32 
POLYNESIAN RESExlRCHES. 
notwithstanding his actions, I did not think he intended 
to injure me. The New Zealanders are fond of endea¬ 
vouring to alarm strangers, and appear to derive much 
satisfaction in witnessing the indications of fear they 
are able to excite. 
A number of tribes from different parts of the Bay 
being now at Rangehoo, the evening was devoted to pub¬ 
lic sports on the sea beach, which most of the strangers 
attended. Several of their public dances seemed immoral 
in their tendency, but in general they were distinguished 
by the violent gestures and deafening vociferations of the 
performers. No part of the sports, however, appeared so 
interesting to the natives, as a sham fight, in which the 
warriors wore their full dresses, bore their usual weapons, 
and went through the different movements of actual 
engagement. 
Shungee, or, according to the modern orthography of the 
Missionaries, ’Honghi, with his numerous dependants and 
allies, formed one party, and were ranged on the western 
side of the beach, below the Missionaries' dwelling. The 
chief wore several mats or short cloaks, of various sizes 
and texture, exquisitely manufactured with the native 
flax, one of them ornamented with small shreds of dog's 
skin, with the hair adhering to it; these were fastened 
round his neck, while in his girdle he wore a patupatu, 
and carried a musket in his hand. His party were gene¬ 
rally armed with clubs, and spears nine or ten feet long. 
Their antagonists were ranged at the opposite side of the 
beach. At a signal given, they ran violently towards each 
other, halted, and then amidst shouts and clamour, rushed 
into each others ranks, some brandishing their clubs, 
others thrusting their spears, which were either parried 
or carefully avoided by the opposite party. Several were 
