36 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
''fhe cannibalism of tlie inhabitants of New Zealand^ and 
other islands of the Pacific^ has been doubted by some^ 
and denied by others^ and every mind influenced by the 
common feelings^ or exercising the common sympathies of 
humanity, must naturally resist the conviction of his species 
ever sinking to a degradation so abject, and a barbarity so 
horrible, until it be substantiated by the clearest evidence of 
indisputable facts. But howeverardently we may have hoped 
that the accounts of their anthropophagism were only the 
result of inferences drawn from their familiarity with 
and apparent satisfaction in deeds of savage murder ; the 
accounts of the Missionaries who have resided amongst 
them, no longer admit any doubt to be entertained of 
the revolting and humiliating fact. The intercourse they 
have had with the greater part of the foreign shipping 
visiting their shores, has not been such as to soften the 
natural ferocity of their character, improve their morals, 
inspire them with confidence, advance their civilization, 
or promote peace and harmony among themselves; fre¬ 
quently it has been the reverse, as the affair of the Boyd, 
and the desolation of the island of Tipahee, affectingly 
demonstrate. 
To the eye of a Missionary, New Zealand is an inte¬ 
resting country, inhabited by a people of no ordinary 
powers, could they but be brought under the influence 
of right principles. By the Christian philanthropists of 
Britain, who are desirous not only to spread the light of 
revelation and Christian instruction among the ignorant 
at home, but are also making noble efforts to send its bless¬ 
ings to the remotest nations of the earth, it has not been 
overlooked. 
In 1814, the Church Missionary Society sent their Mis¬ 
sionaries to New Zealand; and, under the direction and 
