Conzxso.—On a better Knowledge of the Maori Race. 105 
* In proof that a system of modulation like the above still survives, I 
shall produce as nearly as my ear nc discern, the modulation of some of 
the New Zealand melodies. * 
** [ here beg to state, that though with great care and the assistance of 
a graduated monochord, and an instrument divided like the intervals of the 
Chinese kin, I have endeavoured to give an idea of those airs of New Zealand 
which I heard, yet so difficult is it to discover the exact interval, that I will not 
vouch for the mathematical exactness. * * * I must also, in justice to 
myself, add, that the singer did not always repeat the musical phrase with 
precisely the same modulation, though without a very severe test this would 
not have been discernible, nor then to many ears, the general effect being to 
an European ear very monotonous. But I may say that, when I sang them 
from my notation, they were recognised and approved of by competent 
judges, and that the New Zealander himself said, * he should soon make a 
singer of me.’ "* 
Mr. Davies has also, in his letter, given some of our Maori New Zealand 
songs, set by him to music, as examples. 
I may here also mention, that one of the earliest scientific visitors to 
New Zealand, Dr. Forster, who aecompanied Captain Cook on his second 
voyage, has left a statement on record of a similar kind. Here is a short 
quotation from it, given, partly on account of the learned German's feeling 
and truthful deduction therefrom, and partly because his valuable work is 
searcely known in the Colony. (And, to the everlasting honour of the good 
Doctor, it is to be further noted, that he does this immediately after relating 
several acts of killing and cannibalism perpetrated by the New Zealanders 
on Europeans, among which was the very recent one, in which ten seamen 
belonging to Captain Cook's expedition were killed, ete., so that Dr. Forster 
did not allow his reason to be carried away by his feelings.) He says,— 
“The music of the New Zealanders is far superior in variety to that of the 
Society and Friendly Islands. * * * The same intelligent friend who 
favoured me with a specimen of the songs at Tongatapu, has likewise given 
me another of the New Zealand music; and has also assured me that there 
appeared to be some display of genius in the New Zealand tunes, which 
soared very far above the wretched humming of the Tahitian, or even the 
four notes of the people at the Friendly Islands." (Two specimens of their 
tunes set to musical notes are then given.) “The same gentleman likewise 
took notice of a kind of dirge-like melancholy song, relating to the death of 
Tupaea.” (The musical notes of this, with the words, are also given.) 
* (Nore.—See “ Polynesian Mythology and Ancient Traditional History of the New 
Zealand Race, as furnished by their Priests and aue" Appendix, p. 313. By Sir 
George Grey ; Wan London, 1855.—Ep.] 
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