180 
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE NEW ZEALANDERS. 
the crew not to draw the seine on shore, but either from obstinacy or ignorance 
they persisted; the result of this act was, that the natives plundered the vessel, 
and murdered the whole of the crew; and then cooked the crew and devoured 
them. When I was at the Bay of Islands in 1836, a French surveying vessel 
came into the bay, which caused some commotion among the natives, who thought 
that they had come to revenge the massacre of Marion and his crew, which 
happened twenty-seven years previous; thinking that other nations were as 
revengeful as themselves, and sure of resenting an injury after the expiration of 
so many years. 
The last massacre was that of the Boyd’s crew, and all must acknowledge that 
the unfortunate captain was to blame. This event took place about twenty-five 
years back, since which time they know us better and respect us more ; in proof 
of which it may be mentioned, that ten years since the brig Mercury was taken 
possession of by the natives, after which the crew endured a series of offences and 
ill-treatment which, compared with the fate of the Boyd, shows that the temper 
and ferocity of the natives are much harmonized and improved. I believe not 
one of the crew of the Mercury was murdered; but, being terrified, they 
abandoned the vessel, and she became a wreck. If we carefully examine the 
catalogue of dreadful massacres they have been charged with, it will be found 
that the Europeans have always been the aggressors; and can we be surprised 
that after they have received a series of offences a savage should seek revenge ? 
I am quite satisfied that the conduct of these islanders is very superior to that 
of any other natives in the South Seas. When you speak to them on the 
subject of the murders that they have committed on the British, they will tell 
you that 66 they did not invite you to their island for plunder and murder, but 
that you came and ill-used them; that you broke into their taboos or sacred 
grounds; and that the Atua or God gave you into the hands of their fathers.”— 
But from what I know of the New Zealanders, I am convinced that they desire to 
cultivate our acquaintance, since they wish to possess our manufactures, as mus¬ 
kets, powder, blankets, &c., and that an Englishman, if he is at all acquainted with 
their peculiarities, may live in peace and safety. 
As I have stated that polygamy is carried on to a great extent, a description 
of their method of courtship may be amusing to your readers. A man seeing a 
woman whom he would like for his wife, asks the consent of her father, which, 
if he obtains, he carries her off by force, she resisting with all her strength ; and 
as the New Zealand girls are very strong, sometimes a dreadful struggle ensues. 
Both are soon stripped to the skin, and it is not unfrequently the work of hours 
be informed that its destruction was attributed to the use of the seine for fishing on some of the 
sacred ground after being requested not bj the natives. 
