PLAN OF REDEEMING SLAVES. 121 
seldom makes a demand for it as a right. Trans- 
ferring the services from one master to another, 
is a matter of frequent occurrence amongst the 
natives; for which an equivalent is given and 
received, and the bondsman's former master has 
no more claim upon him. Sometimes a number of 
slaves are allowed to return to their own tribes, 
and are gratuitously restored to their parents or 
friends. The Mission families have frequently 
redeemed their domestics from the thraldom of 
their masters ; and have given them their liberty, 
in order that they may have an opportunity of 
being married to the person of their choice, or 
that they may secure to themselves the wages 
which they receive for their labour. We have 
several instances of redeemed slaves, living with 
us, who are married to the daughters of some of 
the greatest chiefs among us ; a circumstance 
which was never known till the plan of redemption 
was adopted. The female slaves are all of them 
the exclusive property of their masters. When any 
of them have been redeemed, it is for the purpose 
of being married ; that, after their marriage, their 
masters may not have any claim upon them, nor 
take them away by force from their husbands. 
Instances of some of the most happy New-Zealand 
marriages have occurred, from the adoption of 
this plan: both parties feel themselves perfectly 
secure ; and know that they are no longer liable 
to the caprice, jealousy, or cruelty, of their for- 
mer masters. 
G 
