Page:Some Account of New Zealand.pdf/71

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The men, whether dressed or in their ordinary clothing, carry a waddy, suspended by a thong from the wrist. The waddy is in figure somewhat resembling a large battledore, and is usually formed of hard black stone, but some are made of bone taken from the head of the whale. This instrument is the sword of New Zealand, and proves as destructive a weapon as the sword of Europeans.

Whenever they dress for any particular occasion, the body is anointed all over with a composition of red earth and fish oil, or any other greasy substance they can procure; and in proportion to the elegance required, a greater or less quantity is employed. If they wish to appear remarkably splendid, or in full dress, rouge and grease are lavished upon their persons with the utmost profusion.

The dress of the military is a mat also, but in the manufacture of which much more labour is bestowed than upon any of the