584 DISPUTES HATS GAME. DcC. 



during some minutes, previous to commencing any conversation. 

 Engrossed by the fine, the grand heads of some of the old 

 warriors, whose amply tattowed features had withstood the 

 ravages of time more successfully than their once dark hair, 

 and by the graceful figures of the younger women, I was sorry 

 when the ceremonial silence was ended. By turns the principal 

 men discussed with Mr. Baker (whose speaking appeared to be 

 to the purpose, as well as fluent), the business for which they 

 had assembled. 



I could understand few words used, but the gestures of the 

 natives were sufficiently expressive to give a general idea of 

 their meaning. Mr. Baker's interpretation to me afterwards was 

 to this effect : — " A neighbouring tribe has encroached upon 

 the district which this tribe claim as hereditary property. These 

 men prove their right to it by bringing forward several of 

 their elders, who have at various times killed and eaten ' rats' 

 upon it."" 



In other days, the war-club and the patoo-patoo — a sangui- 

 nary contest to determine whose should be the land and whose 

 bodies should fill the ovens — would have been the unfailing 

 mode of decision. " What would Mr. Baker recommend them 

 to do, now that they had become Christians was their ques- 

 tion. He recommended arbitration, each party to choose a 

 ' wise man ; ' and if the two wise men disagreed, they should 

 refer the question to the deliberation of the missionaries, at 

 their next general meeting. He also promised to visit the other 

 tribe, enquire into the case, and exert himself for the sake of 

 both parties, who were equally his friends, and whose interest, 

 as well as duty, it was to remain at peace. 



By temporising, talking to each party, and inducing one to 

 meet the other half way, Mr. Baker had no doubt of amicably 

 arranging the affair.* Is it not extremely gratifying to find the 

 missionaries thus appealed to, and acting as mediators and 

 peacemakers ? 



The singular reason for laying claim to this land, appears less 

 extraordinary when explained. Formerly there were no wild 

 * Before the Beagle sailed it was settled. 



