The whole South Island was the subject of one professed sale by half a dozen natives in Sydney.

Certain purchased blocks were airily defined by latitude and longitude.

On the other hand, the Maoris often played the game in quite the same spirit, selling land which they did not own, or had no power to dispose of, again and again.

In some cases diamond cut diamond.

In others both sides were playing a part, and neither cared for the land to pass.