aroundworldortra00peebiala-1

94 ABOUND THE WORLD.
The chiefs of these tribes were known by their tattooing,
dress, insignia, and ornaments. The eldest child was the
favorite one, ruling the others.
A species of slavery existed
among them. Slaves could never reach the rank of patricians.
When these Maoris met, they did not shake hands,
but affectionately rubbed their noses together.
This is their
present practice. While some American women carry
poodles for pets, these natives carry little pigs. They are
very hospital51e to strangers. Cannibalism was unknown in
their earUer traditionary times. Their decline commenced
with the advent of the missionaries. The " Wanganui Herald,"
in an able editorial upon the " decline of the native
race," says, —
" Let one get into conversation with any of the old settlers, principally
whalers, whose recollections date back some forty years, and he will be
astonished to learn how these tribes have disappeared off the face of the
earth, and how the present representatives of these departed races,
noble specimens of civilized savages as some of them are, bear comparison
in stature, appearance, mental qualifications, or social influence
among their respective tribes, with their departed ancestors. It is almost
saddening to watch the gradual though certain diminution among those
once powerful ^fl/)us ; and it is no less humiliating to have to acknowledge,
that, in the majority of instances, death and disease can be unerringly
traced to their intercourse with the less civilized pakeha, the white
man. In Otaki, the centre of missionary influence on this part of the
coast, will be found the greatest immorality, the most degraded mental
and physical condition, and consequently the most rapid and certain
decline, among the natives as a people. . . • Yearly statistics unerringly
state, that, so far from the natives being benefited by their religious,
political, and social intercourse with ourselves, the reverse is the case.
Disease and death are on the increase ; and crimes, often of a heinous
nature, are committed more frequently in proportion to the progress of
their acquaintance with our manners and our customs, our habits and
our views, our treachery and our falsehood. This seems an appalling
picture, but nevertheless it is a true bill."
TATTOOING.
The term " tattoo," of Oceanic origin, relates to those
indelible devices pricked into the skins of natives. The