114 Transactions.— Miscellaneous. 
side, and possibly a lucky few might have fallen into it, and so broke the 
force of their fall. The whole spot is a most romantic one naturally, and 
at the time of my visit it was desolate and bare—a sad and striking memento 
of the horrid past !” 
The Editor of the “ Transactions,” in a note of his own appended to 
Mr. sea paper, refers us to three works, viz. :— 
. Bir G. Grey's ** Polynesian Milos p. 157. The single case 
S mentioned is said to have taken place in the very beginning of Maori 
history, and was just simply the whirling of a fire-brand on to a thatched 
roof, much the same as the cireumstance above related from my Notes. 
2. Dr. Thomson’s “ Story of New Zealand," Vol. I., chap. 7. In this 
relation (as well as in several other places in his book) there is much of error, 
as must always be the case with all modern compilers who may follow in 
ihe Doctor's wake; for (1) Dr. Thomson has completely ignored all that 
was written by Cook and others,* although he has given a list of their 
Works, and the question has often arisen in my mind, did Dr. Thomson ever 
read them ? (2) Knowing nothing himself personally of the matters in 
question, he copied freely, and picked up and set down all that he heard, too 
often hastily drawing conclusions. Hence it was that he says of their pro- 
jectiles—'* Occasionally red hot stones were thrown from slings in the hope 
of setting pas on fire; so were slight javelins, sharp and jagged at the 
point; occasionally they were pointed with bone, or the barb of the 
stingray ; these were discharged by slings from elevated platforms, etc. 
Bows and arrows were not unknown, though never used in war." (Vol. 
ch. 7.) 
8. Mr. White's new work, * Te Rou,” is one of fiction, and his long 
note, referred to by the Editor, is suited to it ; it is of no use here. 
Apprnpix A.—(See p. 109). 
Dr. Forster says :—'* The weapons which the men of Tanna constantly 
carry are bows and arrows, clubs, darts, and slings. Their young men are 
* In addition to bebe we ck on record (already referred to) by Cook and others, 
there are a few early wn engagements, attacks on Maori forts by Europeans, 
when, if ever, the Maoris ae sd used such projectiles, viz :—(1) That by the French 
under Crozet, in revenge for the death of their commander (Marion) and his men, when 
they attacked and took their stronghold or fort in the Bay of Islands. See App. C. (2) 
That of the combined crews of five the pa in the islet in Whangaroa harbour in 
revenge for the taking and burning of the “ Boyd,” and the killing of the captain, passengers, 
and crew. (3) That of the soldiers and sailors of H.M.S. “ Alligator " on the pa at W : mate, 
near Cape Egmont, in revenge for their having plundered Guard's ship, &c. In all these 
cases the Maori pas, or forts, securely fenced and well situated (after the old custom) and 
almost inaccessible, were attacked and taken; and yet, while the Maoris defended them- 
selves well and long, nothing was seen, or shown, or used, in the shape of “slings” and 
“ hot stones,” “ bows and arrows, jagged darts, and poisoned Kotahas |" (Jam satis !) 
nce a ERIS 
MER a ee EE RENE et ae 
LE aE Se aa Oe CR eee REPETI 
