A Strange Bargain.—When the New Zealanders first became known to Englishmen, one hundred years since, "they owed the worm no silk, the beast no hide, the sheep no wool;" they knew not the use ot metals, and were ignorant of all written characters. Unlike other savages, however they despised baubles. Beads and trinkets were of no value in their eyes, but they had a passion for iron. An old chief followed a missionary for weeks, intent upon the acquisition of an axe, and at last offered for it his head, which was handsomely tattooed. When asked of what use the axe would be to him after the loss of his head, he replied that he was old, and should shortly die, after which hi* head could be properly cured, and sent to the missionary for Ins museum, of its accredited value in which he seemed to be fully aware.— The Book and its Mission.
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Lyttelton Times, Volume XVI, Issue 913, 10 August 1861, Page 4
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154Untitled Lyttelton Times, Volume XVI, Issue 913, 10 August 1861, Page 4
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