it may be mentioned, that ten years since the brig Mercury was taken 

 possession of by the natives, after which the crew endured a series of offences and 

 ill-treatment which, compared with the fate of the Boyd, shows that the temper 

 and ferocity of the natives are much harmonized and improved. I believe not 

 one of the crew of the Mercury was murdered; but, being terrified, they 

 abandoned the vessel, and she became a wreck. If we carefully examine the 

 catalogue of dreadful massacres they have been charged with, it will be found 

 that the Europeans have always been the aggressors ; and can we be surprised 

 that after they have received a series of offences a savage should seek revenge ? 



I am quite satisfied that the conduct of these islanders is very superior to that 

 of any other natives in the South Seas. When you speak to them on the 

 subject of the murders that they have committed on the British, they will tell 

 you that " they did not invite you to their island for plunder and murder,' but 

 that you came and ill-used them ; that you broke into their taboos or sacred 

 grounds ; and that the Atua or God gave you into the hands of their fathers." — 

 But from what I know of the New Zealanders, I am convinced that they desire to 

 cultivate our acquaintance, since they wish to possess our manufactures, as mus- 

 kets, powder, blankets, &c, and that an Englishman, if he is at all acquainted with 

 their peculiarities, may live in peace and safety. 



As I hare stated that polygamy is carried on to a great extent, a description 

 of their method of courtship may be amusing to your readers. A man seeing a 

 woman whom he would like for his wife, asks the consent of her father, which, 

 if he obtains, he carries her off by force, she resisting with all her strength ; and 

 as the New Zealand girls are very strong, sometimes a dreadful struggle ensues. 

 Both are soon stripped to the skin, and it is not unfrequently the work of hours 



be informed that its destruction was attributed to the use of the seine for fishing on some of the 

 sacred ground after being requested not by the natives. 



