mouldering remains of her partner through
life, must have been, even to her savage mind,
most lacerating.
After witnessing several parties perform
their funeral ceremonies, and imbibing, in
some degree, the melancholy tone of mind
such a sight must necessarily create, we arose
and joined Mooetara. Here I witnessed a
scene that reminded me of an English country
fair. An immense number of temporary huts
had been erected for the accommodation of
the chiefs and their families, where they might
repose after their exertions, while their slaves
cooked their provisions; of which an abundant
quantity had been provided, consisting of piles
of cumera and Indian corn, with heaps of fish,
which were served out, to all who came for
them, with a most liberal hand; and which,
of course, added not a little to the pleasure of
the day. After all had satisfied their hunger
(and even the lowest slaves were permitted, on
this occasion, to have as much as they wished
for), they jumped up, flew to their muskets,
and commenced their war dance with great
noise and vigour. The violence of their exertions
caused their recent wounds to bleed
afresh, and added much to the horror of their
hideous grimaces. They then divided into
two parties, and had a sham battle. I must
here do justice to the temperate habits of my
savage friends. During my residence in New
Zealand, I have known but very few who
were addicted to drinking, and I scarcely ever
saw one of them in a state of intoxication ;
and, on this occasion, where a profusion of
what they esteem delicacies was provided
gratuitously, they partook so moderately of
the tempting fare as not to be prevented using
the most violent exertions immediately after
their meal. The entertainment being now
over, the different parties gathered up what
remained of the portions of food distributed
to them, and without taking any leave of their
entertainer, or returning any thanks for his
bountiful providing, they all entered their
canoes and paddled away.
An unfortunate prejudice has gone forth
into the world against the natives of New
Zealand, which I have always endeavoured to
counteract from a sense of justice, and, from