conduct be criminal or exemplary, they are
equally likely to receive a blow, in a moment
of passion, of sufficient force to end life and
slavery together! There are many exceptions
to this frightful picture; and I saw several
old couples, who had been united in youth,
who had always lived in happiness together,
and whose kind and friendly manner towards
each other set an example well worthy of
imitation in many English families.
April 2d. — This day, perceiving that an
unusual number of canoes were passing up
the river, all proceeding towards the village
of Par-Finneigh, we hailed one; and upon its
coming alongside, we enquired what had occurred;
for every appearance of bustle or
commotion amongst this restless and warlike
people is truly alarming. They informed us
that the great chief A-Rowa, who died four
months since, and the ceremony of whose
“ lying in state” I had been permitted by his
eldest son to be a witness of, was this day to
be exposed to the view of his friends ; was to
be cried over; and was finally to be deposited
in the tomb of his ancestors. As this
was one of their imposing spectacles which I
had never yet seen, I was anxious to witness it.
We soon got a boat ready; and a party of us
joined the throng, and proceeded with them
to the village. Upon our arrival thither, we
found an immense concourse of people assembled
; for here, as in most uncivilised or
early states of society, the disposition and
good qualities of the deceased are made known
by the number of friends and followers who
meet at his funeral. As these New Zealanders
were all fully equipped in arms, they
had more the appearance of a hostile meeting
in an enemy’s camp, than of a group of
mourners about to be occupied in the melancholy
duty of depositing out of sight for
ever the last remains of a beloved chief.
Mooetara, the son and successor of the deceased,
came to meet us on the beach, and
seemed much gratified by our attention ; our
appearance on this solemn occasion giving him
importance in the eyes of all the natives then
assembled. He gave orders for our being conducted
with much ceremony to the place of
mourning; where, amidst a number of uncouth
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