308 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
thrusting their spears, which were either parried 
or carefully avoided by the opposite party. Several 
were at length thrown down, some prisoners taken, 
and ultimately both parties retreated to a distance, 
whence they renewed the combat. As the day 
closed, these sports were discontinued, and the 
combatants and spectators retired to their respect- 
ive encampments. 
Having filled our water-casks, increased our 
supply of provender for the cattle and sheep I had 
on board, procured a number of logs of timber 
towards the erection of our future dwelling, and 
having spent a week very pleasantly with our 
Missionary brethren ;» we took leave of them, 
grateful for the assistance of their influence with 
the natives, and the kindness and _ hospitality we 
had experienced at their hands. 
To the eye of a Missionary, New Zealand is an 
interesting country, inhabited by a people of no 
ordinary powers, could they 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 Chris- 
tian instruction among the ignorant at home, but 
are also making noble efforts to send its blessings 
to the remotest nations of the earth, it has not 
been overlooked. 
In 1814, the Church iMasieneny Society sent 
their Missionaries to New Zealand; and, under 
the direction and guardianship of the Rev. 8. Mars- 
den, the steady patron of the New Zealand Mis- 
sion, established their first settlement at Rangehoc 
in the Bay of Islands. Considerable reinforce- 
ments have been sent, and three other stations 
formed. Since that period, the Wesleyan Mis- 
sionaries commenced their labours near Wangaroa. 
