The Progress of New Zealand in the Century

w Zealand; and it is by no means certain that his race is doomed to extinction by the pakeha civilisation. Of late there has been a new movement of life among the Maoris, a recognition by the more intelligent that they must adapt themselves to altered conditions and ways of life. It is hardly necessary to describe the appearance of a typical Maori. Brown skinned, heavily built, tall, often six feet and over; nose short and broad; forehead high and sloping; lank hair and scanty beard; mouth coarse; such are some of the epithets applicable to the type. In their native habiliments Maori men look natural and dignified; in the garments of white men their appearance is somewhat squat and vulgar, and frequently ludicrous on account of their eccentric taste in dress. Their speech is singularly musical, but with something of a wail in it. When we first knew them they tattooed their faces and bodies in a most elaborate manner; the art of tattooing being highly valued, and the artist held in great respect. Both men and womenperforated the lobes of the ears and suspended from them pieces of green jade, sharks' teeth, and other ornaments; and the men practised the singular custom which English sailors referred to as " sprit- sail-yarding " the nose. It is somewhat of an exaggeration to say that they have the minds of children and the passions of men. Judged by European ways of thought, their actions and reasoning must often have appeared childish and inconsequent. But th...