A Sketch of the Colony of New Zealand

Archibald Clark

First published by James Gibb in [1866]

Digitised and made available online by the University of Auckland Libraries and Learning Services and Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Epub © 2015 Early New Zealand Books Collection

ISBN 978-0-947487-41-6

[TITLE PAGES]

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A SKETCH
OF THE
COLONY OF NEW ZEALAND,

FROM ITS ORIGIN TO THE PRESENT TIME;
CONTAINING A DESCRIPTION OP
SOME OF ITS PRINCIPAL CITIES AND NATIVE RACE;
WITH
HINTS TO EMIGRANTS.

BY A CITIZEN OF AUCKLAND.

Illustrated.

GLASGOW:
JAMES GIBB CO., 63 GREAT CLYDE STREET.
LONDON: E. STOCK, 62 PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.
AND ALL BOOKSELLERS.

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[CONTENTS]

CONTENTS.

Origin and Progress of the Colony, ..... 5

Arrival of the Missionaries, &c., ......9

New-Zealand made a British Dependence, – - - - 12

Selection of the Capital, .......14

Governor Grey's Second Administration,.... 19

The Native Race, ........22

The Colony – its Situation and Resources, 27

The Provinces and Chief Cities, ......11

Auckland, ..........31

Wellington, .........34

New Plymouth, ............

Hawkes Bay, .........36

Nelson, ..........36

Marlborough, .........36

Canterbury, ..........36

Otago, ..........37

Southland, ..........37

Hints to Emigrants, ........37

Communications with Home, ......40

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[General]

VIEW OF AUCKLAND.

A SKETCH OF NEW ZEALAND.

ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF THE COLONY.

THE earliest tidings that we have handed down to us of the discovery of this country by the white man, tell us, that to Tasman, a Dutch explorer, the honour of having first sighted New Zealand, in the year 1642, primarily belongs; and that a like honour is also due to our own celebrated navigator, Captain Cook, for having more fully discovered it in 1769, and spreading abroad such a favourable and truthful report of the new country. There are few particulars on record of Tasman's visit. The only evidence which history affords us of his having been there is known from the fact of his calling the newly discovered land after his own country, by the name of "New Zealand," and a Cape lying on the most northern point of the Islands, by the name of "Cape Maria Van Diemen," after his own daughter. We have, however, numerous proofs of Captain

Cook's visits. His name is still quite familiar with the natives, and wherever spoken of, is always treated with the greatest respect. He seems to have worked altogether favourably with the natives. We do not meet with any instance in which a difference of agreement, or any form of hostility, was exercised by the Maories towards Cook. The object for which Captain Cook's visits were made to New Zealand was for recruiting his vessels. He thrice visited the country on such a purpose, and at every interview became more and more ingratiated into the favour of the natives. He never took any advantage of their helplessness and ignorance, but treated the Maories with the greatest kindness and the most tender regard; and hence we do not wonder why Cook's name throughout the Islands should not but be remembered by them with the dearest affection. Large numbers yet tell us about Peni Kuke's (their name for Captain Cook) arrival in the land; and while they do so, we easily perceive the joyous feelings that seem uppermost in their mind, and which constantly pervades them in mentioning his name. The natives speak of him coming in a sort of a thing which their ancestors at first thought was a large bird flying on the sea – the sails of his vessel having been taken for the wings of the bird. His urbanity and genial disposition were fully exemplified among the natives, and won for him, from the ignorant and savage dweller of these islands, free ingress and regress to their country and their huts, as well as every freedom to become acquainted to some extent with their customs, and with the resources of the country. The natives say that he introduced the pig, also the potatoe and many other various European seeds and vegetables, and likewise instructed them in the use of iron instruments.

The native reports regarding the early settlement in New Zealand by the Maories is wholly traditionary, and it is somewhat strange that although the versions to be met with are rather varied, still, in their chief features, they are wonderfully agreed. The name of the place from whence they came; the direction where it lies; the reasons which made them migrate; the localities where they first landed; the canoes in which they came; the timber of which they were built; the builder's name; the canoes by which they were navigated; and a report of the address given them when they left their native land, at least 500

years ago, are all pretty uniform and consistent. Hawaiki is the name of the country from whence they say their ancestors came; and they describe it as lying to the N. E. of New Zealand; and as having been expelled from their native land by wars and dissentions, that they determined to seek a new home, and built canoes for the purpose.

The following is the valedictory address which their traditions preserves, and which was delivered by the Hawaikian patriarch to them immediately preceding their exodus: – "Now do you, my children, depart in peace, and when you reach the land you are going to, do not follow after the deeds of Tu, the god of war; for if you do, you will perish as if swept away by the winds. Follow rather quiet and peaceful occupations, as you will then die quietly a natural death. Go, then, and live in peace with all men, and leave war and strife behind you. Depart, and dwell in peace. War and its evils are drawing you from your fatherland; live, then, in peace where you are going to; conduct yourselves like men; let there be no quarrelling amongst you, but build up a great and powerful people."

The native traditions still further agree in respect to the different times and places they landed in the Islands; and mention is therein made of the founders of the Maori race having first reached and embarked at a promontory which is connected to the main land by a narrow strip of land about twenty miles to the north of Auckland, called then, and still known, by the name of Wanga Paroa. The names of three of the canoes which brought them to these shores are not only preserved by tradition, but well remembered by the natives. These are the "Tainui," the "Arawa," and the "Mata Atua." All the three canoes seemed to have landed about the same place, but we are told that they did not settle down there. The first arrivals sailed down the Frith of Thames towards Auckland, and on landing, proceeded to drag their canoes across the isthmus which separates the harbours of the Waitemata and Manukau; on accomplishing which, they launched their barque in the waters of the Manukau, and sailed southwards, and settled down at a place called Kawhia, where at the present time a remnant of the tribe is to be found. The crew of the "Arawa" settled at Maketu, in the Province of Auckland, and spread themselves inland;

and those of the "Mata Atua" took up their residence near the Bay of Plenty, in the North Island. What became of others who went to these islands besides these we have just mentioned, very little is known. It is likely that they would spread themselves in various other places, forming themselves into distinct tribes, and taking separate settlements. Whether these traditions are worthy of credence or not, it is not our duty to say. It is not easy, however, for us to deny their veracity, as there are large numbers of the Maori race who claim kindred to one or other of these canoes, whose history, in the most minute particulars, have been so carefully preserved through more than twenty generations.

For a period extending to more than fifty years after the discovery of the country by Captain Cook, New Zealand continued to be the scene of unceasing savage warfare, and during that time it was in the exclusive occupation of the aboriginal native. The remarkable touching and affectionate address of the Hawaikian patriarch was soon forgot by the natives. Petty animosities could not fail but to arise up amongst such a savage and untutored race, and as anything of a conflictive nature springing up amongst them would not likely be amicably arranged, recourse to war would doubtless be resorted, till at last, the very thing which expelled them from their native land became common among them in their adopted country, and carnage and spoliation, which naturally are the chief features in a savage mind, predominated most powerfully among every tribe.

The favourable and flattering opinion which Captain Cook reported abroad of the capabilities of the country for Europeans, of its genial climate and fertile soil, attracted large numbers from New South Wales and other countries, who came and settled down among the Maories. Convicts from Sydney, believing that a change of circumstances and of scenery might be beneficial, to their health and pocket, repeatedly and in various ways made their escape, and here, in this much loved isle, breathed the air of freedom and independence. It was a land well fitted for them, adapted as they were for the severe toil and hardships which they were likely to encounter and endure. Runaway sailors here found a home, and a mixed community of petty merchants, sawyers, and produce collectors,

soon made their residence here also. Trade and intercourse with Australia rapidly increased; the vessels from that country returning home generally called at New Zealand for spars and water; and as whales were observed to frequent the coasts, the bays and harbours of the islands became the favourite fishing ground and recruiting quarters of the whalers of the South Seas. By these means, there was soon got a large population.

ARRIVAL OF THE MISSIONARIES, &c.

In 1814 the first Missionaries arrived in the Island. The hardships which they had to undergo, not only in making a subsistence among such a barbarous set, but in satisfying the ever-increasing demands of the natives, are almost beyond description. At times they had very little confidence and security, while at other periods they were actually expelled, deprived of their all, from the district in which they had settled. The perseverance, however, which marked their progress at the first, now shows that without such the country would not be in so prosperous a state as it is. They faithfully and zealously endeavourd to diffuse among the Maories the knowledge of our own holy religion, but their efforts were, for a long time, very unsuccessful. The missionaries then sent out were nearly all tradesmen, it being supposed their handicraft would fascinate the islanders, and gain them over to habits of industry; but the hypothesis was erroneus, for while they as mechanics were admired, the chiefs looked upon them as a labouring man, and said that he could do no more work than a Cookee (a menial servant) in his own country. The aspect of affairs in this respect is now happily changed. Matters of religion have taken a different turn. Christianity has within several years past amazingly progressed throughout the whole length and breadth of the colony – the native, as well as the settler rejoicing in and aiding its progress. The Christian religion has everywhere prospered, not, however, without encountering severe struggles, and this is amply exemplified by the position in which New Zealand now occupies in this all-important matter. The colony is greatly indebted to the Church Missionary Society, not only for their active exertions in

spreading abroad the beneficial influences of religion, and reclaiming the savage, in a manner, to a certain degree of civilisation, but for their introduction and cultivation of the vine, the water melon, peaches, apples, and other vegetables, as well as of cattle and horses, goats, sheep, owls, ducks, and geese – all of which are now numerous in every part of the country.

When the Church Missionary body sent their mission to New Zealand, one of their rules allowed the missionaries to purchase land from the natives, for the use and benefit of their families; and as some of the missionaries availed themselves of this permission, it eventually became to the parent society a source of painful interest. Very few connected with this body made excessive purchases, and some, indeed, did not buy a single acre. This placed the Church Missionary body in a false position with the Wesleyan and Roman Catholic Societies, for the latter wisely prohibited their servants to purchase land from the people they were sent to convert. Although the influence and well-doing of the whole Missionary Societies were by this, to some extent, injured, the prejudice which was rampant in the minds of the colonists against the members of the New Zealand Missionary body was afterwards seen to be rather unjust; and whatever difference of opinion may have been entertained by the settlers of the extent of the missionary influence among the natives, all are now agreed that the missionaries have rendered important services to both races, and but for their labours, a British Colony would not at this moment have been established in the country.

Adventurers from the neighbouring colonies flocked to New Zealand, and bought land from the natives, who encouraged them to locate themselves near to the native villages, because the Maori believed that to what place the emigrant went, thither would his goods follow, and to obtain these was his anxious desire. The colonists, of course, paid the natives in some way or other for the land they bought, but whether it was right or not to drive a hard bargain with the savage at this time, would be injudicious here to say. The land then was comparatively worthless, and if only a nominal sum or a paltry gift was given for it, doubtless such would be a sufficient price. To keep peaceable and favourable with the Maories, who

were more powerful and numerous than the settlers, the latter must, at this time, have conceded frequently to, and tried to satisfy also, the ever-varying demands made upon them. The native had always an envious eye to any curious instrument which the settler might possess, and especially instruments suitable for warfare. To gain these he exerted himself in every possible way, either by exchange of other articles, or by stealth, or blood.

The country then was in a fearful state of barbarism; there was nothing but wars and rumours of wars, even among the various tribes, and against the peace of the settlers. In truth, great caution was exercised by the colonists of the savage character of the aboriginal natives, and had been since the appaling massacre of the crew of the "Boyd," which, as it was the cause of giving the British an idea of the native disposition, we will mention it as it is told: –

"This ill-fated ship sailed from Port Jackson for England in 1809, with the intention of calling at New Zealand for a cargo of spars. She had seventy persons on board, exclusive of some New Zealanders, who were passengers to their own country, and amongst whom was the son of one of the chiefs of Wangaroa; he was called Tarra, but during his intercourse with the English, he had laid aside his native title and taken the name of George, by which he was then invariably known. When the Boyd got to sea, George was ordered by the captain to work in common with the other sailors; but upon refusing to do so on account of ill health, and his being the son of a chief, he was twice flogged with much severity, and deprived of his usual allowance of food. For these outrages he concealed all appearance of resentment, and when the ship made the coast of New Zealand, he pointed out his native harbour as the safest and best place to procure the cargo, and persuaded the captain to anchor there. George now detailed his misfortune and degradation to his tribe; revenge was determined upon, and in a most summary manner inflicted. The captain and a considerable part of the crew having been allured on shore, were, in an unguarded moment, murdered, and their bodies afterwards devoured. Those that remained on board, deceived by the treachery of the New Zealanders, met a similar fate, with the exception of a woman and two children, whose lives were

spared, and they were the only persons who survived to tell the tragical story of their companions."

The natives were understood to be in a similar lawless and blood-thirsty condition, at least when it suited their own purposes, when a Company, termed the "New Zealand Company," was formed in the city of London in 1839, the directors of whom included several of our statesmen and merchant princes of the British Metropolis. The main object of the Company was to urge the Government to constitute New Zealand into a British colony, as well as to send emigrants there. To assist them in their undertaking, they attempted to obtain the sanction of the Government, but were unsuccessful. Heedless of their failure in this respect, the Company determined to colonize the island, and by the introduction of British emigrants, to form the colony into a British possession; and with this view, sent out Colonel Wakefield, in the ship "Tory," to purchase land and make suitable settlements for the settlers they intended to send out. Their agent bought immense tracts of land, including the Harbour of Port Nicholson, and here he formed the settlement of Wellington, the chief town of which has recently become the capital of the colony. This Company acted in a most irregular and improper manner, and this is easily seen from the fact of their having sent so early after their agent several hundreds of intended settlers, that he had no time to spare in selecting a site for them; but notwithstanding the most imprudent manner in which they managed their affairs, they brought into the country a splendid body of emigrants, and their works otherwise wonderfully succeeded.

NEW ZEALAND MADE A BRITISH DEPENDENCE

To secure the safety of their subjects, and to prevent collisions between natives and Europeans, the Home Government resolved forthwith to establish New Zealand as a Crown colony. Captain Hobson, who had formerly visited the islands as commander of one of Her Majesy's ships, was chosen as eligible to conduct the undertaking, and was duly commissioned to enter into a treaty with the natives for a formal cession of the sovereignty to the

crown, and to promise them protection if they would acknowledge the Queen as their sovereign. The duties entrusted to Captain Hobson were by no means easy to perform. Hitherto every man had done what he thought was right in his own eyes, and it therefore could be no popular duty for the Crown's representative to curb and restrain where all restraint had been unknown; where every man had been a law unto himself; and, above all, to put a stop to all private dealings with the natives for the purchase of their lands.

Shortly after his arrival, the Governor issued a proclamation respecting the sale of native lands; the state of titles to such land; the confirmation of same by Her Majesty; and as to a commission which was to be appointed to inquire into and report on all claims to these lands.

The "Waitangi Treaty" was subsequently after this arranged with the natives, but not without difficulty on the part of the Governor, who had to explain to an assemblage of chiefs the object of his mission, and that by virtue of the opposed treaty, the sovereignty, and not the land, would pass to her Majesty, or, using their own illustration, that "the shadow would go to the Queen, and not the substance of it." This meeting was long, and it was a stormy one. Some were favourable to the cession of the sovereignty and others were not. "Send the men away," said one of the opposing chiefs to Captain Hobson. "Don't sign the paper. If you do, you will be reduced to the condition of slaves, and be obliged to break stones for the roads, and your lands will be taken from you." The opposition party it is said, would have gained their point, had it not been for the timely interference of one of the most influential of the northern chiefs, who, after an eloquent oration, turned to Hobson and said, "You must be our father; you must not allow us to become slaves; you must preserve our customs, and never permit our lands to be wrested from us." This put an end to the discussion. Large numbers of the most influential chiefs of the north became parties to the treaty. Many other chiefs afterwards gave in their adherence, although, to the last, some pertinaciously refused, believing that, if they agreed to it, their lands would be taken from them. At this time the country was subject to New South

Wales, but on the 16th of November, 1840, the Islands of New Zealand were, by a charter, under the great seal of the United Kingdom, erected into a separate and independent colony.

SELECTION OF THE CAPITAL.

After so much had been done, Governor Hobson now determined to select a suitable site for the seat of Government, and with this view, he visited various places throughout the island, and finally concluded in planting the capital of the colony at Auckland, on the shores of the noble Harbour of the Waitemata. In his report to the Imperial Government he stated that, "With my present knowledge of New Zealand, having for some time resided at the Bay of Islands, having visited Cook's Straits and Banks' Peninsula, and after seeing the Company's settlement formed at Port Nicholson, I do not hesitate to state my opinion, that the neighbourhood of Auckland combines advantages for a very extensive and prosperous settlement not to be found in any other part of this colony." The selection of Auckland as the capital, though, however, made for the best interests of the country, and chiefly for the better government of the native population, drew upon the Governor the bitter enmity of the New Zealand Company and their settlers, they having expected that their settlement would have been selected. Their own private aggrandisement seemed to make them altogether overlook the permanent interests of their adopted land. This Company advised their agent to purchase all the likely places that would appear to offer the greatest facilities as a general trading depot and port of export and import for all parts of New Zealand. This Company is not now in existence. Had it been, their selection of Wellington as a settlement would, at the present time, have amply rewarded, perhaps, their labours. The capital of the colony has since been removed to this town by the present Governor (Sir George Grey), at the request of the late Weld Ministry, who urged its removal to this portion of the colony, as being situated in a more central position than Auckland, and in this respect better fitted for the administration of Government.

In Governor Hobson's time, Auckland was, and even at the present time, although not centrally situated, is, better adapted for the seat of Government. The great bulk of the Maories then, and do still, reside in the Province of Auckland; and while in fixing a suitable capital it was proper that the natives' as well as the settlers' interests should be looked after, and that the claimants of land alleged to have been legitimately purchased from the natives before the proclamation of the Queen's authority should be examined and settled where the natives were. Besides, the district of Auckland, in addition to its excellent harbour, as well as a second port within a few miles on the western coast, and other extensive natural facilities of internal communication with its town, suburban, and country lands, in a compact and convenient area, excels Wellington, even with its spacious harbour and beautiful scenery. Besides, this latter place, in consequence of the broken and hilly character of the neighbourhood, has but little available land within a radius of several miles from the port, and is also frequently subject to earthquakes. Considering such, it is to be wondered at why the capital was removed.

The wisdom of the choice which Governor Hobson made has, by all impartial testimony, been in his favour, and it may at a future period yet have the opportunity of still more showing its advantages for commerce. The Aucklanders have recently protested against the removal of the seat of Government, and a number of the leading citizens, including His Honour the Superintendent, have formed themselves into a society called the "Northern Association," for the purpose of urging a separation from the Southern Provinces, but it is very doubtful whether the Imperial Government shall encourage this movement, and appoint a Lieutenant-Governor for the North Island.

The first Governor worked very assiduously for the general weal of both races, under very adverse circumstances – amidst the angry opposition of an irritated community, the enmity of disappointed settlers in the south, and an English Joint-Stock Association, which strenuously endeavoured to force his recall. He did not live long to endure the sneers of an ungrateful community, generally composed of his own countrymen. His career extended not beyond two or three years, but, brief as it

was, the first Governor and founder of the colony will always deserve a prominent place in the history of New Zealand. During his residence among the natives he always enjoyed their esteem and gained their confidence. Deferring to the death of Governor Hobson, one of the greatest chiefs, in an address to Her Majesty, said, – "Mother Victoria, my subject is a Governor for us, and for the strangers of this island. Let him be a good man. Look out for a good man, a man of judgment. Let not a trouble come here. Let not a boy come here or one puffed up. Let him be a good man, as the Governor who has just died."

Soon after the death of Governor Hobson, unfortunate differences arose between the New Zealand Company and the Colonial Office, and violent quarrels between the Company's agents in the southern settlements and the Government officials in the north, the result of which led to a native rising. This Company's claims to land amounted to some millions of acres, and on one occasion, while their surveying agents began to cut the boundary line, and to take possession of certain land in the vicinity of Wellington and Wairau Valley, several natives, who had not been present at the sale, disputed the purchase and ordered off the surveyors, and regarded the settlers as unauthorised intruders. This led to a conflict between the natives and the local magistrate, and parties belonging to the Company (who had gone to these natives to assert their rights and demand their land), in which about 20 Europeans were killed, nearly the whole of the white party. The Government authorities felt disinclined to punish the natives or check in the least their turbulent spirit, in respect that they considered the occurrence was caused solely by the agents of the Company attempting to take possession of a district with regard to which the natives also denied that they had sold it. By the noninterference of the Government, the disaffected natives imagined themselves to be the most powerful, and afterwards broke out in open rebellion. The war in the north, led by Honi Heke and other great Maori warriors, was occasioned by the success which attended the natives in the conflict at Wairau Valley. The success that attended them there gave them an impetus to proceed with the struggle. Our troops were several times

repulsed by the Maories. A ruinous state of affairs ensued with the poor settlers. Their lives and property were insecure; yea, they were driven from the lands on which they had worked for many a long and weary day, and had also spent their little all. Some left the country in a destitute condition, glad to escape with their lives; others joined the troops and volunteers, and fought bravely against the rebels. All sorts of trade, agricultural pursuits, and emigration ceased, and the cultivated fields became the nurseries of noxious weeds.

A sad and eventful period of several years of misgovernment and confusion followed, during which time the coloured tribes, who fully understood the inadequacy of the European military force, and flushed with the victory they had already achieved, did all they could to interrupt the quietude of the settlers, and kept them continually in awe. In 1845, "brighter days began to dawn." A petition from the remnant of the long-suffering pioneer settlers was laid before Parliament, and virtually sustained. The partiality of the Colonial Government to the Maori, to the destruction of the colonists, was renounced, and Governor Fitzroy, who succeeded Hobson, and who had always an ardent desire to benefit the native people, was suddenly recalled, and was superseded by Sir George Grey, who, by an increased force of troops which had been sent from the home country to support the Queen's authority, brought about an arrangement with the rebels, and revived trade and agriculture, and the progress of the settlement which, for a considerable time, had been entirely suspended. Under the careful government of Governor Grey, the colonists as well as natives enjoyed several years of tranquility and entire peace. Emigrants, placing confidence in the able guidance of affairs, flocked to New Zealand, and during this Governor's time, various new settlements were planted, amongst which were the Scotch settlement of Otago, and the settlement of Canterbury.

The colony, which had battled its way through such a sea of disasters, commenced a career of quick and solid progress. In 1853, Grey returned home, where, besides receiving the gratitude of Her Majesty's Parliament, he was promoted to the Governorship of the Cape. Lieutenant-Colonel Wynyard, commander of the troops, then

was installed Governor for the time being, and while in office, brought into operation the New Constitution. This gallant officer was succeeded by Lieutenant-Colonel Gore Browne in 1855, whose administration was disturbed by the outbreak at Taranaki. This insurrection was forced on by several disaffected tribes who had thrown off their allegiance to our Queen, and had proclaimed an old Waikato chief, Te Potatu, as their king. The Government, believing that they would be laughed out of their folly by the Missionaries, who had a peculiar sway over them, suffered them to reverence and enjoy their king. As time passed on, and nothing being done by the Government to put a stop to their proceedings or any regard paid to them, they began to suspect that the Governor's silence was through fear, and, emboldened by this idea, published abroad that, for the future, "native owners of land should not be permitted to sell any portion thereof to the Crown." Arriving at such a determination, it was necessary that, for the safety of the country, something should be done; for if this act of theirs had been enforced, it could not fail to bring the rebels again into an awkward collision with the Crown. It was enforced, and hence a conflict ensued; for when Governor Browne was taking possession of land in the Province of Taranaki, which had been purchased by the Crown from native owners, he was resisted by the rebels and repulsed. The king movement now turned out to be a rather serious concern. Governor Browne, while being forewarned, ought to have been forearmed, and not allowed the rebels to have so ingloriously driven him back. There was nothing more dangerous than to give them the opportunity of a victory. It encouraged them with tenfold vigour to renew the attack and protract the conflict. Troops were sent for; the provincial militia were called out, and a volunteer corps was formed. The Ngatiawa rebels were strengthened by forces from the Waikato and Taranaki, and war between the two races again commenced. The rebels, after numerous engagements, were discomfitted and driven back to the bush, not, however, without causing grevious destruction of settlers' property.

GOVERNOR GREY'S SECOND ADMINISTRATION.

At the conclusion of this last conflict, Governor Browne's term of office being nearly expired, and as the Imperial Government thought that the policy previously pursued by Sir George Grey, the present Governor, would prove beneficial to the interests of all parties, he, in 1861, was again elected as Governor of New Zealand, after an absence of five years. His timely arrival soon produced an amount of confidence sufficient to cause a belief that the odious and notorious "law for fighting" would soon be rendered nugatory. The natives who had recently supported the king movement, came forward and professed their intention of abandoning it. The Colonial Legislature effected a change in the law respecting the sale and title of native lands; and from the influence which Governor Grey had over the natives, it was believed that the rebellion would cease, and that those tribes who had assisted in it would resume their allegiance to the Sovereign, and again unite with the Colonist in the various habits of industry and in the extension of civilization over the land in which they were planted. Contrary to all expectations, the season of peace proved to be of short duration. In the beginning of 1863, the war torch was again relit, understood now, though not then known, to have been occasioned by the effects of a fanatical religion which several tribes had recently embraced, and known as the "Huahua religion" or "Pai Marirism;" the tenets of which were adoration of self, and destruction of all Whites, especially clergymen. The followers of this sect were Cannibals. They savagely murdered two officers and six men belonging to the troops at New Plymouth, – the murderers of whom were members of the Taranaki tribe – the most braggart and embruted of all the tribes in New Zealand. There is no mistake in saying that this murder was not only premeditated but intended to occasion a rupture with the Government. Immediate preparations for defence were soon made. Troops from Auckland and other quarters were ordered to the front, and when the rebellion spread itself throughout the Waikato and neighbouring tribes, and when signs of disaffection were seen among the Maories around Auckland, martial law was forthwith proclaimed. The Govern-

ment, the Colonists, and the Troops at once acted promptly and vigorously. Agents were despatched also by Government to Australia to enlist volunteers, where it was fully believed that large numbers of the Digger class would avail themselves of the advantages offered, which were to be at the conclusion of the war, fifty acres of country land and one acre allotment in a township, besides the daily pay, on the condition also that they would, on receiving the land, live thereon, and be ready for action as occasion required, or get a substitute to do so. A large body of volunteers, from various places of the colony, as well as from Australia, were soon got; but before any of this class arrived, all the regular troops were sent to the front, and all the male Colonists, from sixteen years old up to sixty, turned out to a man in defence of their homes, their kindred, and their country.

The male Colonists were, we understand, drawn up in the militia according to three orders. The first-class consisted of young men, unmarried, from sixteen years old and upwards; these were sent out to the front to aid the regular troops. The second-class consisted of married men below the age of fourty, who, if required at the front, were obliged to go, but who were particularly directed to watch the outlying districts; and the third-class, looked upon as old men – though they were indeed healthy and hearty – nightly guarded the various entrances and streets of the city. Besides these, the City volunteers who were in existence when the war commenced, did their duty nobly alongside of the regular army, sometimes under fire of the enemy, – all taken together are worthy of more than the country's praise, though I do not think they have ever got that.

The worst feature in this warfare, and which roused the deepest indignation against the Maori, was on account of their having brutally murdered in cold blood the defenceless and hard-working farmers in the outlandish settlements as they found them. Although every effort was made to scatter the forces as widely as possible, reports of such revolting murders were frequently made known, and instances given where bodies had been devoured after being murdered.

It is an admitted fact on all sides, that this petty warfare which has unfortunately existed in New Zealand, has proved an unmitigating evil and annoyance to all who

were unhappy enough to he engaged in it. From its desultory character and the many tactics pursued by the wily Maori, who almost always has taken good care to leave a loop-hole by means of which to affect his escape, it has become generally acknowledged that, whilst on larger fields and more extended operations, the heroic deeds performed would be justly honoured, on the New Zealand battlefield they have sunk into inglorious skirmishes and inoperative displays of military movements. Superadded to the one pre-eminent difficulty of keeping the rebel forces in check, and coping with them in their natural fastnesses, as well as protecting the many scattered Settlements in the Northern Islands from attack, on every side roads have had to be formed and redoubts erected, forests penetrated and the enemy dislodged from almost impregnable fortifications, as well as flying columns established to keep up communication without station, – all this having to be done in every sort of weather, under the boiling midsummer sun, as well as in the depths of a pluvial New Zealand winter, which only requires once to be experienced, whilst under canvas ever to be remembered. All the male residents in Auckland know to their bitter experience these great hardships and privations; and to them, to the regular troops and volunteers, as well as many others in the colony and here at home, how gratifying would a cessation of hostilities be.

Reports of peace have frequently been published since the commencement of the present Rebellion, but up to the time we write, no satisfactory settlement has yet been arranged with the natives. From the determined spirit in which this insurrection has been prosecuted, and the position taken up by the Government to defend the laws as well as the inhabitants of the Colony, it is hoped that the future to them, to the Colonist, and to the country, may be pleasant and prosperous.

Such is but a brief outline of the history of this enterprising Colony from its discovery to the present day. With all its misgovernments, native troubles, and hindrances it has wonderfully progressed; and looking to its present condition and its valuable resources, we have abundant reason to believe that it will yet become the "Britain of the South."

THE NATIVE RACE.

[Wiremu Tamihana Te Waharoa.]

THE NATIVE RACE.

The foregoing picture is a photograph of Wiremu Tamihana Te Waharoa, the Head Chief and King of the Maories, universally known by the name of William Thompson, who has made himself very famous in the present rebellion, and whose influence for good or evil over his coloured subjects is very great. We have selected this photograph in order to give our readers an idea of the appearance of the personages whom we are now briefly to describe. The picture will, therefore, in the circumstances, be not inappropriate.

The natives of this colony, known by the appellation Maories, are evidently a mixed race – of Malay origin, and are in general tall, active, and well made; their colour brown, with black hair, sometimes straight and sometimes curling, and fine teeth. In features they exhibit as much variety as the Europeans, and there is little national to character in their countenances, which, before they come the age for being tatooed, may be called regular and pleasing.

Few of the Maories have whiskers, nor do they wear beards, but, instead of shaving, they pluck out the hair with a pair of pipi shells. Their dress in the early days consisted of a mat made of the native flax, which is very fine and silky, and woven with much ingenuity by the women, which was thrown over their shoulders; another mat of the same texture was fastened round their waist by a girdle and belt. During stormy weather or in winter they formerly used a very course description of mat, which they call "Kakahow." It was warm, and impervious to rain, and so long as to cover the whole body. As the English blanket became known, it gradually succeeded the mat, and the blanket is even now giving way to the English style of dress. Those who can afford it, lay aside entirely the mat and blanket, and wear a shirt and trousers. Hats, caps, and shoes are also coming more into use with them. Numbers, however, can yet be seen in their own original quaint costume, and without any covering for their head or feet. In the way of ornament, both males and females have their ears bored, and a piece of greenstone or a shark's tooth, tipped at the thick end with red sealing wax, and suspended by a piece of black ribbon, plays the part of an ear-drop. A greenstone image is also sometimes worn about the neck.

The Maori women have a large share of the drudgery of life; marry young, fade early, and, as is commonly the case with uncivilised races, are in physical appearance greatly inferior to the men. Their dress is now, generally, a long loose roundabout of coloured cotton print, and they do not commonly wear any covering on the head or feet, unless on occasions of public mourning, when they adorn their heads with chaplets of green leaves. Sometimes, however, a large straw bonnet is worn, but it does not in the least beautify their appearance. Their husbands consider them infinitely inferior to themselves, and treat them with the greatest brutality, which they bear with the greatest patience.

The Maori children, or pickaninnies as they are called, are very docile and obedient. In bringing them up, the parents seldom have recourse to personal chastisement, believing that it has the effect of damaging the spirit of the child. At an early age, they acquire great self-respect, and at public discussions they will be seen seated around

the outer circle, attentive, grave, and thoughtful listeners.

For the sake of increasing their beauty, as they suppose, the natives, at a certain age, submit to be tatooed. The operation of the tatooing is performed with a hammer and a serrated chisel, causes great swelling and excruciating pain, and is sometimes the work of years. The punctures are stained with a dark vegetable dye, the pattern in circles and curved lines is punctured on various parts of the person, as well as on the face. The women, however, are but slightly tatooed, having only a few lines cut about the lower lip and chin. The process disfigures the natives in their youth, but it has the commendation of completely concealing the ravages of age.

The general food is the Koomera, or sweet potatoe, the root of fern roasted and pounded, the common potatoe, cabbage plant, fish, of which they have abundance, and cockles. Though they eat sometimes pork, it is chiefly on great occasions.

As a body, they are intelligent, high-spirited, and warlike, but generally good-humoured. They are inquisitive, communicative, and almost incapable of keeping a secret. They are keen traders; cautious and not easily deceived. They are themselves quick observers, and have the tact to take for the moment the tone of those with whom they are brought into contact.

To see them on the occasion of some melancholy event of general interest, you can hardly fail being impressed with the manner in which they give utterance to their sorrow. It is hardly possible, indeed, to conceive any sound more expressive of heart-broken sorrow than the native tangi. At the death of a relative, it is said, they meet and commence their melancholy wail. Tears roll down their cheeks in constant streams, the countenances express the utmost intensity of grief. The head is bent down, half buried in the folds of the blanket they wear, and a shrill, piercing wail gives expression to their grief. This is kept up throughout the whole day, now one and now another of the mourners keeping up the note with unabated violence. Yet these sounds of lamentation express and mean no more real feeling than our own "deep mourning." This same sorrowful cry, but with mitigated violence, is indulged in when friends or relatives meet after a lengthened absence. After rubbing noses

together – the accustomed mode of native salutation – they set up the same wailing sound, at the same time telling each other what has happened since they met.

It is difficult to define what their religion is. They believed that the chiefs when they die, go away to a happy place, but that the cookee – a menial servant – has no further existence beyond this world. They believe in a Supreme Being, designated the Atua, or something incomprehensible, the Author of good and evil, the Divinity who protects them in dangers or destroys them by disease. They used to pray to the sun, moon, and various images. The labours of the persevering Missionary have done much good, and effected the destruction, to a great extent, of these native religious superstitions and idolatries, and large numbers are now under the influence of the truth, and increasing daily. It is to be hoped that all may yet embrace the glorious Gospel of our blessed Saviour.

Their style of oratory is very plain, intelligible, and straightforward, and to the purpose, and highly figurative. All questions of importance are discussed by them in public assembly, the great chiefs taking the leading part. They speak with great animation, walking about from side to side, repeating two or three times each word and sentence as they proceed. When excited, the orators dance about like a tiger in a cage, slapping his tatooed thighs, and brandishing a spear or tomahawk about his head. The following is the speech of Te Whero Whero Potatutu, when he was proposed to be elected King of the Maories; and as he did not wish to offend his Electors, this speech was thought worthy of the fame. "Wash me, my friends, I am covered with mud. Love Gospel and Friendship. Ngatihaua work, continue to work. The Kotutu sits upon a stump and eats the small fish. When he sees one he stoops down and catches it, lifts up his head and swallows it. This is his constant work. William, you understand your work. When the sun shines, we see him."

The intellectual capacity of the New Zealanders, up to a certain point, at least, is quite equal to our own. Their songs and poems, both ancient and modem, abound, in fact, with poetic imagery. The figures with which their language abounds are all drawn from the natural objects around them.

The natives contrive to make a livelihood from the resources of their lands. Numbers of them are owners of schooners and canoes, by means of which they are enabled to bring their goods into the market in town, where they get plenty buyers, both for their potatoes and fish, as well as their fruit. Their canoes are made of one single trunk of a tree, and are capable of holding from 100 to 200 persons in each.

The natives are extraordinarily fond of tobacco. All classes, from the chief to the slave, have a craving for it.

They cannot be called Cannibals by nature. Several tribes are free of this altogether, while others do it out of pure revenge. During the present war several instances occurred, as might be expected from the circumstances; and not later than at the close of 1865, a gentleman connected with the Government Employ, was murdered and devoured in the Waikato district, by a few of the followers of a fanatical and diabolical religion, "Pai Marirism," believed in by a tribe of Hauhaus.

Whatever opinion may be formed of the savage character of the Maories, from the conduct of several tribes during the present time of strife, it must be understood that this is neither characteristic of the whole race, nor does it form a fair specimen of the native disposition generally. There is a good and bad class in every nation, and probably some at home may feel that in this new country, there is a superabundance of the latter class among our Aboriginals. It is not so now, however. The progress of civilization and religion has advanced so great, and prospered so well, through the efforts of the Missionary, as to effect a most wonderful change upon the dispositions and habits of the natives. The majority of the native race are inclined to be peaceable, and in times of peace all, more or less, live on the most friendly terms with the settler, cultivating by themselves their own lands, and trading in an honest and business-like style with the Pakeha, or white man, as well as with their own race.

In closing this description, we may remark that the Maori is a very good neighbour to dwell and work with. To some extent, the two races, from the foundation of the settlement, have continued to appreciate the advantage of intercourse and presence of each other; and, in fact, the natives generally have been looked upon as useful neigh-

bours, of good humour, and as ever ready to enjoy a joke, instead of being regarded as drawbacks to the prosperity of the country.

THE COLONY – ITS SITUATION AND RESOURCES.

THE COLONY – ITS SITUATION AND RESOURCES.

New Zealand, situated in the Pacific Ocean, about 1200 miles in a south-easterly direction from the Continent of Australia, consists principally of three islands, designated the North, Middle, and South Island. Its length is about 1000 miles, and its breadth averaging from a few miles at the Isthmus, which separates the waters of the Waitemata from the Manakau, to 250 miles at the south, near Otago. This colony, according to survey, is nearly as large as the entire British Empire; the former occupying an area of 99,500 square miles, or 63,680,000 acres; and the latter is represented as about 120,000 square miles; or 76,000,000 acres.

New Zealand is very mountainous, and a volcanic country; the whole island having evidently been in a state of eruption. In various districts there are still a number of hot and sulphur springs and mountains still in action, while all around, places bearing strong marks of volcanic action, as well as numerous mountains – being extinct volcanoes – are to be seen. In instancing particularly one of these extinct volcanoes to the reader's attention, we might mention Mount Eden, one of the principal mountains in the colony, at the base of which is situated the city of Auckland. Within a radius of five or six miles of the Isthmus, between the two harbours of the Waitemata and Manakau, there are seven similar remains of volcanic eruptions, but Mount Eden is about the most central and perfect; the crater of which is six hundred yards in circumference, two hundred yards in diameter, and about sixty or seventy yards in depth. The land in this district, in all directions, is covered with vast quantities of scoria or lava, which, ages ago, were evidently belched forth from these orifices; the simultaneous convulsions produced from whence must have been terrific. The stones thus scattered about are now used for road making, building, and walled fencing. From the summit of this mountain, which is about seven hundred feet above the level of the sea, the artist

would find a very beautiful and fitting subject for a painting. The view is really magnificent. The river Waitemata, and the Frith of Thames, studded with their numerous islands; the conspicuous triple peaks of the rugged extinct volcanoe Rangitoto; the Great and Little Barrier Islands in the extreme distance, and the green fields and beautiful homesteads around, would form, indeed, a very interesting and grand picture.

Earthquakes occasionally occur in the district of Wellington, but for several years past they (if any) have been of a very slight nature. The other portions of the colony are not subject to them.

A good deal of rain falls, however, in all parts of the island, which, with the northerly winds that bring moisture, fertilizes and nourishes the land, enabling it, as it does, to produce valuable green pastures and crops. Besides this great advantage, so healthful and useful to a warm country, there are also numerous rivers and estuaries intersecting the whole colony, especially in the North Island, affording a water communication as extensive and commodious as any to be found in any other place in the world, within the same extent of country.

The climate is acknowledged by proper and competent parties, to be superior to any other country on the globe. Both in summer and winter there is always a moderate temperature, and, while in some places in Europe during the day, labourers are for a few hours prevented from working, it is not so in New Zealand, for here the difference of temperature is in the warmest and coldest months very limited. The mean temperature of the hottest month of the year in the North Island is 67 1/2 deg., and the coldest month 51 1/2 deg. In London it is in the hottest month 64 deg., and the coldest 37 deg. The insular position of the colony occasions the equality of temperature. Throughout the whole year, refreshing sea and land breezes continually blow. The north winds are damp, and the south winds bring dry weather.

The genial climate of New-Zealand seems to cause not only the imported breeds of cattle to be very prolific, but also to make all kinds of vegetables and home crop seeds thrive and grow well. Wheat and maize are yearly exported to Australia, and shiploads of potatoes, in their season, are forwarded to Sydney and other ports. All

sorts of fruit trees yield ample stores; and in the North province the exquisite water melons, Cape gooseberries, figs, oranges, and the vine, thrive exceedingly in the open air. Potatoes and Kumeras, the staple articles of native food, grow in vast quantities, and are extensively cultivated by the Maories.

Cattle, as already mentioned, do well here, and we wonder not why this should be. There is in every direction good pasturage for cattle and sheep, and the country, besides, is not subject to the periodical droughts which cause such ruin to the Australian and Queensland farmers. Sheep, it is said, frequently produce double births of lambs three times in eighteen months, thus enabling owners of extensive "runs," to realise soon a large fortune. The growth of wool now occupies the most careful and incessant attention of a numerous class of settlers, causing this article to be a very valuable export. Land overrun with fern is not so suitable for sheep farming, but it is capital for the rearings of pigs; and large pig runs on this sort of ground are to be found in various districts.

Of the native birds little can be said, they are few in number. The Kiwi and the Tui may, however, be mentioned. The former is about the size of a common fowl, with undeveloped wings, a ground bird, and termed game by the Maories, the feathers of which are highly esteemed for making choice dresses. The latter, a small blackbird, with a tuft of white downy feathers hanging at its throat, and with a note fully equal in rich melody to that of the blackbird or the thrush, may be placed at the head of the singing birds of New-Zealand. The Moa, once the wonder of the middle Island, and the largest bird ever existed on this earth, being sixteen feet high, is now extinct. The size of a moa's egg is said to be a foot long, nine inches in diameter, and twenty-seven inches in circumference.

By the efforts of private gentlemen and Acclimatization Societies, various kinds of birds, &c. have been brought into New-Zealand from all parts of the world, which, following the general rule of this colony, have "increased and multiplied." It may not be here uninteresting to note a few of the introductions: – Swans from England and Australia; wild fowl from the Cape of good Hope; English singing birds; Canadian geese; English and Chinees phea-

sants; and English hares and rabbits, besides red deer, the gift of the late Prince Consort, and sent out by orders of her Majesty.

As the pheasants and other birds have become very numerous, sportsmen in this state of affairs can, with a good pointer or setter dog (which are not plentiful), enjoy a capital day's sport, and obtain a good supply of brace for his labours. A game law is established solely regulating the seasons for shooting, but no license is required to shoot.

There is any amount of timber to be found in New-Zealand. The north island itself may be called a large dense forest, it being so thickly covered. In many parts of the middle island there is very little timber, especially in the Canterbury province. Among the various kinds of wood, the Kauri pine has long been recognised by the British Government as being very valuable for ships' masts. From this tree there exudes a resin, known as Kauri gum, also a valuable export of the colony.

The cultivation and preparation of the Phormium Tenax, or New-Zealand flax, of which there is great abundance, is now attended to in various parts of the colony, and promises to become one of the staple exports of New-Zealand. Companies, as well as private settlers, are being formed for the cultivaion of this material. The natives, in its green state, use the flax for plaiting baskets, and for tying and joining articles together.

Tobacco will also, doubtless, become a great acquisition to the resources of the colony. It has been already tried and found to do well. Several sheep farmers grow their own tobacco for the purpose of washing their sheep.

At Wangarei in the province of Auckland, and in the provinces of Nelson and Canterbury, coal has been discovered, and is now worked to a great advantage. The coal from Wangarei is shipped to Auckland, where large quantities are sold for household purposes, as well as for the use of steamers and other works in town.

The copper mines on the Great Barrier Island, near Auckland and in the district of Nelson, are successfully wrought, and extensive exports occasionally go from New-Zealand to the home country.

The gold mines throughout New-Zealand still yield good returns. The Hokitika gold field, recently dis-

covered, and to which large numbers of diggers from all parts of the colony and from Australia flocked, continues to yield a good remuneration to the diggers, and to prove that it possesses, in a large degree, the precious metal.

THE PROVINCES AND CHIEF CITIES.

THE PROVINCES AND CHIEF CITIES.

The North, Middle, and South Islands, of which New Zealand is composed, are divided into nine provinces. These are, Auckland, Wellington, New Plymouth, and Hawkes Bay, connected with the North Island, and Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, with the Middle and South Islands; the latter island itself forming part of the Southland provinces.

In 1853, the Imperial Parliament granted to the colony a Constitution, by which the legislative powers became vested in a General Assembly, consisting of the Governor and two Houses – the Legislative Council and House of Representatives, the members of the former being appointed by the Governor, and the member's of the latter chosen by the different provinces in proportion to their population.

This Constitution permits each province to elect its own Superintendent and Council, by whom all minor local affairs are conducted and laws passed, subject to the revision of the Governor and his Council. The Superintendent and Council are elected every four years. The Executive power resides in the Superintendent, acting with the advice and consent of a Council selected from the the members of the Provincial Council.

AUCKLAND.

This province, almost half the size of England, is situated on the northern portion of the North Island, and though not now the Metropolitan province, is by far the most important and valuable of any in the colony, having in a greater degree more natural advantages than the other provinces.

It contains a large European and native population, which, together with its extensive forests, romantic mountains, rich gold, copper, and coal mines, freestone quarries, large tracts of level and undulating land, and its superior harbours and navigable rivers intersecting it, render it as

the province that will yet take a most prominent part in the history of this enterprising colony.

The province is better adapted for the arts of cultivation than for rearing of sheep, having less of those wide extended plains with which several of the southern provinces are famous. Still it produces not an insignificant quantity of wool for export, and there is every reason to believe that in a short time, by the aid of artificial grasses, the soil will be so cultivated as to enable it to compete with its sister provinces as a wool exporting country.

Its chief town, of same name, is situated upon the undulating ground forming the bays and headlands of the southern shore of the Waitemata, and for about twenty-four years was the seat of Government. For the reasons previously mentioned, it recently lost this privilege, but it, nevertheless, stands second to none in point of importance or wealth or commerce in the colony. We quote the following description of the town from the New Zealand Almanac of this year (1866): –

"Auckland is most advantageously situated. With its suburban town of Onehunga, it is like a saddle between the two coasts. A Panama or South American vessel making its number in the Thames Gulf, ere casting anchor in Auckland, may be telegraphed to the pilot taking out a Nelson or Melbourne steamer at the Meraakan Heads, or by the Waikato telegraph to Cambridge, Newcastle, and Alexandra, in the interior. The large rivers, Thames, Wairoa, Kaipara, and Waikato, all flow down towards Auckland, and each will naturally bear its produce towards that centre. The climate of Auckland is unquestionably a moist one, and this causes the weather in winter and early spring to be unpleasant in comparison to the winter climates of Sydney and Nelson. But such amount of moisture is most beneficial to vegetation, and the luxuriance of the growth of the introduced grasses is mainly resulting from the condition of climate. The springs in this part of New Zealand very rarely fail, and streams are scarcely ever known to dry up, even in the warmest summer."

There are some nice broad streets in the city, adorned on either side with numerous and beautiful buildings, consisting of offices, warehouses, stores, and shops, of every variety, size, and style; some built of stone, but the majority of brick, and several of timber.

The principal buildings are, – the Government House, Supreme Court-House, Custom and Post Office, Provincial Council Buildings, Military Barracks, and the various Banks and Churches – all of which are substantial and pretty erections. The barracks accommodate more than 1000 men, part of which are built of the Mount Eden lava or scoria. They occupy more than 20 acres in the centre of the town, and are surrounded by a high wall, loop-holed, and with flanking angles, and has the commendation of being built by, and the first handiwork of, the Maories.

The Government Domain, the Botanical Gardens, and the little suburban bays, sparkling with the neat villas of the merchants and public officers, offer many beautiful walks, while one tree hill and the high grounds behind the town present a pleasing variety of scenery scarcely to be surpassed.

Like all other colonial towns, Auckland is not a cheap place to live in. House rent and servants' wages are double to what they are in the Home Country, clothing and various provisions, such as butter and eggs, are also dear. Groceries and butcher's meat and fish and vegetables are cheap. Those who cultivate a garden are well supplied with vegetables, peaches, strawberries, melons, figs, and apples. While plums, gooseberries, and cherries are by no means uncommon, although less abundant than the former.

With respect to the amusements of the town, they are, of course, though limited, quite sufficient. Once a week during summer, for two hours, a military band plays in the domain; numerous picnics, sailing and railway excursions; lectures and concerts occasionally, and theatres nightly; horse racing, regattas, and shooting. Besides these, there are various cricket, bowling, archery, and croquet clubs, as well as reading rooms and circulating libraries, debating clubs, an Athenaeum, and a Young Men's Christian Association, the latter of which we would advise every emigrant, on arrival, or as early as possible thereafter, to join.

The town is well lit up with gas. The railway between Auckland, Onehunga, and the Waikato will shortly be in operation; and electric telegraphs run through the province.

Auckland is the head-quarters of the Missionary bodies,

of troops, and of native trade and intercourse. The signs of progress and civilization, the constant arrivals and departure of shipping, the daily comings and goings with their goods and returns, together with the commercial activity of the people, present an air of animation, variety, and bustle, seldom witnessed in the early days of young colonial towns.

WELLINGTON.

This province is situated on the north side of Cook's Strait, and was the first settlement of the late New-Zealand Company. The first detachment of the Company's emigrants, under the charge of their agent, Col. Wakefield, arrived here in the year 1840. This agent had instructions to buy from the natives large tracts of land, especially places that would appear most suitable as trading ports, or for a capital for the entire colony, in case the colony should be made a British dependence. Among all his selections, Wakefield choose Wellington, on account, likely, of its central position.

Sheep farming is carried on in this district to a large extent, and its wool exports are now assuming large proportions. Breeding of horses is also receiving great attention, while the fertility of the soil and the annual increasing value of grain and wool proves the steady advance of the province in wealth.

Although Wellington is more subject to strong winds than the other provinces, this cannot be considered so fatal to its progress as earthquakes, to which it is also subject. Since its foundation it has been visited by earthquakes frequently, all of which have been more or less destructive to life and property. Hence the cause of the houses being nearly all built of timber. These shocks have not materially injured the prosperity of the place, but there is no doubt that a feeling of insecurity is, to some extent, ever present on the minds of the inhabitants.

On the shores of the harbour of Port-Nicholson – the metropolis of the province and colony – the city of Wellington is situated. We have already stated the cause of the Seat of Government's removal to this place from Auckland. The city can boast of a very spacious harbour and a lovely landscape, besides being the premier town and the port of call for the steamers of the Panama,

New-Zealand, and Australia Royal Mail Compy. (limited), a new postal route which commenced in June, 1866. Steamers for New-Zealand by this line leave Southampton in England on the 2nd of every month, and return from this place homeward on the 8th of every month.

NEW-PLYMOUTH,

Also known by its native name, Taranaki, is a small province on the west side of the northern island, the aboriginal natives of which are the most braggart and embruted of all the tribes in New-Zealand.

The war now raging in the north island, commenced by the Taranaki natives, has had a very depressing influence upon the commerce as well as the community of both this and the Auckland province, but it is hoped that the rebellion will soon cease, and that both settlements will again resume their wonted activity. This province is generally styled "the garden of New-Zealand," the soil being very fertile, and more suitable for agricultural than pastoral pursuits. Small farmers are numerous here.

Coal, iron, and flax are abundant in the district. Its chief town is New-Plymouth, at which, and in fact in the whole province, there is no natural harbour. The landing of passengers and goods at this town is effected by a body of men with boats, authorised by the New-Plymouth Town Board, who go out to the vessels as they arrive.

HAWKES BAY

Was erected into a separate province on the 1st November, 1851, having originally formed part of Wellington, and termed Ahuriri. It lies between the provinces of Auckland and Wellington, on the east coast. The chief town and port is Napier, which is situated in a sheltered bay, and safe anchorage for ships of moderate size. The place is getting into repute. Its plains are so peculiarly adapted for sheep farming that it has attracted large numbers of this class to settle there. There are several banks here and numerous stores.

NELSON.

This province was founded after Wellington by the late New-Zealand Company. Its situation is on the southern shores of Cook's Strait, and about 130 miles distant from Wellington, which lies opposite.

Its capital of the same name stands on the head of the inlet called Blind Bay, and is well sheltered from the high winds that are so abundant here.

There are extensive sheep runs in this province, and wool forms an important production, the greater part of which is shipped from Port Underwood, in the neighbouring province. Horses bred here and exported are valuable.

The province is rich in minerals. The Dun Mountain Company work extensively the copper and chrome ore. Limestone and slate are found in the same locality, and gold and coal in the Buller field, on the west coast. Mechanics of all kinds, farm servants, and boatmen, can always find an opening for their callings, and, if they are steady, they can soon gain a competency.

MARLBOROUGH,

Once connected with Nelson, and which stands on the south-eastern extremity of Cook's Strait, is now an independent province. Its capital town, Picton, is situated at the head of Queen Charlotte's Sound. The district is eminently suitable for pasturage, whence a very large quantity of wool is exported to the English market.

CANTERBURY.

This province was founded by the Canterbury Association, and lies between the provinces of Nelson and Otago, and comprises about one-third of the Middle Island.

Christchurch is its chief town, and is inland. Lyttleton, nine miles distant therefrom, is the principal port. This province is the best wool-exporting district in New Zealand. Extensive grass plains constitute the peculiarity of the place. There is scarcely any timber in the province, the want of which for firewood, occasions considerable inconvenience.

There is a railway between the Port and Capital. This affords great facility to shippers for importing and exporting goods. An electric telegraph is also in operation between these towns. There is a considerable quantity of agricultural land throughout the province. Hence, farm labourers and ploughmen, as well as shepherds, may readily obtain situations, and at good wages.

OTAGO.

The province of Otago, known as the Scotch Settlement, was founded by the New Zealand Company in connection with the Association of the Members of the Free Church of Scotland in 1847, and since then has become a populous and important province.

For many years the province maintained a quiet onward progress, and the settlers plodded perseveringly and patiently in the arts of cultivation, until the year 1861, when the scene changed. Gold was then discovered, and as it became known to exist in large quantities, attention was attracted. The reports of the first comers occasioned many "rushes" from neighbouring provinces, and from Australia, which, since that eventful epoch, Otago has had to sustain.

Dunedin, the capital, situated about nine miles from Port-Chalmers, was then but an insignificant town. Since 1861, however, the growth of this famous town in population and in commerce has been extraordinary.

Gold seeking, however, is not the only occupation of this province. Silver and lead have been found there also, whilst agricultural pursuits continue still to engross the attention of a large class of the community.

SOUTHLAND.

This province, formerly united to Otago, is situated at the south end of the Middle Island. Invercargill, its chief town, stands on the New River; Bluff Harbour being the seaport, where a township, Campbell Town, has been planted.

There are some excellent plains in this province, on which there are large flocks of sheep feeding. There are also a number of farms.

Stewart's Island, lying to the southward of this province and of Foveaux Straits, is added to Southland. On this island there are good fishing grounds, and much attention has lately been paid to the curing of fish there.

HINTS TO EMIGRANTS.

HINTS TO EMIGRANTS.

We have endeavoured in the preceding pages to give you but a simple outline of the progress of this colony,

as well as to give you an idea of its valuable resources, so that you may judge for yourself, if such a place is likely to be suitable for you, should you desire to emigrate.

We have not overdrawn in the least the advantages or prospects of the colony, nor are we anxious to urge any to settle there without they decide after mature and careful consideration for themselves, and feel it to be their duty to do so.

We can, however, assure the emigrant, that if he is able and willing to earn his daily bread by means of daily labour, he will find in New Zealand a congenial field on which a good livelihood can always be had, if not, after several years, a competency.

The country is well adapted for all kinds of workmen, it is indeed the place for the stout agricultural labourer, for the industrious artizan, the domestic servant, the small hard working farmer, with a thrifty wife, and stalwart sons and daughters, and for every class of our countrymen.

Discouragements and difficulties of various kinds will have to be encountered and endured at the first; but if the emigrant has perseverance, patience, steadiness, and above all, a good moral character, no matter in what line of business he may be, he will, without doubt, ultimately succeed.

It is to be deplored that amongst the emigrants who arrive in the colony, we always see some, whom we may call "ne'er-do-weels," men who, by birth and education, ought to be gentlemen, not merely sunk to the condition of day labourers, but even too enfeebled in mind and body, by a long course of intemperance, to be not worth employing at any wages at all. If young men given to this habit at home come out to New Zealand under the idea of "turning over a new leaf" there, it is a hopeless case. There are more temptations to vice in every form in the Colonies than at home; besides, the emigrant being far from the home roof and its parental influence, is more likely to be careless as to his conduct, until, like many others before him, he ruins his constitution, and dies a complete wreck among strangers, soon to lie forgotten. Widely different is he whose steadiness and perseverance enables him to pursue his calling, and conduct himself well; and he who is there strict in attendance to the principles and services of our grand Christian religion, will not in the least fail of success or respect.

We easily recognise a new comer in the colony. His would-be knowing looks and gestures betray him, and we would advise every one to take care of this. In the colony no one can long pass for what he is not, and many who, on landing, move confidently on with buoyant step and lofty mien, may soon be seen passing modestly along, undistinguished from the common crowd. The people of New Zealand are very clear sighted, and are not slow in forming a true opinion of the character of the new arrival. If the emigrant exercises common sense, prudence, and strict integrity, he will not be long in forming an acquaintance, but if he makes a false step at starting, he will find some difficulty in recovering his position.

On arrival in any colony the emigrant should have as much funds as possible. Circumstances may arise that will prevent him going to work, or from getting work, and at such times, money is valuable and desirable.

Accept the first situation, whatever it is, if offered to you on arrival. Going about in search of a better place will spend your funds and encourage repining and home sickness; but by working at anything you can get to do, will ingratiate you into the favour of the colonists, who above all things, detest lazy people, and will give you an insight into the habits and customs of the place and people.

Every information respecting the voyage, and things necessary for the emigrant on board, can be easily obtained on application at either of the London Shipping agents, who despatch vessels to the colony.

The time on board is very monotonous, and, to those who have been accustomed to regular labour at home, it will be a long period of idleness. They should, however, lend a willing hand with the sails, and learn as much as they can of ships, and rigging, and steering, on the way. This would not only afford amusement, but they would acquire much valuable information about things so very desirable for a country like New Zealand, where boating and coasting form a large item in all transactions of the place. Attention to cleanliness, and courtesy to one another, will render the voyage pleasant and improving to the health.

With these few remarks we come to a conclusion, feeling confident that if the emigrant properly conducts himself, and acts conscientiously with all he comes in contact, he will not be unsuccessful in the land of his adoption. So, farewell, and God speed.

COMMUNICATIONS WITH HOME.

Although the Emigrant is separated far from friends he holds dear at home, and from Associations with which in his early years he was connected, he has every reason to feel very comfortable and thankful, from the fact of there being so many opportunities now of keeping up correspondence by letter and newspaper, with his relatives in the old country.

In the early days of the colony, communication was rare. There were but few opportunities of sending or receiving letters. Some letters then were known to have taken more than two years in their delivery. Fortunately, such a state of matters does not exist now. For several years past the Peninsular and Oriental Company have run their steamers into Sydney with the English mails, in connection with which the New Zealand Government subsidized a steamer to run monthly, and thus kept up pretty regularly a monthly communication with England. Another route has recently come into operation, which will outdo all the old systems. It is more direct, and certainly will be more punctual, than the mail via Sydney. This route is through the Isthmus of Panama. The Royal Mail Company have definitely arranged with the Panama, New Zealand, and Australian Company to open a communication with England and New Zealand, and in June, 1866, the steamers of these lines commenced to run. The length of passage to Wellington in New Zealand from the outward port, Southampton, is forty-nine days, in which time, or shortly thereafter, letters and newspapers can now be expected to arrive in every part of the colony. New Zealand is the first port of arrival in the colonies, and the last of departure.

The intercourse between the home country and the colony will not only be more regular than it has ever been, but the quickness of the route will doubtless add considerably to its future prosperity, and make its inhabitants believe that they are not far from home.

FINIS.

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