226 NEW ZEALANDERS 



equilibrium — fell flat on his face, to the great laughter 

 of the whole room. 



There were members of either University, editors and 

 reporters, authors and artists, wits and men about town, 

 who contributed on most evenings when I was admitted 

 to the social and intellectual enjoyment. 



On one occasion a scion of the nobility, of whose 

 acquaintance I was somewhat proud — and, while really 

 deserving the name of an eccentric, was a kind friend 

 and more worthy gentleman ^ — introduced two New 

 Zealand chiefs, dressed as Englishmen. Their real 

 character did not first strike me ; but on my endeavour- 

 ing to address them, their reply was so incomprehensible, 

 and their looks and gesticulations so ferocious, that my 

 friend thought it necessary to put his head over the box, 

 and whisper in my ear to warn me not to aggravate them 

 by any further remarks, or they would kill and eat me. 

 Not wishing to be food for cannibals, I desisted trying to 

 elicit anything more from them ; but they seemed on 

 good terms with themselves and the captain who had 

 brought them over ; for he soon after joined them, and 

 Avith him, after certain libations, they walked quietly 

 away. 



But a man may run more risks in a civilized society 

 even — as it is called — than when in the company of 

 savao-es, as the foUowino- anecdote Avill show. One evenins; 

 in the same room, I had been giving my opinion freely 

 upon a certain subject, without observing the disapproba- 

 tion of a gentleman to whom my back was turned, 

 and the sio;ns and winks of the o-entlemen in the same 



J The late W. Barham, Esq. 



