TRANSLATIONS INTO THE 
230 
duced into our translations (perhaps from twelve 
to twenty in number), and are now pretty gene- 
rally understood by all ; certainly by all those 
who are in the habit of hearing our sermons and 
expositions : our explanations of terms are carried 
from one to another, and are universally circu- 
lated; and, with no small degree of apparent 
sagacity, their merits are canvassed, and their 
probable derivation sought out.^ 
When the language was in some competent 
* Some remarks I here subjoin, which may be regarded as 
not only curious, but also not without their practical utility.* — 
Nothing can be more truly ridiculous than the errors which 
Europeans frequently make, when first attempting to speak the 
New-Zealand language. It is a very easy matter to make such 
mistakes as these : — The food has swallowed the man,” instead 
of “The man has swallowed the food.” Or, “ Put the horse 
on the saddle,” instead of “ Put the saddle on the horse.” Or, 
Yesterday I shall go a journey.” Or, “ To-morrow, I went 
to see the houses.” Or, “ VTill you eat me,” instead of “ Will 
you eat Avith me?” — The last of these errors is one which has 
often made a native angry, as it refers to one of the greatest 
curses you can express : and if one native were to make use of 
it to another, a satisfaction Avould be sought, and the individual 
who spoke the sentence would be severely punished. They 
know, however, that Europeans make use of it in ignorance ; 
but if a troublesome man wanted an excuse for plundering, this 
would be abundantly sufficient, according to the laws of the 
country, to justify him in taking away all that the innocently- 
offending person happened to possess. Several instances of 
this kind have occurred : it would therefore be well for all 
Europeans, who have much dealing Avith the NeAv Zealanders, 
to be cautious how they address them about food ; and how 
they call them names, or liken them to any object ; for, if it be 
possible, that object to which they have been compared will be 
taken away, or destroyed, as a payment. Many of the quarrels 
that have arisen between the natives and the Europeans re- 
siding as settlers in New Zealand, or visiting its shores, have 
been caused through ignorance of the language, and by a wrong 
application of words and sentences. 
