Corenso.—On the Maori Races of New Zealand. 379 
matters. They took great heed not wantonly to hurt anyone’s feelings; 
and if any such was attempted, it was immediately repressed. Such a 
person was spoken of as having had no parents, or as having been born 
(laid) by a bird (a term repeatedly used by the New Zealanders concerning 
many English “ gentlemen,” owing to their rude behaviour). Things which 
might remind the visitors of past sorrows and troubles were also carefully 
put out of sight. The people of the place were mindful not to use any bad 
or intemperate language towards, or in the hearing of, their visitors. No 
foolish tricks were offered in jest. They were very careful not to step over, 
or to hand food over, any of them. If they wished to pass through or by 
them, and there was little or no room, they did not shove, but civilly said, 
* Tukua a hau,’—Allow me to pass. They brought their visitors fire, food, 
and water, always of the best they had; and if they were of high rank, such 
was in part carried to them by the chiefs of the place; and often, if they had 
` any reserved prized delicacy, they also brought it. Sometimes, when their 
visitors were very few, and arrived just as the evening meal was cooked, they 
sent them the best of it, the chief sometimes culling with his own hands. 
In laying down anything before their visitors, they always retired nimbly, 
lest they should hear their own praises, or be supposed to be desirous of hear- 
ing them. They avoided openly staring or laughing at the newly arrived, 
or making impertinent remarks upon their appearance, manner, clothing, 
&c.; and quickly removed all offensive things dropped near by animals, and 
— covered up all sores or deformities of their own. The chief of the 
village often gave up his own house to his visitors, and sat outside the door 
in the sun, rain, and wind, conversing with them until they had repeatedly 
invited him in. If the party was small, and house accommodation scanty, the 
chief of the village and his people oceupied the inferior side of the house, 
leaving all the other and best side to the visitors. They were careful not to 
ask any one his name, particularly a stranger. They were always exceedingly 
circumspect not to cause offence by a look, word, or gesture. They rarely 
inquired after anyone’s health by name, and took good care not to inquire 
specially after any female. They also abstained from finding fault with any 
of the words or doings of their visitors, even when they might justly have 
done so. From courtesy alone they generally assented to what was said by 
a visitor, and always to anything said by a person of rank ; at the same time 
quietly holding to their own opinions. (This ¢rait in their character has 
been the means of deceiving many Europeans, and not a few of those in high 
authority.) While their visitors slept by day, they were attentive not to 
disturb them. If anyone happened to be among the party who was an enemy, 
or had done wrong to anyone of the village, and had not yet made. repara- 
Aion, they quietly overlooked it for the sake of the head of the party; at the 
