Chap. IV. DISCUSSIONS. 81 
almost every feathered inhabitant of the forest, and, 
when domesticated, every noise it hears. It is of a par- 
ticularly sweet flavour, and very tender. 
We were struck, during the discussion above-men- 
tioned, with the natural dignity and becoming regula- 
rity with which the deliberations were carried on. 
With the exception of an occasional exclamation of 
" korero / korero ! " '* speak ! speak ! " which was 
used like our " hear ! hear ! " in either an encou- 
raging or an ironical sense, or an earnest but low 
expression of approval or dissent, no interruption 
of the orators ever took place ; nor was there any 
contention as to the order in which the different chiefs 
should speak. Even while fPTirepori was employing 
each of his feet to rub off the other a cloud of small, 
troublesome sand-flies which annoyed him while he was 
speaking, not a smile was to be observed even among 
the children. No consulting among themselves took 
place ; each speaker seemed to have come with his 
words prepared, or to rely on his own capacity for ex- 
pressing the ideas of the moment or meeting unexpected 
arguments. Puakawa, although far from convinced, 
seemed to acquiesce partly in the general decision adopted 
in favour of the sale, and moved off with the rest of the 
travelling orators to Pitone, where a similar discussion 
was to take place. We took the remains of our meal 
with us into the boat, and visited one or two settlements 
at the southern end of the harbour l)efore we returned 
on board. It is absolutely requisite, in order to comply 
with the forms of Maori etiquette, for the guest to take 
away his dish and all that he has not eaten. It would 
give lasting offence to leave on the spot any part of what 
is set before him. A compliance with this custom would 
cause some astonishment at a large London banquet. 
24th. — The discussion was renewed at Pitone 
VOL. I. G 
