Hocken. — Early Visits of the French to Nciv Zealand x 141 



two people. The Frenchmen were invited to visit the various 

 settlements, an invitation which they accepted, always, however,, 

 taking the precaution to go well armed. The description given 

 of their villages and pas, food, implements, clothing, and per- 

 sonal qualities is alike minute and interesting. The careful obser- 

 vations made and the critical faculty displayed in this voyage 

 compare well with those of present ethnological methods, and it is 

 satisfactory to see in that accomplished compendium of research 

 on the Maori and Polynesian which has recently appeared that 

 Professor Brown has availed himself of Marion's details. Every 

 assistance was given them whilst procuring kauri spars. They 

 were invited everywhere, everything was shown them, and every 

 gratification and dalliance in the power of the savages to be- 

 stow was bestowed. And so passed, for the rough sailors, a 

 delightful time — a whole month in paradise. Gradually any 

 fears or suspicions first entertained regarding their hosts were 

 'ulled. They penetrated considerable distances into the country, 

 returning far in the night, and accompanied by joyous escorts 

 of Natives, who carried them when tired. So far, indeed, was 

 confidence established, that Marion gave orders that boats 

 visiting the shore should go unarmed, though this was in spite 

 of the warnings of his lieutenant, Crozet, who constantly re- 

 minded him of Tasman and Massacre Bay. At last came the 

 catastrophe. Marion, with fifteen officers and men, went ashore, 

 and did not return at nightfall. This, however, excited no sus- 

 picion on board the vessels. The following morning the long- 

 boat, with eleven men, was sent ashore for wood and water. 

 Shortly afterwards one of this number was descried swimming 

 towards the ship. A boat was lowered at once, and the man 

 picked up, badly wounded. His story filled every one with 

 consternation and fury. It appeared that on landing the 

 sailors of the long-boat were, as usual, met and accompanied by 

 the Natives ; they separated to collect their supplies, and were 

 then attacked furiously by the Natives, who murdered every 

 one with the exception of the narrator, who succeeded in hid- 

 ing himself in the dense bush. It was at once apparent that 

 Marion and his party must have shared the same fate. An 

 armed detachment was immediately sent on shore to render 

 aid to two or three Httle depots or outposts. This was success- 

 fully accomplished, and Lieutenant Crozet skilfully managed 

 to collect all his tools and firearms, and to conduct his party of 

 sixty strong along the sea-shore to the point of re-embarkation. 

 Now came the exciting moment. They were followed and half 

 surrounded by an ever-gathering throng of wild savages intent 

 upon an attack, who, with loud yells, tauntingly shouted, " Ta- 

 couri mate Marion, Tacouri mate Marion " — Tacouri has killed 



