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especially when working under contract. The lower class Maori would steal whenever a chance offered, but that is only saying that there were degenerates among the Natives, as there are among ourselves. The better-class Maoris were keen in driving a bargain, but when made they were scrupulous in carrying out their part of the contract. They were honest in recognising their responsibilities, as the following incident will show:—A Maori who worked for my father, and who was known as “Tommy,” came forward one day and said, “Mr. Hay, I am going to Invercargill to see my friends. I owe you £10. I pay you when I come back.” Two years passed, and Tommy had not returned. One day my father met his brother, and enquired as to when he was expected. The brother responded:—“You not know Tommy dead? I know he owe you £10. You give me work, and I will pay for him.” He was as good as his word. There was another incident within my memory of the same kind where a Maori held himself responsible for the debt of his dead brother. Surely this is an example Europeans might emulate!
While on the subject of debts, the Maori
