- not accustomed to walking, and the Roads are exceedingly bad there, so that I knocked up, and had to stop in one of their Villages; they were very kind to me; particularly so.
How did you carry on any Intercourse with them at that Time in Conversation?
- Entirely by Signs, and Two or Three New Zealand Words which I knew. Some of them can speak a little English. They were exceedingly peaceable, and very kind and hospitable to me.
Had you an Opportunity of observing what Sort of Distinction in Rank exists in their Society?
- The only Distinction is that between the Slave and the Chief.
Is every one called a Chief who is not a Slave?
- I fancy so.
Had you any Opportunity of ascertaining in what Way the Land is held by them?
- I think they inherit it from their Forefathers, and by Marriage they obtain a Right to Lands.
Did the Distinction of Property appear to be understood among themselves?
- Perfectly; and they are particularly scrupulous in not infringing on another's Property. For instance, in returning from Waimate I was going to take some Peaches from a Tree that was there; the Native that was with me told me I must not do so; when I had gone a little Way farther he allowed me to take from another Peach-tree belonging to a Relation of his; it appeared that he could take that Liberty with a Relation.
Are you sure that the People who are not Chiefs are Slaves?
- They are so considered. I have seen a great many of the Slaves a great deal better off than their Masters, and better dressed.
During your Stay there had you any Opportunity of seeing any Negotiation between Europeans and Natives relative to Land?
- No; I have seen some of their Deeds; what they call Deeds.
You never happened to witness any Purchase of Land by Europeans?
- Not any at all.
Do you know as a Fact whether much Land is held by Europeans?
- Yes; I am aware that there is a great deal of Land, especially about the Bay of Islands, and about Hokianga; for Twenty Miles up, the Land has been located, with the Exception of small Pieces.
Had you any Opportunity of knowing whether the Natives allowed the Europeans to retain quiet Possession of the Land which had been alienated?
- That was one Question which was talked of when I was there, when a Chief endeavoured to resume the Land which had been sold by his Father, because he thought his Father had not received a sufficient Price for it; but the Speculator had made a good Purchase, and wished to retain it.
Had you an Opportunity of knowing whether the Natives had any Ideas on Religion?
- I saw the greatest Display, I think, of Christian Feeling that could be imagined among such People. I have seen Five hundred of them assembled at One Time at Public Worship, and particularly attentive and decorous in their Manners.
That was probably where the Missionaries have carried on their Labours?
- Yes; they go down generally— the Missionaries have Service every Sunday— I am now speaking of the Wesleyan Missionaries— they come down on a Saturday to attend the Service on the Sunday, and they remain there till the Sunday Night, then a good many go away— the rest on Monday Morning; there are frequently Five or Six Hundred who attend. I went with the Wesleyan Missionaries to make their Calls at the different principal Stations they have when they delivered their Tickets to them, and I had an Opportunity of seeing a good many Congregations; they generally averaged from about 100 to 160— Three or Four up the Mangumuker.
