Quite naturally, but most unfortunately, most missionaries thought otherwise, and were at the outset of colonization placed in antagonism to the pioneers.

Meanwhile they taught the elements of a rough-and-ready civilization, which the chiefs were acute enough to value.

But the courage and singleness of purpose of many of them gave them a higher claim to respect.

To do the Maoris justice, they recognised it, and the long journeys which the preachers of peace were able to make from tribe to tribe of cannibals and warriors say something for the generosity of the latter as well as for the devotion of the travellers.

For fifty years after Marsden's landing no white missionary lost his life by Maori hands.