OF PROPERTY. 
103 
from them, are always cordially welcomed, and, 
in most instances, sought after and encouraged. 
I have known a thousand Europeans and Ame- 
ricans in the Bay of Islands at one time — it was 
the case in March 1834; yet no jealousy was 
expressed by the natives, that, from their num- 
bers, they intended to take possession of the 
island, or that they wished to do so. I believe a 
severe struggle would ensue, before they would 
allow any force to take possession of their soil, or 
of any portion of it, without what they deemed a 
fair equivalent. The rights of possession are held 
most sacred in New Zealand ; and every one knows 
the exact boundaries of his own land, which re- 
mains his until death, or till the consequences of 
war take it from him. A strong tribe may make 
war upon one that is weaker ; and if they conquer, 
the land, with all upon it, belongs to them. But 
where the people have remained unconquered, 
and have possessions at a distance, they sometimes 
allow those possessions to be occupied by another, 
but fail not, every year, to assert their right to 
the place, by claiming the fat of the rats ; or by 
going in a body, if it be forest-land, to shoot and 
carry away the pigeons, in the season ; or to de- 
mand a portion of the payment, if any has been 
received from Europeans or others, for timber. 
The punishment inflicted upon those who have 
planted upon another man’s ground, without per- 
mission having been granted, is, taking away the 
crop when it is ripe : and should the person who 
