New Zealand: the Emigration Field of 1851.

Charles Hursthouse

First published by D. Chalmers in 1851

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

Epub © 2013 Early New Zealand Books Collection

ISBN 978-1-927279-86-1

[MAP]

[Inserted unpaginated illustration]

THE COLONY OF NEW ZEALAND 1851.

[TITLE PAGE]

NEW ZEALAND
THE EMIGRATION FIELD OF 1851.

AN ACCOUNT OF

NEW PLYMOUTH;

OR

GUIDE TO THE

GARDEN OF NEW ZEALAND.

Third Edition.

DEDICATED BY PERMISSION TO
HIS EXCELLENCY SIR GEORGE GREY, K.C.B.,
GOVERNOR-IN-CHIEF.

AND

AN ARTICLE ON THE

CANTERBURY SETTLEMENT.

BY CHARLES HURSTHOUSE, JUN.

ABERDEEN:

PRINTED BY D. CHALMERS AND COMPANY.

[PREFACE]

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS,

BETTER TO BE READ.

IN offering to the public a further Edition of the "Account of New Plymouth," in a cheaper form, I am induced to preface it with a Lecture which I have had the pleasure of delivering in various parts of England, before large and influential audiences. I may observe that the aim of this Lecture was to give a correct general idea of New Zealand, as the flourishing colony of 1851, to that great body of our countrymen who, by gradual descent in the social, or rather in the money, scale, are involuntarily becoming members of what the Author of the "Art of Colonization" aptly terms the "uneasy classes" – families just awakening to a sense of their false position, and beginning to contemplate emigration as the bold short cut through their difficulties; but who, having hitherto paid little attention to colonies, are either quite ignorant of New Zealand, or regard it as still the country of unsettled land questions, native troubles, and Fitzroy misrule.

The Lecture does not profess to give the special and minute details guiding the New Zealand Emigrant's choice of the particular locality, the particular pursuit, &c. (for such information Earp's excellent Hand-book should be consulted), but as it gives a succinct description of the colony as an Emigration Field, I trust that it may form an appropriate introduction to other matter – imparting correct first ideas of New Zealand to readers as above described, and paving the

NEW PLYMOUTH THE FOUNDLING.

way for the more effectual reception and understanding of that portion of the book specially devoted to New Plymouth and Canterbury.

In order to effect such reduction in price as would bring the Book within reach of all classes of Emigrants, this Edition has been compressed. In fact, the settlement of the Land and Compensation questions, the dissolution of the New Zealand Company, have effected such improvements and alterations, that happily much of the original matter has no longer any practical relation to New Plymouth matters.

In other respects, and with some trifling additions, the "Account of New Plymouth" remains the same as when written three years ago; and in now offering it as a plain, honest guide to the Garden of New Zealand, the author would beg to express a hope that, whenever practicable, all classes of New Zealand Emigrants will endeavour just to see New Plymouth before they hastily settle down elsewhere.

I trust I am guilty of no exaggeration, in saying that almost every one who actually visits the settlement to judge for himself, is alike surprised at the fertility of the soil – charmed with the beauty of the scenery – gratified with the good tone, the plain unpretending respectability, of the community – and astonished that a place so intrinsically good should number so small a population. This apparently paradoxical circumstance may be thus explained.

The New Plymouth settlement, unlike Wellington and Nelson, was not founded by the great unfortunate New Zealand Company – that past horror of colonial ministers, and present puzzle of financiers – but by a comparatively obscure, if not rival Provincial Company, called the Plymouth Company of New Zealand – an Association of Cornish and Devonshire

NEW PLYMOUTH, AND KNICKERBOCKER.

country gentlemen, which managed to preserve a feeble existence just long enough to plant the Infant Settlement, and which then snuffed itself out by merging into the great London Company. New Plymouth was thus handed over, as a kind of step-child legacy, to the indifferent care of new proprietors. By ill-starred birth, the settlement belonged to the Plymouth Company; by subsequent misfortunes, it came to belong to the New Zealand Company; by position, it was held to belong to the Local Government.

Thus, for some years, it was regarded as a kind of "no man's land." The handful of West of England Emigrants – the New Plymouth "pilgrim fathers" – whom design or accident had cast on its shores, finding the new country a sort of Canaan, set themselves down, with patient, but by no means oppressive, toil and industry, to the plough and the axe, took things easy, and quietly ate and drank of the fatness of the land.

Knickerbocker's immortal history of the early Dutch settlement of New York, has a singular and affecting relation to the early days of New Plymouth. The young Vrouws certainly did not adorn their fair proportions with the red-clock-stocking and voluminous petticoat; nor did the settler ennoble his goodly person with the manifold breeches; no Mynheer Wouter Van Twiller despatched his "Jack knife" 1 as a warrant for evil

doers, or cast the constable in costs; and the Dutchman's foot was not held to be the standard weight of the Indian's pack of beaver skin. But, in either place, you would have marked the gentle conquest of the plough over the forest – the soft advance of primitive civilization on the pristine wilderness. There was the same still repose of rude plenty, the same simple-hearted hospitality, the same homely joys. In either

ADVENTUROUS BURGHERS, AND 'MRS. HARRIS.'

place, the settler tilled his own land, fattened himself and his family on the produce, bartered away the surplus, and gave no thought of the outer world beyond his fence. Fair long pipes, too, and short ones also, were common to both; whilst, to complete the likeness, there was the Red Man, ever ready to trade or smoke.

Such a state of things, such a condition of society, charming and Arcadian as it might be, was, however, little calculated to do the settlement good, by bringing it into notice and repute. Content with their quiet lot, a large family party in the midst of indolent plenty, rich in corn and fat in cattle, the settlers cared little to make that lot known, or to blazon to the world the Canaan they had found. No newspaper was ever established; and if, perchance, any adventurous burgher traded beyond seas to Wellington, Auckland, or Sydney, he deemed himself much too cunning a man ever to boast the riches of his own land, before the losel Yankees or devouring "corn stalks" 2 of such foreign parts.

As the natural consequence of such true Dutch policy, New Plymouth, until quite lately, was only known to New Plymouth. In fact, very impudent people have ventured to call New Plymouth the "Mrs. Harris" of settlements – a place of dubious if not fabulous existence.

Now, Wellington, Nelson, and Auckland – founded and fostered, the first two by the New Zealand Company, the latter by the Government – settlements more "go a-head" and commercial than "take-it-easy" and agricultural like New Plymouth, and more awake to the necessity of not going to sleep – have availed themselves

SIR GEORGE GREY AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

of every opportunity of advertising their natural and imaginary advantages. It certainly cannot be said of them that their "light has been hid under a bushel." From the very first, they have had their ably conducted newspapers for the publication of their individual claims – the warm advocacy of their peculiar interests – for the expression of public opinion on all local subjects affecting their prosperity; and have thus been brought prominently forward in this country; have become well known as emigration fields; and have obtained almost exclusive attention, sympathy, and support.

But poor New Plymouth – the Cinderella, but real jewel of the family – having had no paper, no powerful company to push it or puff it in this country, no nothing – as the country girls say – to make it known, was seldom or never heard of; consequently, no fresh emigrants went there, and the population (save in the increase of births, which in any less fruitful country would have been alarming) long remained stationary, and confined to its original handful from Devonshire and Cornwall, who, as we have seen, soon waxed fat on landing, and subsided into the Anglo-Dutch.

About 1849, however, from causes which it is unnecessary to particularize, New Plymouth seemed to start from the Lethean immobility and morbid repose of years.

Since this period, the New Zealand Company has ceased to exist, and the settlement has fortunately passed over to the Crown. Sir George Grey, the excellent Governor of New Zealand, appears to have formed a high estimate of its natural capabilities, has purchased a Government residence, and frequently visits the place. The population has about doubled itself in the last two years. Many excellent families have lately gone out.

CANTERBURY A GOOD ADVERTISEMENT.

Emigration is steadily on the increase; and New Plymouth's well-wishers may rest assured that the tide has at last turned – good times have come, better are coming.

Although the chief aim of this little volume is to assist intending emigrants in the choice of a future home, by presenting them with a plain account of the New Plymouth Settlement, as it is at the present day, I have considered it necessary to make some allusion to the Canterbury Settlement. For, as Canterbury is the "great fact" of the day in emigration matters, perhaps the grandest colonization project ever conceived, some notice of its general character and chief peculiarities is, I think, essential to the completeness of any work having even reference to New Zealand, as the flourishing colony of 1851.

There may be some little peculiarities about the Canterbury settlement, provocative of a harmless joke amongst old New Zealanders; but nothing can be more miserably narrow-minded, more hopelessly stupid, than for the advocates or admirers of New Plymouth, Nelson, Auckland, and Wellington, to regard Canterbury as a hostile rival settlement – to be sneered at, misrepresented, and run down. The founding of Canterbury will open a new and excellent home market for the surplus produce of the older settlements; and give a great impetus to the general trade of the colony; whilst the exertions of the Association in England tend most forcibly to keep the whole of New Zealand prominently before the emigrating public, and serve as a capital advertisement for each particular settlement.

In fact, I hold that New Zealand may consider itself signally fortunate that, just on the semi-suicide of the New Zealand Company, a new and powerful body started

CANTERBURY.

into existence, to carry on the great work of colonization – colonization of a part, rather than of the whole, certainly; but colonization which, while it successfully accomplishes its own exclusive but grand design, cannot fail to vivify every settlement with a fructifying stream of capital and labour.

CHARLES HURSTHOUSE, JUN.

BALLATER, ABERDEENSHIRE,

August 1, 1851.

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS

ON

FIRST EDITION OF THE ACCOUNT OF NEW PLYMOUTH.

"No one should Emigrate to New Zealand without, first having perused this valuable little volume with care and attention. The advice to emigrants and settlers is peculiarly valuable from its sound practical character; and not less valuable are the descriptions of the settlement and its capabilities, these having been drawn up from the experience attained during a five years' residence on the spot, which may, in many respects, be looked upon as one of the most highly favoured districts in the colony. * * * * These encomiums are fully borne out by the well-executed lithographic sketches with which the volume is embellished. In three of these, the snow-crowned summit of Mount Egmont towers aloft in the background, while the scenery in some of the views is remarkably picturesque. It must not, however, be supposed that the author has filled his book with what may be termed the aesthetics of emigration; graver matters are duly attended to; and these are stated in a style perfectly well adapted for the information of plain practical men. For the collection of this information the author's residence at the settlement has afforded many advantages; and he has turned to good account the experience thus gained, by stating, in the intelligence he imparts, the actual wants of the emigrant, and by clothing such intelligence in plain language, easily understood by all. The chapter on the statistics of New Plymouth has evidently been compiled with great care, and embraces almost every topic relating to the original condition and present state of the settlement, such as the price of land, of stock, building materials, and wearing apparel, exports, government expenditure, and numerous other particulars. The directions as to the emigrant's outfit, choice and cultivation of land, mode of clearing and cropping, the management of stock, and general business of the farm, will also be found sound and practical, and consequently of equal value with the other portions of the book." – Westminster and Foreign Quarterly Review.

"The merit of this book consists in the full and impartial account it gives of the settlement, and the sound advice which accompanies it. The account is a perfectly fair one. There is no attempt to paint anything in rose colour, to under-estimate the money required to start with, or to over-estimate the returns. The reader is more plainly warned as to the rough and new appearances he must expect in a settlement, than is usual in books on colonies. The volume is illustrated by a plan, whose large scale and minute markings give a good idea of a new settlement." – Spectator.

"Mr. Hursthouse has supplied us with a plain sensible book, and has given us a fair description of New Plymouth. He gives no exaggerated description of an emigrant's life, but states the case impartially." – Economist.

"The field Mr. Hursthouse surveys is not a very wide one, but his view of it is complete and exact. Altogether, this account is well calculated to give a favourable impression of the settlement, to which the author expresses his intention of returning." – Britannia.

"We cannot too warmly recommend Mr. Hursthouse's book to the intending emigrant and to the general reader." – Critic.

"To the intending emigrant this work will be found to supply valuable and novel information." – Weekly News.

"This book, we are happy to say, is one of the fruits of the better state of things in New Zealand; and we are glad to find it drawing attention to this, one of the most important possessions of Britain in the Southern Hemisphere." – Tablet.

"This is one of the most interesting and useful works upon emigration we have perused for a long time past. The author thoroughly understands his subject; and well he may. He has not only resided at New Plymouth for five years, but he has resided in the Canadas, the United States, South Africa, and New South Wales – investigating carefully into the advantages and disadvantages of each such field for colonization; and he may therefore fairly say, 'my estimate of the capabilities of this district, however high, has been formed neither hastily nor in complete ignorance of the countries to which emigration is generally directed.' His work is characterized throughout by candour and moderation." – Leicester Mercury.

"The writer gives a comprehensive view of the situation, climate, natural productions, inhabitants, &c., of the island; and the information therein contained will be found equally interesting to the fireside traveller and the intending emigrant. The description of the scenery in the vicinity of New Plymouth will give an idea of the author's style, as well as a pen-and-ink sketch of the country: – 'The most phlegmatic admirer of the beauties of nature would be charmed with the appearance of the country. For those who prefer the grand and romantic, there is the lofty snow-capped mountain, with its noble slopes and wood-crowned ranges. The taste for sylvan scenery and quiet rustic beauty is equally gratified by the frequency of stream and forest, glade and valley, clearings and snug homesteads: few countries offer so many beautiful and convenient sites for either cottage or mansion.' This little work will, in a short space, give a fund of necessary information. The statistics, the selection of a locality, the best mode of cultivation, and other essential requirements are discussed with ability and clearness, and we know not a better guide to the settler at our antipodes than is here afforded." – Norfolk News.

"Intending emigrants to New Zealand should consult Mr. Hursthouse's 'Account of the Settlement of New Plymouth,' the newly founded metropolis of a district which, if it deserves the praise bestowed upon it, must be one of the most eligible quarters to which wanderers in search of a new home can direct their steps." – Home News.

[CONTENTS]

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

LECTURE ON NEW ZEALAND.

Folly of deceiving Emigrants, - - - - 1

Lecturer's experience of various Colonies, - - - 4

Discovery of New Zealand. Size. Position and early history, 5

New Zealand Company. Early Disasters of the Colony. Present Prosperity, - - - - 6

Natural Features. No wild animals, - - - - 8

Birds. Fish. Fruit. Shrubs. Trees, - - - 9

Natives. Anecdotes of their early condition, - - - 10

Their value as Labourers. Character and advance in civilization, - - - - 14

The various Settlements. Which to choose, - - - 16

Prices. Capital. Wives. Government. Judges, - - 18

Climate of New Zealand, - - - - - 20

State of Society. Religious and Educational Institutions, - 22

Natural advantages and exports, - - - - 24

New Zealand contrasted with other Colonies, - - 28

The Voyage, - - - - 32

Industry requisite in a Colony. Emigrants must expect some first difficulties, - - - - 36

Emigrants' letters considered, - - - - - 37

Who should emigrate, - - - - 39

ACCOUNT OF NEW PLYMOUTH.

The founding of the Settlement. Position, - - - 48

Climate, - - - - 49

General appearance and beauty of the Country, - - 51

Abundance of Water and Water Power. Character of Soil, - 52

Description of the Timber Trees, - - - - 53

Native Fruit. Vegetable Impostors, - - - - 55

Flax. Minerals, - - - - - - 56

Birds. Game. Fish. Insects, - - - 57

Natives. Their value as Labourers, - - - - 60

Price of Land. Advice to Land Buyers, - - - 63

Prosperity and progress of New Plymouth, - - - - 66

The Town and its attractions, - - - - 67

Social features. Pic-nics. Wives wanted, - - - - 69

Sir George Grey's residence. Mails, - - - - 70

Magistrates and Clergy, - - - - 71

Prices. Rate of Wages. Distances, - - - 72

Duties. Rate of Passage per Messrs. Willis' Ships, - - - 74

New Plymouth Roadstead. Waitera Harbour. Shipping facilities, - - - - 75

Agricultural capabilities, - - - - 80

Mode of cultivation, - - - - 81

Bush Land and Fern Land contrasted, - - - - 83

Wheat. Change of Seed. Yield of crops, - - - - 86

Barley. Oats. Potatoes, &c., 88

Cattle. Sheep, - - - - 90

Artificial Grasses. Luxuriant Pasturage, - - - - 91

Self-working improvement of natural herbage, - - - 93

Grazing and Farming combined, - - - - 94

Agricultural Implements, - - - - 96

Markets, - - - - 99

Prospects of Farming, - - - - 100

Agricultural and Pastoral wealth the first consideration in choosing the site of a Settlement, - - - 103

Resources of New Plymouth other than Agricultural, - - 104

Steel Ore, - - - - 105 and 148

New Zealand Flax, - - - - 108

Tobacco. Hops. Brewing. Provision trade, - - - 117

Whaling. Tanning. Fruit, - - - - 118

Who should settle in New Plymouth, - - - - 120

The military emigrant in New Plymouth, - - - - 126

The Capitalist and the Per Cents., - - - - 130

The Clerk in the Garden, - - - - 131

The Devonshire Peasant in Clover, - - - - 135

Various Writers on New Plymouth, - - - - 138

The Bishop on New Plymouth, - - - - 141

Mr. Fox's testimony, - - - - 144

The fine old English emigrant, - - - - 147

Brees' magnifying Panorama, - - - - 148

Anacreon at the antipodes. New Plymouth song, - - - - 150

Character of the Canterbury Settlement, - - - - 153

"Wakefield" system of Colonization, - - - - 154

Religious features, and social stamp, - - - - 155

The Sea Rover, and the English emigrant, - - - - 157

Canterbury exports and the Times, - - - - 158

The Golden Fleece at Canterbury, - - - - 163

Terms of purchase of Land, - - - - 166

Otago, - - - - 169

Sidney Smith on Emigration, - - - - 171

Recent letter from New Plymouth. Aristocratic Omata, and Native Harvestmen, - - - - - 186

Messrs. Willis' Improved Line of New Zealand Packets, - 188

Author's Advertisement, - - - - - 193

ERRATA.

Page 17. "The upset price (of Land), being £1 per acre" – See remarks at page 64.

" 47. For "present Company," read "London Company."

" 52. For "stripe," read "strip."

" 69. For "merry meetings," read "merry makings."

" 158. For "Plushe," read, "Pluche."

" 163. Instead of "four acres and four sheep," read "three acres and three sheep."

Note omitted, and relative to this alteration.

It is not intended to assert that the Canterbury Plains at first, in their untrodden pristine condition, would carry three sheep per acre; but, if the grazing portions of the Canterbury district were subjected to the course described at page 94, and if they be intrinsically at all comparable to such a tract as that to the South of New Plymouth, viz., the undulating slopes of the southern spurs of Mount Egmont (see Arrow-smith's new map), there can, I think, be no doubt that a thousand acres would carry 3000 short wools.

1 The very outset of the career of this excellent magistrate was distinguished by an example of legal acumen, that gave flattering presage of a wise and equitable administration. The morning after he had been installed in office, and at the moment that he was making his breakfast from a prodigious earthen dish, filled with milk and Indian pudding, he was interrupted by the appearance of Wandle Schoonhoven, a very important old burgher of New-Amsterdam, who complained bitterly of one Barent Bleecker, inasmuch as he refused to come to a settlement of accounts, seeing that there was a heavy balance in favour of the said Wandle. Governor Van Twiller, as I have already observed, was a man of few words; he was likewise a mortal enemy to multiplying writings, or being disturbed at his breakfast. Having listened attentively to the statement of Wandle Schoonhoven, giving an occasional grunt, as he shovelled a spoonful of Indian pudding into his mouth – either as a sign that he relished the dish, or comprehended the story – he called unto him his constable, and pulling out of his breeches pocket a huge jack knife, dispatched it after the defendant as a summons, accompanied by his tobacco box as a warrant.

This summary process was as effectual in those simple days as was the seal ring of the great Haroun Alraschid among the true believers. The two parties being confronted before him, each produced a book of accounts, written in a language and character that would have puzzled any but a High Dutch commentator, or a learned decipherer of Egyptian obelisks. The sage Wouter took them one after the other, and having poised them in his hands, and attentively counted over the number of leaves, fell straightway into a very great doubt, and smoked for half an-hour without saying a word; at length, laying his finger beside his nose, and shutting his eyes for a moment, with the air of a man who has just caught a subtle idea by the tail, he slowly took his pipe from his mouth, puffed forth a column of tobacco smoke, and with marvellous gravity and solemnity pronounced – that having carefully counted over the leaves and weighed the books, it was found, that one was just as thick and as heavy as the other – therefore it was the final opinion of the court that the accounts were equally balanced – therefore Wandle should give Barent a receipt, and Barent should give Wandle a receipt, – and the constable should pay the costs.

This decision being straightway made known, diffused general joy throughout New-Amsterdam, for the people immediately perceived, that they had a very wise and equitable magistrate to rule over them. But its happiest effect was, that not another lawsuit took place throughout the whole of his administration – and the office of constable fell into such decay, that there was not one of those losel scouts known in the province for many years. I am the more particular in dwelling on this transaction, not only because I deem it one of the most sage and righteous judgments on record, and well worthy the attention of modern magistrates, but because it was a miraculous event in the history of the renowned Wouter, being the only time he was ever known to come to a decision in the whole course of his life. – Washington Irving's Knickerbocker.

2 The white inhabitants of New South Wales, born in the colony, are called "corn stalks."

LECTURE ON NEW ZEALAND, AS AN EMIGRATION FIELD.

LECTURE ON NEW ZEALAND,

AS AN EMIGRATION FIELD.

As there is scarcely any human step so vitally important in its consequences as Emigration – as, indeed, it may well be said, that if a man's birth, marriage, and death, be the three great features, or cardinal events of his pilgrimage on earth, his Emigration is certainly the fourth – it appears to me, that every one who speaks or writes on this subject is morally bound to use such language of moderation, that the emigrant shall actually realize in practice what he may hear in the lecture-room, or read by his fireside. This language of moderation I shall certainly endeavour to use, and not only because it is right to do so, but because it is expedient. For, in aiming to attract capital and labour to any new colony, I hold it to be an egregious mistake even to exaggerate the merits and advantages of the country. On his arrival, the emigrant is at once undeceived; and, frequently in the very bitterness of his first disappointment, he not unnaturally represents the country to his friends at home as worse than it really is, perhaps as one barely habitable. Thus, two or three deceived and disappointed individuals may prevent twenty families from following their steps. On the contrary, if we use the language of moderation – if we rather understate than overstate – if we plainly tell the emigrant that, although a colony does give him a clear stage, he will not win the battle unless he fights – that labour, energy, perseverance, qualities essential to success in an old country, are also essential to success in a new country – we shall, at

FOLLY OF DECEIVING EMIGRANTS.

least, have the satisfaction of knowing that we don't deceive him; whilst it is highly probable that emigrants going out on the strength of such representations, will be the means of inducing others to follow. And thus it is, that in seeking to direct a stream of emigration to any particular locality, not only common honesty, but common good policy, true self-interest, should lead us to paint our picture in such sober colours that the emigrant shall recognise and acknowledge the truthfulness of the sketch, when brought face to face with the actual original.

On my return to this country, after an absence of several years, nothing has more forcibly struck me than the progress made on the great question of Colonization. It is now a common topic with our admirable Press; with the most influential of our reviews and magazines. It is, in fact, a question which is coming home to the masses; and, with but few exceptions, leading men of all political parties appear to be arriving at the conclusion, that the fearful pressure of population upon subsistence here existing, is only to be removed by a measure of "systematic colonization," on a scale worthy of the nation.

It is said that four to five millions of human beings are here precariously maintained by low wages, by alms, or pittances from the poor's rate. Every epidemic disease, every rise in the cost of the necessaries of life, every reduction in wages, almost threatens this mass with decimation.

Thousands of the upper and middle classes here seek in vain an opening for their energies. The professions, commerce, both in its wholesale and retail branches, farming, the mechanical trades, in short, every occupation or walk of life, is here crowded to excess.

On the other hand, our colonies, from the Cape of Good Hope to Australia and New Zealand, with millions of acres of unoccupied fertile land, offering inexhaustible fields for the industry and enterprise of our pent-up thousands, are continually crying out for more capital and labour; whilst we know that more than 4,000 years ago, the mandate went forth, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it." This blessing, first pronounced on man, would seem indeed to have been peculiarly inherited by the British people. None

MR. COBDEN AND COLONIZATION.

of the tribes of men have ever possessed colonial dominions, and kindred affinities, such as ours, throughout the globe. Our especial mission has been to go forth and colonize; and a few more ages to come, marked by the same expansion of our race, will secure the accomplishment of the great boast of all who speak the Anglo-Saxon tongue – the spreading of the language of Shakespeare, and Milton, and Scott, over half the world.

And we are winning new worlds, planting our banners over new and fruitful lands, not as in days of old, by the blighting march of armies, by fire, sword, and desolation, but by the gentle force of peace, by the prowess of the good knight, industry – by agriculture and commerce, the plough, and the loom; and there is more glory to the hero in laying such foundations of a mighty state, though no trumpets resound with his victory, though no laurels shall shadow his tomb, than in forcing the onward progress of his race over burning cities and hecatombs of men.

It would be out of place here, however, and would far exceed the compass of the present lecture, to discuss the question of Colonization as a remedy for national distress; to attempt to show (despite Mr. Cobden and the Manchester School) how vitally important to the integrity, and development, and prosperity of the mother country, is the retention and good-management of her noble foreign possessions. I would aim at something more practically useful; and, as in every neighbourhood which I visit, I find there are various families who, having determined on emigrating, are only undecided as to the particular colony to choose; as some such may be here – some who are anxious to secure a fair field for the employment of their capital or labour, their energies and talents – I would devote the next hour to a plain description of a country which offers them such a field; the one in which, of all others, the emigrant may plant out a family, and create a happy home; the youngest, but now one of the most flourishing of our colonies – the magnificent Islands of New Zealand.

First, however, I would say a very few words respecting myself; not, believe me, from the least desire to obtrude on you any trumpery personal details, but simply with a view of explaining on what grounds I

LECTURER A BONA FIDE SETTLER.

venture to address you, and of assisting my hearers to decide themselves as to what degree of weight and credit may fairly be given to my statements.

To show that I am not a mere "talking theorist" in emigration matters, permit me to state, that, whilst I have relatives settled in almost every colony of the empire, I have myself visited the Canadas and the United States, South Africa, and New South Wales; and have resided in New Zealand five years, where, as a working settler, I have had to pay close attention to the general business of the colony, and where, with my own hands, I have assisted to perform every agricultural operation, from the first clearing of the wild land, to the gradual formation of the complete well-stocked farm.

I may, perhaps, further remark, that I visited this country chiefly to induce some dozen members of my family, including my father, at the age of 70, to emigrate to the New Plymouth settlement in New Zealand. They have all gone; and now write, inviting others to follow; and I am only awaiting the determination of certain other relatives (just back, disappointed, from Port Natal, and who think of joining us too), to return myself, to New Zealand, and there finally settle down for good.

I appear before you, therefore, not as Agent for any Government Company, or Association, nor as one having any manner of connection with any Colonization Bodies or Emigration Companies whatever, but simply in the plain capacity of a "New Zealand Settler," anxious to employ the brief remainder of a farewell visit to the mother country (usefully, I trust, to the public, and not unprofitably to myself), by drawing the attention of intending emigrants to what I can but regard as the very finest Emigration Field now open to their choice.

New Zealand was discovered in the year 1642, by the Dutch navigator, Tasman. It consists of two great islands, lying between the parallels of 34 and 48 south latitude; and the meridians of 166 and 179 east longitude. Thus, in length, it extends nearly 1,000 miles,

DISCOVERY OF NEW ZEALAND – ITS POSITION, SIZE, &c.

having an average breadth of 120; and, containing about 80,000,000 of acres of land, is rather larger than Great Britain.

The geographical position of the country is one of the most commanding in the world. Planted midway between the continent of Australia (now the seat of flourishing colonies), and the numerous clusters of the rich Polynesian Islands to the north; within a few weeks' sail of the South American countries and California on the one side, and China, with our Indian possessions on the other, its very position stamps it as the Queen of the Pacific: whilst its coast line, embracing 3,000 miles, indented with the finest harbours, marks New Zealand as a "central seat" of naval power and commercial importance – the future Britain of the South.

Although New Zealand was discovered by Tasman in the year 1642, it remained an "unknown country" until it was explored just eighty years ago, by our distinguished countryman, Captain Cook.

This great circumnavigator accomplished an excellent survey of a portion of the coasts; visited several parts of the islands; and introduced cattle, pigs, poultry, and all our most useful vegetables. With his usual sound judgment, he formed a high opinion of the country; and such was the interest his reports excited, even in those days, that a proposal, originating with the American philosopher, Dr. Franklin, was made for opening a trade with the natives, which, had it been carried into execution, would probably have then led to the partial colonization of the country.

About forty years after Cook's time, a kind of rude trade had gradually sprung up between New South Wales and New Zealand; and scattered parties of white men, intermarrying with the natives, were found to have settled along its coasts.

In 1815, the Church of England Mission was established; and shortly afterwards the Wesleyans arrived in the country. The philanthropic labours of these bodies were soon apparent in the improved condition of the natives. The country became better known, confidence was established, and several Europeans were attracted over from the neighbouring colonies. Small,

NEW ZEALAND COMPANY.

irregular settlements were founded; a trade arose in flax, oil, timber, and provisions; and the islands became the great "recruiting-station" for the large fleet engaged in the Southern Whale Fishery.

During all this time, however, no regular government had been established. The population of the Bay of Islands (the chief settlement and port frequented by the whaling ships), consisted, for the most part, of Sydney slop sellers and tavern keepers, and certain wild rovers and the like, banded with the rude crews of the whalers; and, about 1835, such a state of lawlessness and disorder was found to have sprung up, that, on the representation of the missionaries, our Government sent out a kind of consul, in the person of a Mr. Busby, to protect British interests, and to act as some sort of check on the many ill-doers and violators of the law.

Such, in brief, was the history and condition of the country until the year, 1838, when the increasing importance of New Zealand, and the glowing accounts brought home by every one who had visited it, caused a general desire that some effectual steps should be taken for securing its formal possession by the British Crown; and for promoting its regular colonization from the mother country.

With these views, a large body of influential public men, including the late Lord Durham, the Hon. Francis Baring, Edward Gibbon Wakefield, several members of Parliament, with many of our leading merchants, established the late New Zealand Company.

This Association commenced proceedings with great vigour; organizing a regular staff of officers; sending out preliminary exploring expeditions; purchasing, or rather attempting to purchase, large tracts of land from the natives; and founding various, now flourishing, settlements.

Unfortunately, however, from the outset, unhappy differences arose between the New Zealand Company and the Colonial-office. Blame may have been attributable to both parties; but as the mere history of the hapless past, it is unnecessary here to detail the various acts of gross mismanagement, the various squabbles, quarrels, and disputes, by which the early fortunes of New Zealand were so severely blighted.

SIR GEORGE GREY – PRESENT STATE OF THE COLONY.

Suffice it to say, that, about three years ago, the country was reduced to a deplorable condition. The "Land Question" – that is, the validity of the large purchases of land, made from the natives, by the Company's Agents – was so tampered with, and mismanaged, that some few of the tribes were prompted, if not actually driven, to take up arms in defence of what they were falsely taught to regard as their rights. As the natural consequence of this, many of the early settlers – the pioneers of civilization – unable to obtain possession of the lands which they had purchased of the Company, were compelled to live on their capital, instead of on the produce of the soil, and were thus completely ruined; whilst, to crown all, further emigration from the mother country was all but entirely stopped.

Fortunately, however, at this crisis, after a long period of gloom, and disaster, and depression, brighter days did at last begin to dawn, ushered in by the appointment of an excellent Governor, in the person of Sir George Grey, he who had formerly retrieved the fortunes of South Australia.

The usual effects of good government were soon apparent. Since this period, the long-vexed Land Question has been effectually settled; the New Zealand Company has ceased to exist; and now (except in the settlements of Canterbury and Otago) the emigrant, in buying land, purchases direct of the Crown, and receives his "Crown Title" at once on the spot. The Canterbury and Otago Associations, powerful bodies, appealing directly to two great religious communities of the State, are indirectly working much good to the colony generally. Emigration recommenced, and steadily on the increase, is proceeding at the rate of two to three large ships every month; the natives, rapidly advancing in civilization, are becoming the best friends of the settlers, excellent labourers, and great consumers of our manufactures; imports and exports are largely increasing; and it may now most truly be said of New Zealand, that there is no country in the world which holds out to the intending emigrant, promise of a longer and happier life, a better chance of prosperity and success.

ST. PATRICK'S BLESSING, AND THE ELEPHANT.

The natural features of the country are on the grandest scale. An intelligent writer has justly said, that New Zealand presents scenes of almost every clime, and exhibits a world in miniature. It would seem as if nature, isolating the country from the great continents, had chosen to concentrate within it all the varied features and resources which lie so widely apart in the more extensive surfaces of the earth.

It has its Alpine districts, snow-clad and bristling with glaciers, and its lower ranges crowned with lofty woods. Its table lands and grassy plains, sometimes flat or undulated by rounded hills; its dells and valleys, overspread with the richest verdure; its mountain streams and ship-receiving rivers; its coasts glittering with bays and harbours.

In a country larger than Great Britain, there are, of course, various descriptions of soil. The poorer clay of the northern tracts, the light volcanic soil of the interior, the rich loam of the Taranaki districts, the deep alluvial of the valleys; but even on the poorest soil, the genial nature of the climate covers every spot with a luxuriant vegetation, and gives the land an aspect of unequalled freshness and fertility.

It is a remarkable fact in the natural history of New Zealand, that it does not possess a single wild animal. In fact, save a small rat, there is no quadruped whatever, indigenous to the country – a deficiency well balanced by the entire absence of all reptiles. With the exception of a rare kind of fly, there is not even a single stinging insect; and, although mosquitos and sand flies are troublesome at first, yet even these seem to partake of the mild nature of the climate, and are harmless as compared with those of America and New South Wales.

New Zealand, like the Emerald Isle, has thus had St. Patrick's blessing; and this utter absence of all savage animals, cunning serpents, and venomous reptiles, is no small point in its favour. The New Zealand emigrant, unlike our friends in South Africa and Port Natal, will incur no risk of having his house knocked over by some blundering elephant, nor of meeting a settler, in the shape of some tawny lion, nor of finding a puff-adder in his nightcap, nor of seeing little Billy, his

FOWL, FISH, AND FRUIT.

mother's darling, carried off captive to the mountains by some enterprising ape or marauding baboon. On the contrary, he may walk both field and forest in perfect safety, without the fear of bite or sting.

Birds are rather numerous, and as they are generally of active habits, as some are fine songsters, and others seem rivals in making the greatest possible noise, they give an air of pleasing liveliness and animation to the woods. One of the most delightful songsters is the mako-mako. It is heard about sunrise, near the edges of the forest, when several sing together, and the effect can only be compared to the soft tinkling of innumerable little bells. The moa, a gigantic bird, which, from the skeletons found, appears to have stood nearly ten feet high, is now quite extinct; although a smaller species, a curious bird without wings, still exists.

There are two or three varieties of parrots, a splendid pigeon, a few quail and wildfowl. It should, however, be remarked, that New Zealand is the worst country in the world for shooting; although, from climate, soil, cover, and productions, it is well adapted for the introduction of game. The wooded dells, and fern-clad districts around the settlements, are well suited to the hare, partridge, and pheasant; whilst the forest ranges and grassy plains of the interior would afford ample scope for the red deer.

The numerous lakes and streams afford but four varieties of fish, of which the principal is the common eel, attaining a large size, and of fine flavour. The coasts, however, abound with fish, many of which are of excellent quality.

It appears rather strange that in a country so rich in vegetable growth as New Zealand, there should be no wild fruit. Many trees yield berries in profusion, but the best of these cannot, fairly, be ranked as fruit. In this respect, however, New Zealand is pre-eminently a country for introductions. All English varieties will soon be most abundant; whilst in the warm and sheltered valleys of the interior it is not improbable that such fruits as the fig, olive, loquat, orange, and citron, would ripen in perfection. All our familiar garden flowers too bloom there in increased size and beauty; whilst no words can describe the rich luxuriance of the forest.

FOREST GIANTS, AND TREE FUSCHIAS.

I have frequently seen the white and red pine nearly 100 feet high without a branch, straight and round as a gun barrel, and 15 to 20 feet in circumference. The rata though is perhaps one of the most ornamental trees. It is often found in groves, on hill sides, and bears a profusion of bright red flowers. On passing a rata grove in a brilliant sunny day, the effect is almost startling; the hillside is one blaze of scarlet, contrasting beautifully with the lustrous greenness of the surrounding foliage.

Many of the native shrubs are also very beautiful. Among them is the fern tree, occasionally attaining a height of even 60 feet. The elegant nikau, the laurel-like karaka, with its clusters of golden coloured berries, the myrtle, climbing 30 to 50 feet high, and the fuschia, quite a tree. In fact, it would be difficult to imagine anything more exquisitely beautiful around a settler's house, than the shrubbery which could be made by a judicious selection of these beautiful evergreens. For in New Zealand all vegetation is evergreen, and the country is fresh and verdant throughout the year.

The native inhabitants of New Zealand constitute one of its most interesting features. Unfortunately in the history of our Anglo-Saxon colonization, we see that the aboriginal races have ever been swept away or beaten down before the monopolising progress or hostility of the white man. Their extermination or degradation seems ever to have followed on the occupation of their country. But, in our colonization of New Zealand, it happily seems that we may at last be free from this great stain, and that the New Zealanders will neither be exterminated nor subdued into mere hewers of wood and drawers of water.

Their numbers are estimated at about 100,000, the greater part dwelling in the northern island. In personal appearance, they are a very superior race, especially the men, having fine powerfully-built figures, intelligent features, and well-formed heads. In complexion, they are somewhat darker than gipsies, rather taller than Europeans, and, perhaps, stronger, though

NATIVES: RUBBING NOSES VERSUS KISSING.

it may be questioned whether they possess equal powers of endurance. The women are of small stature, and by no means so good looking as the men. Young girls, however, domesticated in European families, soon gain habits of cleanliness and order, and improve surprisingly in appearance: although rarely beautiful, they are good tempered, lively, and obliging. They are very kind and affectionate in their intercourse with each other; and, in former times, on meeting each other after a short absence, would testify their joy and delight by rubbing noses, scarifying themselves with mussel shells, and giving utterance to a kind of subdued howling call, a "tangi." The young surveyors, however, who, when laying out the various settlements, had to mix a great deal with the natives, introduced shaking hands and kissing as more agreeable modes of salutation. It is, perhaps, needless to remark that (amongst the ladies at least), kissing was voted a decided improvement over rubbing noses, and was at once enthusiastically adopted. In fact, now you cannot well meet any natives without their coming up to have a long shaking of hands, and to give you their friendly greeting of "tanakoe, pakeha, tanakoe" – welcome, white man, welcome.

Before the establishment of the missionary influence and the colonization of the country, the numerous tribes into which they are divided appear constantly to have been at war. They dwelt in fortified pas or villages, subsisted chiefly on fish and fern root, went clothed in mats, and practised many barbarous rites and customs. For a long time, however, a great change has been going on in their character and habits, and such has been their progress in civilization during the last two or three years, that they may now almost be regarded as a different people. This happy change has been owing to the admirable labours of the missionaries; to the general kindness with which they have been treated by the European Colonists; and to their own penetrating intelligent nature.

Now, with few exceptions, they all profess Christianity, and pay a most edifying respect to all the outward forms of worship. In fact, rather a laughable tale is told, indicative of the attention which even in early days they were in the habit of paying to the requests

LADY IN TOP-BOOTS – NATIVE TRADE.

and admonitions of their missionary advisers. Several years ago, one of the missionaries was located amongst the natives of an inland tribe, who, having but little intercourse with the European settlements on the coasts, still followed many of their old ways and customs – one of which was to go very lightly clad. The missionary, anxious to win over his flock by degrees to more civilized habits, requested, that on the Sabbath at least, when they came to prayers, they would pay a little more attention to dress. In consequence of this, on the following Sunday, there was a marked alteration in the externals of his congregation – one-legged trowsers were seen here, tail-less coats there; and one couple in particular had striven hard to meet the good man's wishes, they had donned their all, and turned out in full costume, the gentleman coming in a shirt collar, the lady in top boots – and nothing else. Times have much altered since then, however; and now, on "great occasions," in such settlements as Auckland and Wellington, some of the young chiefs, except in colour, might almost pass for Regent Street swells.

The education of the rising generation has been so well attended to, and they learn so quickly, that it is believed three out of four can both read and write. Most fortunately too as a people they dislike spirits, rather preferring sweet wines or beer; but they are all most inveterate smokers.

They carry on a brisk retail trade with the inhabitants of the different towns and settlements; and formerly, before there was much European cultivation, almost entirely supplied us with potatoes and other vegetables. Now, however, the chief article of sale is pigs, of which they possess great numbers, self-fed, principally on fern root.

These they drive from house to house, and sell with great judgment and acuteness. They also carry round bundles of firewood, baskets of potatoes, wheat, maize, and melons; occasionally pigeons, parrots, and fish; floor-mats, excellent fishing lines, straw hats, and useful flax baskets.

The proceeds of these various articles are now chiefly invested in blankets, prints, clothing, and tobacco. They are good judges of what they buy, examining

NATIVE BONIFACE – PIGS – NATIVE BELLES.

everything very minutely. The purchase of a coat or blanket is undertaken as a grave business, requiring the advice of sagacious friends; even a pipe is not to be lightly bought, and the patience of storekeepers is often sorely tried in effecting the sale of one.

A few familiar instances may now be given to show the character of these people, and their remarkable fitness for civilization.

In the first place, they are fast acquiring real property; increasing their cultivations, improving their houses, and owning and sailing several coasting vessels.

On some parts of the coast, small wayside inns have been opened by them, and they make excellent hosts, having a never failing budget of news at the service of any traveller who may present himself. In fact, the son of the late Rauperah – that fierce and turbulent chief, whose whole life was one continuous scene of war and bloodshed, plot and intrigue – the son of such a father, is the quiet civil host of one of the best conducted of these inns to be found in the whole island. At Wellington, some of the natives have accounts at the bank, and appear in tradesmen's books, just as Europeans, settling their bills with great exactitude and punctuality.

Government, for the last two years, has employed a large body of them in road making. At Auckland, many have been engaged as masons, in building the substantial stone barracks of that place, and several are employed as policemen. In all these capacities they have given the greatest satisfaction.

Many years ago, when three fat but ill-starred pigs were sent to a remote part of the Northern Island, the natives, taking them for horses, rode two to death, and killed No. 3, for walking into a burial ground. They know better now, having large herds of swine of their own, and a considerable quantity of cattle and horses. They are, in fact, becoming good judges of stock, and treat all animals with great gentleness, particularly horses. The girls make pets of all young things, and it is by no means uncommon to see a native belle walking out with a following of two or three little pigs, a four-legged puppy or two, and perhaps a foal.

In the agricultural settlement of New Plymouth, such was the luxuriance of the late harvest, and such

NATIVE PLOUGHMEN – RUSTIC SPORTS.

the scarcity of European labour, that it was almost feared a portion of the crop would actually be lost. Our native friends, however, came to the rescue. They posted a public notice, offering their services, and most of the corn was cut by them in excellent style, our few European labourers having ample employment as leaders and directors of the work.

From their skill in using the American axe, clever management of fire, and knowledge of what is termed "burning off," they are found to be capital hands in the clearing and cultivation of bush or timber land; for the performance of which work they now frequently contract with the settlers at so much per acre. At the large Native Industrial School, lately founded at New Plymouth, there are some native lads, pupils, who, for quickness of driving, and straightness of furrow, are almost a match for the best English ploughmen in the place.

Nor is it in the labour field alone, that we are beginning to find them such staunch allies. They share in the sports and amusements of the settlers with equal ardour and success. Quick of eye, strong of arm, swift of foot, supple of limb; for pulling an oar, running a match, or accompanying an exploring party, they have no superiors. They are bold riders too. At the New Plymouth anniversary, they subscribed for a race plate, and won it on their own horses; whilst they quite took the honours at the rustic sports, catching the greased pig before he had well started, and throwing the best of our Cornish wrestlers in a manner patent to themselves.

On the establishment of this settlement, it was frequently visited by natives of the Taranaki tribe, residing some distance off, for the purpose of bartering their pigs and potatoes for clothing and tobacco.

These gentry soon discovered that we had something much better to eat than potatoes, namely bread, and that bread was procured from wheat. They at once purchased seed, and sowed a few acres, and, after some laughable complaints as to the labour of harvesting and threshing, the precious grain was at last obtained.

The next step was the grinding, but this appeared such an insurmountable difficulty that, for some time, they ate the wheat boiled. Fresh visits to the settlement,

PORK WATER-MILLS – NATIVE LABOUR.

however, excited fresh longings for bread – the very children began to disdain potatoes – and the result was that handmills were procured. As the cultivation of wheat extended, these were found to be inefficient, and they eventually contracted with the millwrights of the settlement to put them up three water-mills, to be paid for entirely in pigs.

This rather singular bargain has since been completed to the entire satisfaction of both parties; and now, in a district where, but a few years since, wheat was a thing unknown, good bread is found in every native house.

It appears to me that such traits as these indicate a race that may be entirely civilized, and raised to a state of social equality with ourselves. It is true that, since our colonization of the country, some two or three of the tribes have taken up arms, but they were led to do this, let us remember, only in defence and maintenance of what they regarded as their rights; it was a transient political quarrel, not a war of races; whilst, as regards individual private acts of violence and cruelty, of which they have been guilty, we have also to recollect that all races of men alike produce their great criminals, and that as no one would judge our national character by a Rush or a Manning, or a Sloane, so should we err in judging the New Zealanders by a Hongi, a Rauperah, or a Rangihaeta.

It has been remarked that New Zealand would be a noble country for colonization if the aborigines were extinct – that as they do not work steadily for hire, they will not have much effect in supplying that great desideratum in all colonies – Labour; and that, therefore, they are to be held cheap, and as of little account. To me, such opinions appear both selfish and superficial. Does the white man work because he loves labour, or because he has pressing wants which only the fruits of that labour will supply? The native in his wild state wants but a shed and potatoes, tobacco, and a blanket. But civilization comes, and creates new wants. He tastes bread, and works that he may have it to eat; sees a coat, and works that he may wear one; enters a white man's house, and works that he may have the means of improving his own; and thus, slowly,

TOWNS AND SETTLEMENTS.

if you will, but by sure degrees, this idle blanketed savage is changed into an industrious well clothed workman; and we are not, I think, to grumble because the maori will not, as yet, work every day in the week, but to rejoice, inasmuch as he may be willing to work one or two days.

In short, experience is fast proving to us all, that the existence of 100,000 intelligent natives in the country, will be found one of the most important elements of its prosperity; for they every year afford a better supply of labour, and are great and increasing consumers of our manufactures. And whilst the New Zealand Colonist is subduing the land, and covering it with the solid marks of his industry, it will be a proud satisfaction to him to reflect that, unlike his fellows in America and Australia, he is not exterminating his brother man, but is raising him in the scale of creation, by endowing him with the peaceful blessings of civilization.

Various towns and settlements have been founded on different parts of the islands. First, in the north, we find Auckland, the seat of the Government; a thriving town, containing about 6,000 inhabitants, with an excellent harbour, and extensive water communication.

One hundred and twenty miles south of this, we come to the agricultural settlement of New Plymouth, situated in the undulating plains of Taranaki. From the teeming fertility of the soil, and the exquisite beauty of the scenery, this district is called the "Garden of New Zealand."

Further south is Wellington, the first settlement planted by the Company, a place of great commercial importance, containing about 7,000 people, and occupying a most commanding position on Cook's Strait.

On the Southern Island, about midway between New Plymouth and Wellington, on the opposite coast, stands Nelson; a settlement of great pastoral capabilities, containing between 3,000 and 4,000 inhabitants.

On the South East Coast of the Southern Island, about 150 miles south of Nelson, is Canterbury, the

CHOICE OF SETTLEMENT – WAGES.

Church of England Settlement. This also is a place of great pastoral capabilities, and one in which the merits of the "Wakefield" system of colonization will, for the first time, be fairly tried.

About 200 miles still further south, we reach the Scotch settlement, Otago; possessing an excellent harbour, with extensive grazing tracks, and, although an infant settlement, numbering already about 1,200 settlers.

There are several other places of rising importance; but they do not call for any special notice here, inasmuch as they are not directly connected with emigration from this country. Except in the Canterbury and Otago Associations, land is now purchased at the Government sales, by auction – the upset price being £1 per acre.

The general character of this land would be that of great fertility. The expense of clearing and bringing it into cultivation would vary from two to five pounds per acre; and it would all be accessible from good roads, and within an easy distance of a town or shipping place.

Regulations for the purchase of land in the Canterbury and Otago settlements, showing the apportionment of the proceeds, will be found in the article on the Canterbury settlement.

As to the particular settlement to be chosen, the emigrant should be guided in some measure by his business or occupation, by his particular tastes or habits. If, for instance, he desired to embark in commercial pursuits, or preferred a busy town life, he should choose Auckland or Wellington. If acquainted with the management of stock, or fond of the pastoral life, he might select Nelson or Otago. If a High Churchman, anxious to avoid everything savouring of dissent, he might pitch his tent, tend his flocks and herds, and be exclusive, in Canterbury. But if, preferring agriculture, he wished to cultivate land, to create a snug estate; if an admirer of exquisitely beautiful scenery, stream and forest, dell and valley, he should undoubtedly choose New Plymouth.

Mechanics and labourers are so much wanted everywhere, that it is quite impossible they should go wrong. The present rate of wages for mechanics, such as sawyers, carpenters, cabinetmakers, shipwrights, mill-

PRICES – CAPITAL – GET MARRIED.

wrights, wheelwrights, coopers, masons, and blacksmiths, is from 5s. to 6s. per day. For labourers, working shorter hours than in England, about 2s. 6d.

The retail prices of the chief articles of domestic consumption are about as follows: – Fine bread, l 1/2d. to 2d. per pound; potatoes, 2s. to 2s. 6d. per cwt.; pork, 3d. to 4d. per pound; beef and mutton, 4d. to 6d. Fine poultry and fish, cheap and plentiful; fresh butter, 1s. to 1s. 3d. per pound; tea, 2s. 0d.; sugar, 4d. to 6d.; soap, 6d; tobacco, 2s.; spirits, 12s. to 16s. per gallon. Firing is cheap; and rent cannot be quoted, as almost every man lives in his own house.

It is an excellent plan for two or three families of neighbours to emigrate and settle together. Mutual and ready assistance is thus obtained in preparing for the voyage, and in all subsequent operations; whilst pleasant society is ensured at first landing in the new country, where the "old familiar faces" seem doubly dear.

Intending emigrants frequently ask what capital must I have to go to New Zealand? This is a difficult question to answer with any degree of precision; for much more will depend on the man himself, than on the purse which he may carry. As a general rule, however, it may be said that any one with about £1,000 might advantageously embark in any of the mercantile pursuits of the colony. £200 to £300 would serve to start a tradesman, or a farmer on his fifty-acre freehold, whilst the steady mechanic or labourer might safely land without a shilling; for, unlike the emigrant to America, set down in some crowded port, with a toilsome journey to encounter before getting regular work, the emigrant to New Zealand would receive instant employment on setting foot ashore.

I may here observe, too, that in new colonies married men invariably succeed best; and I would strongly advise any emigrating bachelor to try hard before his departure to induce some kind creature to take pity on his miserable condition, and become his wife. A good wife will be found to be infinitely the most valuable part of his outfit, and will go far to insure success from the commencement.

It may also be remarked, that, in new countries,

FORM OF GOVERNMENT – NO INCOME TAX – STEAMERS.

steadiness and industry are far more conducive to success than the mere knowledge of any particular business or occupation. For instance, in stock breeding, sheep farming, or in the cultivation of the soil, he who possessed these qualifications, but who scarcely knew cattle from sheep, or wheat from barley, would succeed far better than another who, without steadiness and industry, might be a practical judge of stock, and conversant with all the details of agriculture.

The Government of New Zealand is at present vested in a Governor-in-Chief, Sir George Grey, assisted by two Legislative Councils and a Lieutenant-Governor; but a representative form of Government, framed on liberal and enlightened principles, will probably be introduced in the course of another year or two.

There are two Judges, who hold circuits and administer the laws precisely as here; and, in each town, monthly Courts of Request are held, for the recovery of debts as high as £20 between two Europeans, and £100 between a native and an European.

There are no tithes, rates, or taxes; the revenue of the country being chiefly derived from moderate customs duties, land sales, &c.

Communication is kept up between the various towns by means of coasting vessels; but "steamers" will soon begin to ply between Sydney – the splendid capital of New South Wales, the London, in fact, of the South Pacific – and the different towns and settlements in New Zealand, a measure which will give an immense impetus to the general trade of the colony, and quickly develop the resources of each particular district.

In balancing the respective advantages offered by different fields for emigration, the three great prominent considerations should, I think, be these: –

I. – The climate of the country.

II. – The state of society. The religious and educational institutions.

III. – The natural resources of the country; or its power of producing valuable exports.

CLIMATE – ROBUST HEALTH.

The first consideration should undoubtedly be the Climate; for on this will depend the emigrant's health, and on the enjoyment of health will mainly depend both his happiness and success.

Now, whatever may be the relative advantages of New Zealand in other respects, it is undeniably true, that as regards climate, it is without a rival. Here it is as superior to Australia as that country may be to Canada and the United States; for, although Australia may be said to possess a fine climate, blighting hot winds are everywhere experienced – the summer heats are everywhere excessive. And this, if not the cause of disease, would nevertheless prevent the enjoyment of that robust health experienced in New Zealand; where it may be said that Europeans would be more capable of performing hard labour with comparative ease, than in any part of the world.

In New Zealand, too, droughts are quite unknown; and though not of very frequent occurrence in Australia, the distress and ruin caused when they have occurred, show the vast superiority of a climate never subject to these terrible scourges.

From the remarkable equality of the climate, it is not easy to define the seasons with accuracy; but as New Zealand is just at the antipodes, they are of course reversed – the coldest and wettest months being June, July, and August; the warmest and driest, January, February, and March. The great difference between the climate of New Zealand and that of England is, that while it is but little hotter in summer, it is by no means so cold in winter. For instance, the summer of New Zealand is only four degrees warmer than that of England; whereas the winter of England is fourteen degrees colder than that of New Zealand.

In the Northern Island, snow is never seen except around the high mountain tops. A film of ice is occasionally observed on pools early in the July mornings, but soon disappears under a brilliant sun, like that of an English September.

The warmest weather is refreshed by sea breezes, and the nights are invariably cool. Fogs and mists are almost unknown; there are no hurricanes; and thunder-storms are neither so frequent nor severe as even in England.

FINE CHILDREN, AND PLENTY OF THEM.

Vibrations or tremblings of the earth are occasionally experienced; but, except in one instance at Wellington, have never, in the memory of the oldest natives, caused the least damage; and there the damage was much less owing to any severity of shock than to the slight and flimsy manner in which the walls had been put together with mud, rather than with lime mortar.

The climate of New Zealand is found to be as healthy as it is agreeable. The children born there are considered, especially by their mothers, to be remarkably fine; and, making all due allowance for "mother's partiality," they certainly promise to be rather a giantly race.

A remarkable proof of the salubrity and prolific nature of the climate is obtained in comparing the deaths with the births. In this country, the annual amount of deaths is about one in every forty-four of the population. In New Zealand, it is only one in every 120. And whilst in England the annual number of births is one in every thirty-two, it is in New Zealand actually found to be upwards of one and a-half in every thirty-two.

This comparison does not, of course, prove New Zealand to be superior in salubrity to England, to the enormous extent indicated by these figures; for it is to be remembered that most of the emigrants to New Zealand have been young couples, in the prime of life. On the other hand, however, recollecting that the pioneers or first settlers in a wild country experience considerable comparative hardships, and that these returns are for the first years of the colony, it will probably be admitted that the small proportion of deaths to births, which they exhibit, is undoubtedly owing, in a great measure, to the excellence of the climate.

The following passage from one of the Bishop's letters is very descriptive of the climate: –

"You would not wonder that I love New Zealand, if you knew as much of it as I do. No one can speak of its soil or scenery till he has seen both the natural beauties and the ripening harvests of New Plymouth, and watched the play of light and shade upon the noble mountain and the woods at its base. And no one knows what the climate of New Zealand is till he has

SOCIETY – NO PENAL TAINT.

basked in the almost perpetual sunshine on the shores of Nelson, with a frame braced and invigorated to the full enjoyment of heat by the wholesome frost or cool snowy breeze of the night before. And no one can speak of the healthfulness of New Zealand till he has been ventilated by the breezes of Wellington, where malaria is no more to be feared than on the top of 'Chimborazo' – where active habits of industry and enterprise are evidently favoured by the elastic tone and perpetual motion of the atmosphere – and where no fog can even linger long to deaden the intellectual faculties of the inhabitants."

With respect to the second great point for consideration in the choice of a new country, viz., the State of Society, Religious and Educational Institutions, New Zealand is a colony which offers singular advantages.

Emigrants to a colony may be divided into two classes: those who pay their own passage out, and those who are assisted out. As regards the first, or capitalist class, it is well known that a much greater per centage of men of good, family and standing, of capital and high respectability, have gone to New Zealand than to any other colony. As regards the second, the men who build, and forge, and plough, and sow – the pith, bone, and sinew of all countries – the working men in fact, great care, almost fastidious care, has been exercised in choosing, for assisted passages, only families of acknowledged good repute; and the consequence of all this is, that every one who visits New Zealand is agreeably surprised at the high tone of society, and forcibly struck with the steady industrious character of all classes of the community. Moreover, it is to be remembered that New Zealand is happily free from that penal taint which has spread its demoralizing influence over the greater portion of the Australian colonies.

As some proof of the enterprising energetic character of the British population in New Zealand, I may state that, although their numbers do not exceed 30,000,

NEWSPAPERS – BALLS – COLONIAL FUN.

(that of a medium-size English town), yet already there are seven weekly newspapers in full career, besides one in the Maori language, supported by the natives. Almost every settlement, too, has its agricultural and horticultural shows, its races, regattas, cricket clubs, its mechanics' literary institutions, where, from time to time, ball, concert, or lecture comes off, as it may be here.

In fact, nothing can be more preposterously absurd than to picture the life of the New Zealand emigrant of the present day as one dull round of dreary toil, without a gleam of sunny pleasure; as all chop, chop, dig, dig, for the men; all wash, wash, mend, mend, for the women. Why should it be so? It is quite true that the emigrant must work; but is equally true that a comparatively moderate working, either of head or hands, will give him plenty and to spare. Now, he who has this is just the man who can afford to laugh and enjoy himself a little; and it is frequently remarked, and with great truth, that colonists, as compared to the old country folk, are a very merry set of people.

The honest man who creeps along your streets under the burden of a large family and the income-tax, whose life is one continued struggle against the fierce competition of his neighbours, whose to-day closes in anxiety, and whose to-morrow dawns without hope, does not laugh much, and would almost as soon commit petty larceny as a joke. But literally transplant him to laughing plenty in New Zealand, or in some other good colony, and he will joke fast enough; perhaps, in due time, do something worthy of Punch.

Let intending emigrants remember, then, especially the younger portion of them, that if they will only work, they certainly may also play. The sports and pastimes, the social pleasures and amusements, of their Fatherland will still be theirs in New Zealand; a little shorn, perhaps, of the polished lacquer of high refinement, but gaining in hearty homeliness and honest sincerity.

With respect to Religious and Educational Institutions, there is little to desire.

In the North, an excellent College, on a scale that

MEANS OF EDUCATION – AGRICULTURE.

would do credit to a colony 50 years older than New Zealand, has been founded by our admirable Bishop, Dr. Selwyn.

One of the chief features of the Otago and Canterbury Associations, is the large provision made for the endowment and support of school and church. A large body of zealous and active missionaries, Church of England and Wesleyan, spread over the islands, are working infinite good in the spiritual training and education of both races.

Good schools exist in every settlement; and no man going to New Zealand will be left without the means of giving his children that best of gifts – a sound practical education.

As regards the third great essential – the natural resources of the country, its power of producing valuable exports – New Zealand is a colony second to none.

In the first place, it is pre-eminently an agricultural country; experience proving that our English grain and root crops, seeds, vegetables, and fruits, are easily produced of excellent quality.

The land is of great fertility and easy of cultivation; and surprising as it may seem, it is literally true, that the yield of grain crops is nearly double that of New South Wales. Blights, rust, and mildew are unknown. Neither droughts nor wet harvests ever occur; water and water-power are most abundant, and no winter provision is necessary for stock. Except the rat and parroquet, there is no destructive animal or bird – these, comparatively, are harmless; and no insects are found so injurious as the locust, wire-worm, turnip-fly, and others, which occasionally commit such ravages in various parts of the world. In short, when the agricultural resources of New Zealand are fairly developed, it will undoubtedly become the "granary of the South Pacific;" finding, when, in the course of a generation or two, its own home markets are filled up, excellent customers for its surplus agricultural produce, in pastoral New South Wales and the ports of South America; in the Sandwich Islands; in the new and wonderful country

MARKETS – SHEEP – CATTLE – WHALING.

opening to us in California, and probably in some of the numerous Polynesian Islands just to the north (rich in tropical products, but not agricultural), which English enterprise and steam communication may soon enliven with the busy hum of commerce.

The pastoral capabilities of New Zealand are equal to its agricultural. It certainly does not possess so large an extent of grazing surface as New South Wales; but its pasturage is very superior in nutritious qualities. In fact, it has passed into a saying, that in New South Wales four acres are required to feed one sheep, but in New Zealand one acre will feed four sheep. And not only do sheep, like all other animals, breed faster in the latter country, but they are not subject to the "fly" or other maladies; and never perish by thousands as they do in Australia, from drought, disease, or a deficiency of food.

Wool of superior quality is already becoming an export of considerable importance. The result of the late London sales of New Zealand wool was most encouraging; and flocks are so fast increasing that, in a few years, wool must inevitably become a source of great wealth to the country.

Cattle succeed equally well as sheep, and the "Provision trade" – namely, the curing of beef and pork for shipment – will be a lucrative and extensive business. The rich and succulent pasturage of New Zealand is most favourable to the production of fine, well-fed beef, and its climate is well adapted to the "curing" process.

Some idea may be formed of the extent to which the "Provision Trade" might be carried in New Zealand, when we consider that already upwards of 40,000 tons of shipping annually enter its ports; and that even this market will be surpassed by that afforded by the fleets of the Indian and China seas, and the large and rapidly increasing mercantile marine of Australia.

Next, perhaps, in present importance to the great variety of valuable products included in "Agricultural and Pastoral Exports," would rank the whale fishery. New Zealand, with the Auckland Islands, is the natural entrepot and recruiting station for the large fleet engaged in this important branch of industry. Its

FLAX – TIMBER – COAL.

coasts are the favourite resort of the black whale; and the mere "shore fishery," carried on by boat parties, already yields an annual export of the value of many thousand pounds.

Large tracts of country are covered with the Phormium tenax, or New Zealand flax; an article which, by cultivation, might be so improved as to furnish a great staple export. There are nearly a dozen varieties of this plant, of various degrees of fineness. It is probably the strongest vegetable fibre known, and is remarkably useful to the settler, even in its green unmanufactured state, answering every purpose of cord and string.

The natives fabricate large fishing-nets of it, and excellent mats of great beauty and richness, useful baskets, snares for birds, tethers for animals, and ropes for their canoes; whilst civilized industry proves that it may be converted into cambric and linen, duck, canvas, rope, twine, and paper.

Some capital and a little enterprise are alone required to develop the real value of this article.

The finer sorts should be selected and improved by cultivation, and some simple machinery is required for its preparation; when the manufacture of it in the country, and the shipping home of the raw article, would find profitable employment for an army of cultivators, machinists, manufacturers, and artizans; and "flax" would become to New Zealand what timber is to Canada, sugar to the West Indies, and wool to Australia.

The forests furnish a supply of valuable timber, which the profusion of ages would not be able to exhaust. The Kauri Pine affords the most valuable spars for the navy, and there is plenty of timber admirably adapted for ship-building; a fact which, coupled with the fine commercial position of New Zealand, and the abundance of its bays and harbours, may fairly lead us to conclude that it will eventually become, like England, a maritime power of the first importance.

Coal of excellent quality is found in great plenty; and when we consider the relation of coal to the steam-engine, and reflect for a moment on what this mighty agent of human progress so triumphantly effects both on land and sea, we must admit that an abundance of

MINERALS – TOBACCO – BREWING.

coal is one of the most important advantages which a country can possess.

Building materials – stone, granite, marble, and limestone – abound; and the country is rich in mineral wealth.

Two copper mines are now being worked. Manganese and nickel have been found in three or four places; quicksilver, and sulphur, nearly pure in one; lead and silver in three; whilst, at New Plymouth, magnetic iron ore – the richest iron sand – actually covers the beach for miles.

It should be observed that these minerals have been almost accidentally discovered, and may be regarded as "earnest" of what will be found when proper researches are made by qualified persons.

Valuable tanning barks, and dyes of great beauty and richness, are yielded by the forests; and from the profusion of timber, potash, as in Canada, may become a large export, and pay, in part, for the clearing of the land.

The coasts of New Zealand abound with fish, the catching and curing of which would afford profitable employment for thousands, and be a source of considerable wealth; for an excellent market would be found in the Catholic countries of South America, in Bourbon, the Mauritius, and Singapore.

Tobacco grows luxuriantly, and its cultivation would be a branch of industry so well suited to the natives, that, in a few years, the country might in part supply itself with this important article of commerce.

From the nature of the climate, the abundance of soft pure water, the fine quality of barley, and the success of the hop plant, brewing is becoming a business of considerable importance; and, ere long, the pale ale of New Zealand will refresh many a thirsty throat in India and Australia.

Other sources of wealth and profitable fields for industry might be enumerated; but I trust enough has been said to show that New Zealand is naturally a very rich country, and possesses resources – agricultural, pastoral, mineral, and manufacturing – slumbering, it may be, at present, and long kept down and suppressed by the past troubles and gross mismanagement of which

NEW ZEALAND IN CONTRAST.

New Zealand has been the victim, but resources which need only the continuance of common fair government, and the "magic touch" of capital and labour, to spring into vigorous life and activity.

Having thus, I hope, shown that in the "three great essentials," New Zealand is pre-eminently a good colony, I would now briefly contrast it with the other chief fields for emigration, – namely, Canada with the United States, the Cape Colony with Port Natal, and the Australian Colonies.

The shortness of the voyage, the low price of wild land, vague notions of liberty to be realized under republican government, are the inducements which lead thousands to America.

As regards the voyage, an emigrant to America has to break up the ties of home, has to undergo the same trouble in getting ready, has to journey to the seaport to embark, has to settle down to sea life, just the same as the emigrant to New Zealand. It will be shown, hereafter, that the real expense of going to America is about the same as going to New Zealand; whilst of the two, the latter voyage is generally the most comfortable.

But even if the passage to New Zealand were rather more expensive and disagreeable than that to America, this, alone, should have but little weight. A hungry "diner-out," having invitations from two equally agreeable friends, might wisely choose the nearest table, that where the soup would be hot, and the sherry cold, rather than that where the soup would be cold, and the sherry hot; but a man who, in emigrating, takes a step irretrievable, and fraught with misery or happiness to himself and family, should, I think, be solicitous to choose the best colony – not the nearest, or the one most cheaply reached.

Wild land in Canada and America, at 5s. and 10s. per acre, may at first appear very tempting; but we have to remember that mere wild land in itself has no value. It is not bread that we can eat it, nor a coat that we can wear it, nor a house that we can live in it. The real value of wild land depends partly on its

WILD LAND – THE PATRIOT AND PICKWICK.

fertility, and on the easiness of clearing it; but chiefly on a supply of labour to cultivate it, and on the facility of conveying its produce to good markets. Land, without labour to cultivate it, and remote from any market, might, of course, be dear at 1s. per acre. Archibald Prentice, in his admirable "Tour in the United States," declares that land at £10 per acre, near a good market, might be as cheap as land at 5s. per acre without this advantage. He also says that he was forcibly struck with the excessive poorness of the crops, in Ohio, for instance, one of the finest states, twenty bushels of wheat being considered the maximum crop, six the minimum.

Land in New Zealand, at £1 per acre – about the general price, or even at £3 per acre, as in the Canterbury settlement – might be cheaper than much of that in the Canadas and Western States at 5s. and 10s.; for it would be a richer soil, at least as easy of cultivation; the greater part of the price paid for it would go to supply labour to cultivate it; to form roads and bridges, and to found schools, and other public institutions, all for the direct benefit of the purchaser; and, lying near or contiguous to some town or shipping place, its produce would command an easy transit to good markets.

As to those blessings of liberty, political freedom, moonshine, and other delusions, in which the emigrant to the United States is to revel and luxuriate, just let him remember the homely fact, that life and property are nowhere more secure than in a British colony.

His enjoyment of the franchise may enable him to assist some vociferous patriot to seize another's place, but in exercising this, or other of his political privileges, he will find it prudent to act on the significant advice given to Mr. Pickwick – always to shout with the biggest mob. The American "Cap of Liberty" is not, I take it, an "extinguisher" in mere form alone; and that freedom, which holds the slave lash in one hand, oft a bowie knife in the other, would seem to border on a "sham."

It appears to me, therefore, that the three great inducements which lead the emigrant to the Canadas and United States are rather delusive; whilst, as regards

EARP DOWN ON CANADA.

"fineness of climate," that first great essential in choosing a new country, the mild and bracing uniformity of temperature in New Zealand stands out in delightful contrast to the fervent summer heats, the bitter severity of the long and dismal winters, of America and the Canadas.

The following pertinent remarks on this point, and on the superior "quickness of location" in New Zealand, are from Mr. Earp's late excellent work.

"The emigrant to New Zealand, of all colonists, has the least occasion to be on a hurry on his arrival, possessing, as he does, an advantage unknown to the occupant of other emigration fields, viz., the advantage of being placed at once on the site of his future operations. He can, therefore, afford to spend a few days or weeks in looking about him, before he finally decides on his future course. This advantage should not be underrated; nor will it be so, if compared with the disadvantages of emigrating to some other of our colonies; from which comparison it will appear that New Zealand, though the most distant in space of all our colonial possessions, is among the nearest in the time requisite for the location of the emigrant. Take Canada for example, the nearest of all our colonies. In ease of emigration thither, the emigrant, after a voyage of two or even three months, in ships for the most part badly found, and wretchedly provisioned, finds himself under the necessity of travelling many hundred miles in a region in which frost and snow prevail for two-thirds of the year. Hence, the expenditure of time, notwithstanding the vicinity of the colony, makes the New Zealand voyage of four months short in comparison with the time requisite for getting located in British North America; whilst the expenditure of money, without return, which, in the case of emigration to Canada, is unavoidable, amounts to a sum which, in New Zealand, would have put him in possession of an excellent cottage and garden, almost as soon as he had landed from the ship. Even after the toilsome journey through the back settlements of Canada has been performed, the emigrant has still to look for his location; and if he arrive at any other period than the commencement of the short summer of the Canadian climate, he must wait for many months, living all the

THE CAPE COLONIES – KAFFIRS AND CONVICTS.

time on his capital, till the advent of the following spring melts the snows which lie many feet deep on the ground, before he can plant a single vegetable for the use of his table. In New Zealand, on the contrary, he can sow or plant during any month of the year; and such is the rapidity of vegetable growth, and the fertility of the soil, that a comparatively short time will suffice for a plentiful supply of vegetables at any season."

In contrasting New Zealand with the Cape colonies and Australia, it would be ridiculous to claim for it that superiority which I sincerely believe it to possess over Canada and the United States.

The Cape colonies, and particularly the Australian, are noble fields for colonization, and afford ample scope for the enterprise of thousands. In moving at all, however, we should aim at moving to the best. place, not merely to a very good one; and I should prefer New Zealand to the Cape and Port Natal, chiefly because of its finer climate, its greater natural riches in articles of export, its freedom from noxious reptiles, and destructive animals, including Kaffirs. And, for the the same reason, (substituting Convicts for destructive animals), I should very much prefer New Zealand even to New South Wales and Van Dieman's Land.

Considering, therefore, that New Zealand is a colony which offers the emigrant every chance of happiness and success, when he gets there, it is necessary now to say a few words as to the voyage.

Viewed as a great field for Emigration, New Zealand, like the Australian colonies, when compared with America, may at first appear too distant. A little consideration, however, will show that an emigrant to New Zealand would reach the scene of his future operations with much less trouble than the emigrant to many parts of America, whilst there would be no great difference in the expense.

A person now going to New Zealand has a comfortable passage in a picked first-class ship for £21, and is landed at the exact place where he intends to settle.

THE VOYAGE – YOUNG LADIES NETTING.

An emigrant to Upper Canada, or the Western States of America, would certainly have to pay half this sum for an equally comfortable passage; and as, after landing, he would have 1,000 or 1,500 miles farther to travel by land, he would as certainly have to spend £5 or £10 more before he arrived at his final destination.

Moreover, it should be well remembered that, partly owing to the great superiority of the ships employed, – partly owing to the more tranquil character of the seas – the voyage to New Zealand is safer than the voyage to America. There has never been an emigrant ship lost in going to New Zealand; and, I believe, but one or two, out of the many hundreds which have made the similar voyage to the Australian colonies; whilst it is notorious that fearful shipwrecks are of no unfrequent. occurrence in going to the Canadas and United States.

Preparing for the voyage, and the voyage itself, are commonly regarded with some dislike. A little determination, however, will soon smooth the way, and remove all these apparent difficulties.

The mere voyage itself is much more distasteful in apprehension than in reality. Sea sickness is decidedly unpleasant; but, in most cases, it really does you good; you feel not only lighter, but better after it, and fall to eating like an ogre. 100 days or so at sea afford an excellent opportunity for a course of useful reading, for improvement in any particular science or study. The emigrant might procure Archdeacon Williams' little work, and learn the native language, an acquirement which would be of the greatest service to him. Schools and newspapers are frequently established, or an interesting journal may be kept, to send home to friends. Then you have a quiet rubber, chess, or backgammon, with an occasional dance on deck in the fine evenings. The sporting part of the company amuse themselves with gymnastics, albatros-shooting, rifle practice, shark-catching, &c.; whilst the young ladies, in the mornings prosecuting (or persecuting), crochet work, and fashioning divers coloured little bags and nets, as elegant as useless, would find the soft moonlight nights in the tropics most favourable to love-making,

MESSRS. WILLIS' LINE OF SHIPS – OUTFIT.

and to the construction of certain other nets, in which are captured the larger animals. In fact, in a well-regulated ship, with good officers and pleasant society, such is the variety of amusement, such the absence of monotony, that I have known passengers get so comfortable on board, become so much at home, as almost to appear sorry when the voyage was ended.

There are now two great main lines of New Zealand packets, or emigrant vessels, despatched from London – one by the Canterbury Association, the other by the eminent firm of Henry Willis & Co. These are all picked, first-class, A 1 ships, making the run in about 100 days, commanded by experienced captains, generally carrying a clergyman and schoolmaster, and always a respectable surgeon. The passengers in these vessels are amply supplied with the best provisions, and their comfort is in everyway carefully provided for. The lowest cost of passage, per Messrs Willis' line, is 30 guineas chief cabin, 20 second cabin, and 15 guineas steerage. The Canterbury line is not so cheap, but these vessels sail with greater punctuality – in fact, to the very day – an excellent system, which Messrs Willis are about to introduce in their line.

Full particulars as to the various ships of both lines, the time of sailing, &c., may always be obtained by writing to Messrs H. Willis & Co., Crosby Square, London; or to the Secretary of the Canterbury Association, London. (See Messrs. Willis' Advertisement.)

One of the most puzzling matters with which the emigrant has to deal is the "outfit." Scarcely two of his advisers agree on this point: one recommends him to carry out a kind of Noah's ark, with every article of domestic use, from a rolling pin up to a mangle, and a stock of clothing suitable for a four years' Polar expedition; another counsels him to land with only a walking stick and a wallet. Having taken an active part in assisting off a large number of friends and acquaintances, for New Plymouth, I have had to pay considerable attention to matters of outfit, and have frequently been amused at the incongruous assortment of articles

LARGE OUTFITS – LITTLE WIT.

occasionally set down as first necessaries. One lady insisted that 285 towels, with soap in proportion, were essential to her happiness – and she took them too. Another "lady bountiful," of still more riotous imagination, sketched an outfit, (chiefly of dresses, clothing, and such light matters, as she called them), which was computed to measure several tons extra freight; she was summarily cut down, and went out inclined to pout.

In fact, outfits are much oftener too large than too small, and the first fault is the worst. To take out as few things and as much money as possible, may be regarded as a golden maxim for the emigrant, although this virtue may be carried to excess.

The emigrant's capital, the projected scale of his future operations, the nature of his proposed pursuits, the particular settlement to which he is going, must all guide and regulate the scale and nature of his outfit.

It is self-evident that the young gentleman who goes out "on trial" would require a much smaller outfit than the married capitalist, who goes to invest his money and live on his income; and that such capitalist would require a very different outfit to that requisite for the family who go with the settled view of combining arable farming and grazing on a large scale; that these again would require a different outfit to that suited for the small yeoman, who aims at creating only a little 25 acre farm; and that any emigrant going to a comparatively new settlement, like Canterbury, in the "first formation state," would require to take more things than if going to one of the older, more finished settlements, such as Nelson or New Plymouth.

No minute general directions can be given on this important subject. What articles to avoid taking, what articles to take, and what quantity of each, are questions which can be fully and satisfactorily answered only when the emigrant has stated what are his views and intentions, where he thinks of settling, and what he thinks of doing.

For such information, he is respectfully referred to the notice in a subsequent page; to which I would beg leave to add that, on a very moderate calculation, three emigrants out of four who spend only £50 in the whole

SUMMING-UP – PORT PHILIP.

entire outfit, fool away, if I may use the expression, at least £5 in buying useless or unsuitable articles – a sum which, I am confident, I could save them by a single letter.

It must, I think, be evident that nature has been lavish in her gifts to the beautiful country which we have had under consideration.

The salubrity of the climate is proved by a ratio of births to deaths, to which it would be difficult to find a parallel. Here no Canadian winter locks up the land in ice; no Australian "hot winds" scorch and blight; and here, unlike the Cape colony, there are no noxious reptiles or animals of prey.

The state of society, religious and educational institutions, are all that can be desired.

The country is pre-eminently both agricultural and pastoral; rich in valuable articles of export; abounds in the most charming scenery; and possesses a chain of the finest harbours in the world; whilst its relative position to countries rich in tropical productions is an important addition to these great natural capabilities.

There is, moreover, another advantage, possessed by New Zealand, which is seldom or ever brought so prominently forward as it deserves to be. I allude to its close proximity to the Australian colonies. Both for trading intercourse, and in an emigration point of view – this is a good thing. For instance, if the emigrant, on seeing New Zealand – on using his own eyes and ears a little, and judging for himself, before he finally settles down – is not fully satisfied with the country, a four or five days' trip, on the coming introduction of steam, will land him at Sydney, New South Wales, or at Port Philip – the latter decidedly the best emigration field after New Zealand.

In no part of the world are there two countries so near in distance, yet so wide apart in all natural features, as New Zealand and Australia. No two countries offer the emigrant such a variety of choice; and, most undoubtedly, the man who can find nothing to suit him in either New Zealand or in Port Philip, will

NO ROYAL ROAD IN A COLONY.

be some idle ne'er-do-well, or some fastidious grumbler, for whom an Arcadian El Dorado must be specially invented.

It is not unfrequently charged, on descriptions of new countries, that the "promised land" is drawn in colours far too glowing. The charge, however, should, I think, rather be that far too little care is taken to impress the emigrant with the stern fact that, in order "to reap the fruits," industry is as requisite in a new as in an old country. In this respect, the chief difference between them is, that in the old country labour, industry, and enterprise, go frequently unrewarded – in the new, never; but labour, industry, and enterprise, are necessary in both.

Numerous cases have occurred in which the extravagant ideas formed of a colony, by a person of sanguine temperament, on the perusal of some seductive book, have caused his utter failure. He reads of a delightful climate, with the richest soil; of fruits, flowers, and brilliant skies; of noble rivers teeming with fish, and the forest alive with game – and all this may be true – but he will not so frequently read of the axe, the saw, the plough, the first roughness of bush life, and the numerous petty discomforts to which, for a time, all must submit. Bitterly disappointed, he soon becomes the idle grumbler, damping the energy of others; then, perhaps the confirmed drunkard; and finally, quite ruined, returns home to damn the scene of his folly, and picture the colony as the abode of misery and desolation.

There is a charm, a romance, about emigration, and its pictured life of forest freedom, to which weak and excitable natures fall easy victims. But there are the hard realities of an emigrant's life, under which such soft natures, especially cockneyfied people of fastidious gentility, bend and break. And thus it is that, from time to time, from all colonies alike, we hear of a family of returned emigrants, who, in disgust perhaps at the partial absence of carpets or dress coats, the presence of sand flies, or short pipes, have been driven back to fatherland.

All must pity the self-delusions which led such people to undertake what they were unable for; still, as

SILVER FORK EMIGRANTS AND PARADISE.

warning beacons, they do good service to others; for, although, the clamorous recital of their petty troubles and disappointments may provoke only a smile in those who are really fit for emigration, it is sufficient to alarm those of their own stamp, and thus the list of victims is prevented from becoming larger. For a most amusing delineation of this class, and for a forcible and graphic contrast between vegetation in the old world, and life in a colony, the reader should turn to Sidney Smith's felicitous remarks at the end of the book.

People in this country contemplating emigration, or about to make choice of some particular colony, are apt to be far too much elevated or depressed by the good or bad reports, in the shape of "first letters," which earlier emigrants may send home. For instance, a family of rather enthusiastic temperament, warm lovers of fine scenery perchance, arrive, say in New Zealand, during the harvest month of January; and forgetting, in the glorious beauty of the country, the little troubles and discomforts of their "first settling down," write home at once and say they are in paradise – whereupon certain hesitating friends pack up directly, and start to join them. On the other hand, a family to whom silver forks, slippers, and soft-beds have ever been things of serious import, are so struck down and turned over by these same little troubles and discomforts, that they at once write home and describe the country as the antipodes of paradise, – whereupon certain hesitating friends, thankful for the warning, decide to stay where they are. Now, here, both parties writing hastily, on first, impressions, are equally mistaken. After the short experience of twelve months, they would probably agree in representing the country neither as a paradise nor the utter reverse; but as a very fair country, in which, with common industry and activity, moderate success, at least, was certain.

Intending emigrants, too, not unfrequently suffer themselves to be alarmed because late reports from some old experienced colonists may not be quite so cheerful as former ones. But here it is necessary to remember that all colonies, in common with all parent states, are alike subject to periods of depression; that prosperity has its ebbs and flows in young communities the same

COLONEL SIBTHORPE AND THE SCOTCH EMIGRANT.

as in old; and that letters from colonial farmers, merchants, and capitalists, written when wheat was only 5s. per bushel, trading profits only £20 per cent., and interest on the best securities only £10, will perhaps naturally be less cheerful than when wheat was 7s. 6d. per bushel, trading profits £30 per cent., and interest on the best securities £15.

Again, we occasionally meet with an "emigrant's letter," in the newspapers, written from America, or Natal, or Australia, or New Zealand, by no means satisfactory to such of us as may happen to cherish the thought of trying our fortunes in the very self-same colony from which the disappointed emigrant may have written. But here we have to bear in mind that, although due weight is to be given to bad accounts, as well as to good accounts, undue weight is to be given to neither.

By the old saying, "what is one man's meat is another man's poison." Colonel Sibthorpe anathematizes the Exhibition, and wont even look at the Crystal Palace. Curious people of the "fossil order" are still found, who mourn over the good old times when the jolter-headed pottle-quaffing Baron bitted his vassals with the gallows right, and the droit de cuissage. The diversity of taste is as great as the diversity of feature. William Howitt left even Port Philip in disgust; and only the other day a letter appeared in one of the provincial papers, from a New Zealand emigrant in Nelson – a Scotch emigrant too 3 – actually complaining of the climate! – of that climate which the statistical returns and thermometrical observations prove to be about as near perfection as possible, and of which the Bishop writes – "No one knows what the climate of New Zealand really is till he has basked in the almost perpetual sunshine on the shores of Nelson, with a frame braced and invigorated to the full enjoyment of heat, by the cool snowy breeze or wholesome frost of the night before."

FIRST YEAR A ROUGH ONE – PEER AND PEASANT.

In considering these points, we have also to recollect this very important and significant fact – that emigrants, as a body, are those who have been unsuccessful in this country, many of them in spite of their best efforts and most strenuous exertions, but many in consequence of the want of effort and exertion – people lacking perseverance and industry, fond of change and variety, hard to please, and easily daunted. And when we recollect this, the wonder will be, I think, not that we do occasionally see a complaining emigrant's letter, but that we don't see a hundred where we see one.

The intending emigrant, be he peer or peasant, be it in Canada, the United States, Australia, or New Zealand, should never forget that his first settling down in the new country must ever be, in the very nature of things, a season of some trouble, anxiety, and discomfort. His first year will ever be comparatively a rough year, and he who cannot endure this seasoning, for the sake of winning the "after fruits," should be content to remain, in want, or in genteel poverty, at home.

I would conclude by offering a few remarks as to who should emigrate.

"Hackney'd in business, wearied at that oar
Which thousands, once fast chained to, quit no more,
But which, when life at ebb runs weak and low,
All wish, or seem to wish, they could forego;
The statesman, lawyer, merchant, man of trade,
Pants for the refuge of some rural shade."

It may, indeed, truly be said, that New Zealand is a country of such great and varied resources, as to offer a pleasant and profitable field of employment for all grades and classes – for all ranks and conditions of men whose circumstances may wisely induce them to seek another home.

It is a great mistake to suppose that a knowledge of some particular business or occupation is necessary to insure success in such a colony as New Zealand; that emigration should be restricted to the merchant, trader, farmer, mechanic, or labourer.

YOUNGER SONS, AND NEUTER NEGATIVES.

For instance, it offers a noble field for the enterprise of that large class – "younger sons" – who here fritter away life in the chase of trifles. Assume that one of these unfortunates inherits £5,000 to £6,000; his capital is not large enough to support him in idleness; his interest not sufficient to place him in that frequent refuge for the destitute, a "public office;" the professions are crowded to excess. He wastes prime years in fruitless efforts to secure a position; and then, perhaps, sinks into the "hanger-on" of some greater favourite of fortune; his ambition confined to amusing his patron, to the cut of a coat, or the tie of a neckcloth; and at fifty, we find a pithless, valetudinarian, old bachelor, forcibly feeble in whist and twaddle; a kind of subdued vegetable, or neuter negative, rather than a man.

But let such younger son follow the Petres, Vavasours, Molesworths, Dillons, Mandervilles, and Cliffords, to New Zealand; lead out a band of his father's tenantry, and engage in the glorious work of colonization, like the nobles who planted Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland.

Then, a long and happy life of honourable enterprise would create him an estate which might vie with the old family one at home; and he would bequeath his children not only wealth, but a name honourable in the land as one of its greatest benefactors.

Again, there is a large class of respectable English families living on incomes of about £200; the interest of their whole capital of £4,000 or £5,000. The head of such a family may be a man of energy, in the prime of life, having several children to provide for – sons to settle, daughters to marry. He is deterred, however, from attempting to better his circumstances by engaging in any kind of business, from the fear of losing his whole property in the excessive competition here existing for the profitable investment of capital; and he retires to vegetate on the Continent, or buries himself in the Channel Isles, for the sake of cheap living.

The capital of such a family is comparatively dead; and so are the energies of the capitalist. For instead of occupying that important and influential place in

THE CAPITALIST, AND MISS LUCY.

society, which his abilities and education, combined with his pecuniary means, would, in other and more favourable circumstances, enable him to attain, his time is drivelled away in poring over newspapers – in speculating on the chance of making one son a briefless lawyer, another an ill-paid curate; whilst mama laments that, though all admire Miss Lucy's beauty and goodness, yet none propose.

The life of such a one is a life of shifts and expedients, a constant weary struggle to maintain that position in society, from which he sees, with bitterness, that his children must descend; and he is a restless, anxious, care-worn man.

Now, let such a man remove his family to New-Zealand, or to any other good colony; one-third of his capital invested on good security would produce him the whole of his English income; and the other two-thirds enable him to purchase 500 acres of fertile land, to clear and improve it, to build an excellent house, and eventually, with common care and exertion, to create a beautiful home, replete with every comfort. He would now become a man of great social influence, a kind of "personage," leading opinion, and giving a tone to society. Miss Lucy would now exercise her very proper prerogative of choosing from a host of suitors – it would now be, "Take your time, Miss Lucy" – and his sons embark in any of the numerous channels to independence which his now liberal means and high standing would open to their enterprise.

There are too, in this country, many excellent persons with still smaller incomes of from £60 to £100 a-year, who, from increasing families, the growing pressure of the times, and the difficulty of keeping up what are termed appearances, have come to the determination of trying their fortunes in New Zealand; but who, having no particular business or occupation, or having been brought up to some particular line, in which they fancy there is no opening in a colony, are perplexed with doubts and fears as to what they shall do when they arrive.

Now, to such I would observe, that colonial life is not a narrow circumscribed routine life, closely hedged in, and squared by tyrant forms and customs.

THE LAWYER, AND THE AXE – INDIAN INVALIDS.

In colonies there is none of that minute subdivision of labour, under the operation of which a pin is made by twenty hands, and no man ventures beyond his trade. In colonies there is greater power of expansion, greater freedom of action; there the "ne sutor ultra crepidam" does not obtain. With equal promptitude and success, the soldier converts his sword into a ploughshare – the sailor steers a harrow – the merchant turns farmer – the farmer turns merchant – the lawyer acquires an estate by deed of axe, not by "deed of pen" – and the doctor makes paying patients of his flocks and herds.

Let such intending emigrants follow but these simple rules, and all will go well. Let them avoid purchasing land here, and take out as small an outfit and as much money as possible. On arriving in the colony, get into cheap quarters and just look about a little before settling down; if not fully satisfied, say with New Plymouth, see Nelson or Canterbury, and then when the pursuit has been decided on, and the location chosen, just let them do the best they can, and quietly leave the rest to fortune.

New Zealand is also a country admirably suited to retired military and naval officers; the necessaries of life are cheap – the luxuries not dear. I well remember when in Upper Canada, remarking that this class not only produced excellent working settlers, but gave an intellectual tone and polish to society in charming contrast to the "plough and axe" roughness of the United States.

Indian invalids, or persons in delicate health, with small incomes, might advantageously plant themselves in New Zealand, and take a fresh lease of life. By sailing any time between May and October, a fine summer passage is ensured. The mere voyage, from what I have observed at sea, would, I think, generally have a most beneficial effect; and once in New Zealand, the invalid would surely find that the Rev. Mr. Yates was not more graphic than correct, in saying that there "the sickly become healthy, the healthy become robust, and the robust become fat."

Let such a man with his little capital go to New Plymouth or Nelson. Invest a portion of his money so as to yield him a modest income. Then purchase a few

MEN OF TRADE, FARMERS, AND MECHANICS.

acres in some sheltered dell or valley near the sea; have a snug, thatched, rose-covered cottage, keep his cow and pony, cultivate his garden, tend his bees and flowers, fatten his own poultry, brew his own beer, and discuss a pipe with a friend under his own vine or fig tree. He shall enjoy strong health, be surrounded with the most beautiful scenery, have every domestic comfort, with pleasant society, and shall haply reach a green old age.

As to the "workers," or more active members of society, I trust enough has been said to show that New Zealand offers ample scope for their enterprise; a profitable field of employment for their capital, skill, or labour.

The merchant or trader may embark, with every chance of success, in any of the numerous branches of the large and growing "import and export trade."

The sheep farmer or stock breeder would find a country possessing every qualification for the rapid increase of flocks and herds.

The agriculturist, or tenant farmer (who, if he lingers on at home may live to see his sons become hired labourers on the farm he once rented), would insure a soil of easy cultivation and great fertility, certain harvests, and good markets – would escape high rent, tax, and tithe, and soon rise to be the independent proprietor.

The steady mechanic would escape the crushing competition existing in old countries, and find constant employment, with good wages and cheap living; the half-starved labourer revel in rude plenty, build his house on his own land, and soon raise himself to comfort and prosperity.

But to all and to every one I would say this; – To those who may be doing tolerably well, or who may see a fair chance of providing for their children, let no love of change, no spirit of adventure, induce them to break up the ties of home. Emigration is, indeed, a serious step – one which requires the gravest consideration.

But I would also say to those whose prospects are less bright – to those, to whom the present is a state of corroding anxiety, of ill-requited toil; the future, without a seeming prospect of "better things" – to all such I would say – Drop the burden and go whilst there is

REFLECTIONS FOR THE INTENDING EMIGRANT.

time. Let no weak love of home, no idle fears of success, prevent their at once forming a manly determination to achieve in another land that happiness and independence which may be denied them here. Only let them go prepared to work, prepared to exert themselves, prepared to laugh at some little first "roughnesses," and rely upon it they will never repent the step which they have taken.

Let them remember that by becoming colonists they do not cease to be British; that the glorious page of British history – Cressy, Poietiers, the smitten Armada, Trafalgar, Waterloo – is still their history. Let them remember that colonies are infant countries in a state of rapid growth and transition; and that in the natural course of things, before their sons shall have attained majority, or their daughters bloomed into full beauty, their first rude dwellings in the bush, and the privations of the earlier settler's life, will have been exchanged for the well-built edifice, in the midst of cultivations, and for all the necessaries and most of the luxuries of old country civilization.

They go, be it remembered, to create a happy home for their declining years – a heritage for children. They will look with pride and satisfaction on the rich fields, the orchards and gardens, which their industry and enterprise may have planted. And, as they count their flocks and herds, survey their busy homesteads, or glance at the other fruits of their success (remembering that had they lingered on in England from want of energy to break their bonds, they might have become careworn anxious men, with poverty staring them in the face, and families destined to struggle on in difficulties) they will bless Heaven which kindly guided their steps, and gave them sense and resolution to become "New Zealand Colonists."

FINIS.

3 This unhappy man appears to have gone from Aberdeenshire, a country where the Siberian severity of the present summer has been such, that in this neighbourhood (Ballater), one of the hill farmers, in the middle of June, actually had to drive his sheep in, and house them, on account of the snow! – De gustibus non est disputandum.

AN ACCOUNT OF THE SETTLEMENT OF NEW PLYMOUTH [Part I]

AN ACCOUNT

OF THE

SETTLEMENT OF NEW PLYMOUTH;

OR,

GUIDE TO THE "GARDEN" OF NEW ZEALAND,

FROM PERSONAL OBSERVATION DURING A RESIDENCE THERE OF FIVE YEARS.

THIRD EDITION.

BY

CHARLES HURSTHOUSE, JUN.

DEDICATED, BY PERMISSION, TO

HIS EXCELLENCY SIR GEORGE GREY, K.C.B.,

GOVERNOR-IN-CHIEF.

"Earth's increase and foison plenty;
Barns and garners never empty;
Vines with clustering bunches growing;
Plants with goodly burden bowing;
Springs come to you, at the farthest,
In the very end of harvest;
Scarcity and want shall shun you,
Ceres' blessing so is on you."

Ceres' Song. – "Tempest."

AN ACCOUNT OF NEW PLYMOUTH.

THE settlement of New Plymouth, or Taranaki, was founded in 1841, by the Plymouth Company of New Zealand, which afterwards merged into the present Company. An experienced surveyor, F. A. Carrington, Esq., was first despatched to choose the site of the future settlement. He arrived at Wellington in January, 1841, and, after advising with Colonel Wakefield, 4 proceeded to examine Queen Charlotte's Sound, Blind Bay, and the Taranaki district lying around Cape Egmont, which forms the north-west point of the northern island, near the entrance to Cook's Strait; and here, twenty-five miles north of the Cape, in latitude 39 deg. 1 min. south, longitude 174 deg. 15 min. east, the site was at last admirably chosen.

New Plymouth, by sea, is 180 miles from Wellington, 150 from Nelson, and 120 from the harbour of Manukau, whence there is an excellent road of only six miles to Auckland. This central situation, between the principal old settlements and the capital, gives it ready access to the best home-markets; whilst, as part of New Zealand, its relative position to the Australian continent – to the beautiful islands of the South Pacific – to countries rich in tropical productions – is an important feature in its natural capabilities. For instance, on the one side, within 1,300 miles, lie Sydney, Port Philip, and Van Diemen's Land; on the other, about as near, the Friendly and Society Islands, the Marquesas, and Navigators', the Tonga, and the Fejee group; whilst

CLIMATE NEAR PERFECTION.

Manilla, Batavia, Singapore, and California, are within five to seven weeks' sail.

The settlement enjoys the usual climate of New Zealand. Emigrants may fail to realise all they read in the early and glowing accounts of this country; but an excellent climate will assuredly be found. In this respect, the greater part of New Zealand is as superior to Australia, as that country may be to Canada or the United States; for, although some portions of Australia possess a fine climate, the summer heat is everywhere excessive, which, if not the cause of disease, would nevertheless prevent the enjoyment of that robust health experienced in New Zealand; where it may be said, that Europeans are more capable of doing hard labour with comparative ease than in any part of the world. Here, too, droughts are unknown, and though not of very frequent occurrence in Australia, the distress and ruin caused where they have occurred, show the superiority of a country never subject to these dreadful scourges. 5

From the remarkable equality of the climate of this settlement, it is impossible to define the seasons with accuracy; the coldest and wettest months are June, July, and August; the warmest and driest, January, February, and March. For the following Table, which has been kept with care and attention, I am indebted to my brother, Mr. John Hursthouse.

No correct thermometrical observations having been made here, those given are the Wellington – the mean of 1846 and 1847, which will be found sufficiently accurate. The term "showery" is applied to days when there has been a shower of even half an hour's dura-

CLIMATE NOT DAMP.

tion; "wet," when there has been rain which would have prevented out-door labour. It should be observed that this result is the average of three years; the variation was very little.

MONTH,

Mean Temperature in the Shade.

No. of Days Fine.

No. of Days Showery

No of Days Wet.

Mean Temperature of the corresponding month in England.

January..

65

25

5

1

July...... 62.97

February..

67

20

5

3

August.... 62.90

March....

65

24

6

1

September. 57.70

April.....

61

16

11

3

October... 50.79

May.....

56

17

11

3

November. 42.40

June.....

53

14

14

2

December. 38.71

July.....

51

18

9

4

January... 36.34

August...

53

16

11

4

February.. 39.60

September

54

21

7

2

March..... 42

October..

59

19

10

2

April..... 47.61

November

61

18

11

1

May...... 55.40

December

67

21

10

0

June...... 59.36

New Plymouth.

England.

Mean annual temperature................

59 ..

49

Mean temperature of the three hottest months

66 ..

61

Do. do. three coldest months

52 ..

38

Difference...........

14 ..

23

During the three years, or 1095 days, the wind was –

Light and variable, or nearly calm.............. 499

Moderate................................... 393

Fresh..................................... 187

Very strong and gales......................... 16

Snow is never seen, except around Mount Egmont; ice is occasionally observed in the winter mornings, but soon disappears under a brilliant sun, like that of an English September. The warmest weather is refreshed by sea-breezes, and the nights are invariably cool. Although the winter months are wet, and showers frequent through the greater part of the year, yet from the lightness of the soil, and the dryness and elasticity of the atmosphere prevailing in the fine weather, the climate is not felt to be damp. Fogs and mists are unknown;

CLIMATE AS SUITED TO AGRICULTURE.

there are no hurricanes; and thunder-storms are neither so frequent nor severe as even in England. It is, however, a great but common mistake to suppose the climate of New Zealand almost tropical. For instance, the winter months on the south-east coast of the middle Island are wet and raw; and even as regards Taranaki, on the Northern Island, and on the warmer western coast, the idea of a "tropical climate" occasionally leads to an omission in the emigrant's outfit. Nothing is brought but the lightest clothing, as if he expected to broil under an Indian or Australian sun. Now, although, strictly speaking, there is no winter, yet many days in the wet months are cold enough to make moderately warm clothing requisite; and there are not, perhaps, fifty evenings in the year when a fire would be found actually uncomfortable.

The climate is admirably adapted to agricultural purposes. A distinguished writer on the subject says, "The quantity of rain that falls annually in any country is a very inferior consideration, when compared with that of the general and equable distribution of that quantity throughout the several days and months of the year. A great quantity at the same time is rather hurtful than beneficial; whereas those moderate but golden showers which regularly fall on a soil calculated to receive them, are real sources of fertility. "The Table here given shows that in January, the harvest month, there are only five days showery and one wet; thus, probably, not three in the thirty-one would stop work. February and March, the season for burning bush, taking up potatoes, and preparing finally for wheat, are nearly as dry; whilst, for the remaining nine months – the mean number of showery days in each being ten, June with fourteen, and September with seven – vary but little from the average.

The soil is so light that the effects of the heaviest rain soon disappear. In the richest district in Scotland, the "Carse of Gowrie," it is said that there are only twenty weeks in the year fit for ploughing, and thirty are probably over the average in England; here it would be difficult to find a day when, as regarded the mere state of the soil, ploughing, or any other operation, could not be performed with the greatest facility.

SCENERY – MOUNT EGMONT – DELLS.

The general appearance of the settlement is very beautiful. On approaching it from the sea, the town, or rather village, is seen snugly situated near the beach, its white houses contrasting prettily with the vivid greenness of all around. Behind, and on either side, are the near cultivations; whilst frequently some rising columns of smoke will indicate the more distant clearings. Almost to the water's edge, and for a considerable distance back, the country is covered with a luxuriant growth of fern, joining a forest ever fresh and green, and of the richest foliage; to this, as a fitting background, sixteen miles from the coast, is seen a range of wooded, hills, from which rises Mount Egmont, the finest natural object in New Zealand. 9,000 feet high, of a beautiful cone-like shape, thickly wooded round its base, but always capped with snow, and dazzling white, Mount Egmont is quite the pride of the settlement, and the admiration of every beholder.

The country is undulating, and so interspersed with small dells, that almost every section possesses one. These dells, although causing some broken ground, are nevertheless beneficial to the cultivator, and a marked, and beautiful feature in the scenery. They vary in size from half an acre to two or three acres, are densely wooded, and generally contain a small but unfailing spring. Thus they afford a near supply of wood and water, shade and shelter for stock; or, when partly cleared out and opened to the right aspect, the finest spots for orchards, or for the growth of any plants requiring rich soil and close protection from wind. The graceful fern-tree here attains its largest size, displaying its elegant leaves in fine contrast with the fuschia, the laurel-like karaka, and the rich and varied shades of the dense foliage around. The dells mostly resound with the song of birds; and, scattered through the cultivations, give close shelter in harvest time to that petty depredator on the corn-fields – the elegant green parroquet.

The most phlegmatic admirer of the beauties of nature would be charmed with the appearance of the country. For those who prefer the grand and romantic, there is the lofty snow-capped mountain, with its noble slopes and wood-crowned ranges. This object, in a summer's sunset, its massive cone-like form towering up

WATER – WATER-POWER – SOIL.

9,000 feet in the golden sky, from a sea of lustrous foliage, and bathed in its peculiar "purple bloom," is indeed a spectacle which fills the mind with wonder and delight; 6 whilst the taste for sylvan scenery and quiet rustic beauty is equally gratified by the frequency of stream and forest, glade and valley, clearings and snug homesteads: few countries offer so many beautiful and convenient sites for either cottage or mansion.

The district possesses an abundance, a profusion, not only of soft clear water, but of water-power. Between the town and the river Waitera, a distance of ten miles, there are eight fine running streams. Springs and rivulets abound; and in the few wells which, have been sunk, water was generally obtained at from thirty to forty feet.

The soil may be called a very light friable loam, with a porous subsoil; it is divided, locally, into three sorts, each marked by a different vegetation. The first is but a stripe, extending along the coast, covered with light fern, interspersed with tufts of grass, and freely mixed, especially nearest the shore, with the black iron-sand which is so plentiful here. The productive powers of this sand are rather surprising. Almost on the beach, within sixty yards of high-water mark, some early emigrants formed a few rough gardens, which produced excellent crops of vegetables; and, strange as it may seem to an English farmer, upwards of sixteen bushels of wheat have been obtained from a quarter of an acre of nearly the same description of soil.

The second division, adjoining this, is a tract of great extent, covered with fern, six to eight feet high, intermixed with a small bush called "tutu," and a species of tall grass called "toe-toe." The surface is a vegetable decomposition of from seven to ten inches, matted together by the fern-root, with a light yellow subsoil, of many feet in depth, entirely free from stones, shells, gravel, or clay. The principal farms are on this land;

SOIL – TIMBER.

and it may here be observed, that the chief difference, as respects the cultivation of this soil and the preceding, is, that it requires more exposure before cropping.

The third division is the Bush, or forest-land, which joins the fern, and extends along the country in a rather irregular line, two to five miles from the coast, and a considerable distance back into the interior. This soil in appearance resembles the second description of fernland, but turns up quite mellow and fit for cropping at once.

The district possesses a variety of valuable timber trees. The most common are Rimu, Kahikatea, Puriri, Rata, Kohe-kohe, Pukatae, Tawa, Rewa-rewa, and Hinau: there are others which attain a large size, but are not yet in general use. The Rimu, called Red Pine, more from its foliage than from any resemblance in the wood, is frequently sixty to seventy feet high without a branch, and from twelve to sixteen feet in circumference, Its foliage is remarkably graceful, drooping like clusters of feathers, and of a beautiful green. The tree opens very sound, is entirely free from knots, and, for a hard wood, works well. It is chiefly used for house-building; the finer parts for panelling and cabinet work: these are handsome, taking a fine polish, and in appearance something between Honduras mahogany and coarse rosewood.

The Kahikatea, or White Pine, is occasionally seen ninety feet high without a branch. In foliage and manner of growth it resembles the Rimu, but has a light-coloured bark. The wood is not much unlike the Baltic White Pine, but always sound, and quite free from knots; it is used for general purposes, for oars and boat-planking.

The Puriri, or Iron Wood, is one of the most valuable trees in New Zealand, growing from thirty to fifty feet high, and from twelve to twenty feet in circumference. The wood has a strong scent, is of a dark brown colour, close grained, heavy, and of a greasy unctuous nature; which last property is probably the cause of its being so much perforated by a large white slug, peculiar to this tree, when growing. Iron wood

TIMBER – TREES.

is principally used for foundations, fencing-posts, mill-cogs, &c., for all of which it is admirably adapted; as it would be, for any purpose requiring great strength and durability, in most situations.

The Rata, in its manner of growth, is very singular. At first it is a creeper, clinging for support round some young tree; for a time both flourish together in close embrace; but, as they grow, the subtle Rata, appearing to sap the strength of its early supporter, winds its strong arms around, by slow degrees crushes it to death, and eventually becomes itself the tree. The Pukatea is generally favoured with these embraces, which, though slow, are sure to kill. The wood of the Rata is of a reddish-brown colour, very strong and tough, well adapted to wheelwright's work; and, from its crooked manner of growth, furnishing suitable stuff for shipbuilding.

The Kohe-kohe attains a height of about forty feet without a branch; it has a handsome laurel-like leaf, and is the most common tree on the edges of the forest. It splits well, and is used for shingles, fencing-bars, and rails.

The Pukatea, a large tree, is a soft easy-working wood, of light brown colour; chiefly used for common work, and weather-boarding of rough outbuildings.

The Tawa and the Rewa-rewa are handsome trees, particularly the latter; both, however, are of inferior quality, and not used except as split stuff: the first, being highly resinous, makes excellent fire-wood.

The Hinau is remarkable for the whiteness of its wood, and chiefly known for its valuable dying properties: the rich black dye of the native mats is obtained from its bark.

Of smaller trees and shrubs, forming the "light bush," there is a great variety – comprising the Fuschia, from twenty to thirty feet high; the Karaka, a beautiful tree of the laurel kind, bearing golden coloured berries in clusters, which contrast finely with the glossy greenness of its foliage; the Fern tree, occasionally attaining a height of even sixty feet, from its showy and elegant appearance, a striking feature in the forest scenery; and the Nikau, more rare, but the most beautiful of all.

FRUITS – VEGETABLE IMPOSTORS.

In a country so rich in vegetable growth, it appears strange that there should be no fruits: many trees yield berries in profusion, but even the best of these cannot fairly be called fruit. The Karaka, for instance, almost as large as a magnum bonum plum, has a fine perfume, and looks tempting; but is very poor in flavour, mealy, and insipid. The Tawa berry, in appearance, is a fine damson; but, should the unwary stranger be seduced to taste one, he will be unpleasantly reminded of turpentine. The Poroporo, a handsome shrub, springing up by road sides, produces the finest berry; when quite ripe, its flavour is something between that of apple-peel and a bad strawberry; but if tasted before it is soft and mellow, the Poroporo is most nauseous.

The Kiekie, a creeping thing, called by some the "New Zealand Pine-apple," fruits every third year. In summer it bears a flower, the inner leaves of which are soft and fleshy, forming what may be called the "Flower Fruit" (Tawara); in winter the real fruit (Pirori) ripens, and is then about five inches long by two to three in diameter. Some little interest was at first excited by this vegetable impostor. It appeared that the country could boast one fruit, triennial, certainly, but a "Pine-apple:" tasting at once dispelled the illusion; in both stages it has a medicated sweet flavour, earthy, and rather bitter. 7 The pith of a certain kind of fern-tree, with the Kamo-Kamo, a sort of gourd, were at first occasionally used as poor sub-

FRUITS – FLAX – MINERALS.

stitutes for fruit; and water-melons, of fair quality, the Kumera, and the Taro, all flourishing best on the black sandy soil, are raised in considerable quantities by the natives.

Lovers of fruit will probably grumble at the poor dessert here set before them; but they may console themselves with the reflection, that New Zealand, in this respect, as in many others, is pre-eminently a country for introductions. All English fruits will be obtained in profusion; with care some few others may succeed; one, the Cape gooseberry, being already so common as to be considered almost a weed.

Phormium Tenax, or New Zealand Flax, is plentiful and luxuriant in this district. Before the colonisation of the island, when the natives prepared it as a barter for European goods, Sydney vessels obtained many part-cargoes of it on this coast; but after the settlement was founded, as the natives could more easily procure blankets and tobacco by exchanging pork and potatoes, they entirely abandoned the trade. Their method of dressing the plant is slow and inefficient; the fibre is scraped with a mussel-shell, and the preparation of a ton would occupy five or six individuals a month. The material produced by their rude process is, however, made into excellent rope, and has been woven into beautiful fabrics. It is, probably, the strongest vegetable fibre known; and is remarkably useful to Europeans even in its natural state, answering for cord and string. The natives apply it to a great variety of purposes; they fabricate large fishing nets of it, and excellent mats of great beauty and richness; useful baskets, in which onions and potatoes are shipped, and finer sorts to hold their wheat and provisions.

The ruling spirit of this settlement is decidedly agricultural, and no attention has yet been paid to mineral resources; in fact, in this respect, the whole of New Zealand is still a terra incognita. Rich iron-sand covers the beach, and substances, said to be manganese, nickel, and copper ore, have been accidentally discovered by the settler, and may be regarded as an earnest of

BIRDS – ECCENTRIC TUI.

what may be found when proper researches are made by qualified persons. Limestone has not yet been found in the Settlement; but the banks of the Maukau river, forty miles to the north, and Massacre Bay, on the Southern Island, distant but a few hours' sail, possess both limestone and coal. Parts of the beach near the town are covered with granite, lying on the sand in stones of all sizes, from a foot cube to those of some tons in weight; and a kind of sandstone is found in many parts of the district.

Taranaki, in common with the whole country, does not possess a single native quadruped; although, from its dense cover, genial climate, and constant abundance of herbage, one might naturally expect to find some few herbaceous animals. This deficiency is, however, balanced by the absence of all reptiles; for there are none, excepting a few harmless lizards.

Birds are rather numerous; and as they are generally of active habits, flitting from tree to tree as if, from the profusion around, they were embarrassed in their choice of food; and, as some are fine songsters, and others seem rivals in making the greatest possible noise, they give an air of pleasing liveliness and animation to the woods. One of the most common is the Tui, a bird of singular habits, and very amusing. It is always in motion; darting from some low bush to the topmost twig of a high tree, it will commence making such a variety of strange noises, with such volume of tone, that it is difficult to believe they all proceed from the same small bird. Should another Tui chance to be near, it breaks off to indulge in a little fighting; and ending with a kind of shout, will throw a somerset or two, and dart into the bush, only to recommence another exhibition. This vivacious creature, sometimes called the Parson Bird, from its plumage, a glossy black, with two white feathers on the throat like bands, is larger than the blackbird, and, in the season of the Poroporo berries, gets very fat, and becomes excellent eating.

The Kukupa, or pigeon, is about a third larger than the English stock-dove; its plumage is richly shaded with green, purple, and gold. It is rather a stupid bird, and easily shot; feeding on buds and berries, it

PARROTS – KING-FISHER – BELL BIRD.

possesses, when in season, a game flavour not unlike that of the blackcock.

The Pukeko, in shape, is rather like the water-hen, but larger; its plumage is dark brown, slightly tinged with green, and a brilliant purple on the neck and breast. It is a shy, solitary bird, generally haunting rushy springs and old native gardens, where it digs up the potatoes, scooping them out in a curious manner.

The Kaka, a large brown parrot, prettily marked with red, is rather a shy bird, and difficult to shoot. It utters a loud and peculiar cry, and is here generally seen, early in clear frosty mornings, flying about the highest trees.

The Kakariki is an elegant parroquet, with green plumage, touched with gold about the head. It is the only bird in the least destructive to crops: in harvest small troops of them are seen around the edges of the bush-land, carrying off ears of wheat.

The Kotaretare resembles the king-fisher, although its plumage is much less brilliant. It is most common about cleared bush-land, feeding freely on caterpillars and other insects.

The Tirakara is an elegant little fly-catcher, with black and white plumage, and a delicate fan tail; it is remarkably quick in its movements, and a great consumer of sand-flies.

One of the most delightful songsters is the Mako-mako, rather like the green linnet, but larger. It is heard about sunrise, near the edges of the forest, when several sing together, and the effect can only be compared to the soft tinkling of numerous little bells.

Wild ducks are not plentiful; they are seldom seen by day, but are occasionally found feeding at night on the stubbles. Of birds of prey there are but three varieties common to the district: the Kahu, a large brown buzzard, an expert rat-catcher, but fond of poultry; the Karewarewa, a sharp flying sparrow-hawk; and the Ruru, a small brown owl, hiding in the gloomiest recesses of the forest, and coming out to prey at night, when it utters a singular and discordant cry.

It should be observed that, with the exception of pigeons and wild fowl, there is nothing for the sports-

GAME – FISH – TROUT – WHITEBAIT.

man. New Zealand is undoubtedly the worst country in the world for shooting; but this part of it, from climate, soil, cover, and productions, is well adapted to the introduction of game. For instance, it seems almost made for pheasants, the soil is light and dry, high fern is the finest cover imaginable, and almost every farm possesses a few acres of thickly wooded dell, affording the closest shelter, with unfailing springs; around these for feeding lie the stubbles; and at all seasons, there is an abundant variety of buds and berries; in summer and autumn, plenty of grasshoppers and other insects.

Partridges would perhaps succeed equally well, particularly the French variety; for, although they require a greater extent of stubble and cleared land than pheasants, they would already find abundance of food, and would probably often lie in the lightest fern around the farms, which are every year increasing in extent. The country is entirely free from such destructive animals as the fox, polecat, and weasel; whilst birds of prey are less numerous than in England. Should any intending emigrant be inclined to try a little game, he ought to procure that which has been bred in a domesticated state, as best adapted to bear the confinement of the voyage.

The numerous streams of this district afford but four varieties of fish: the Piharau or lamprey, remarkably rich and fine flavoured; the common eel, attaining a large size: the Kokopu, a poor, coarse fish; and the Upokororo, a kind of trout seldom exceeding a pound in weight, but of very delicate flavour.

Of sea fish the varieties are more numerous. The best are the Hapuka, weighing from 30 to 70 lbs; the Tarakihi, the Moki, and the Kawai, a mackerel-shaped fish of from 4 to 6 lbs.: it enters the mouths of the larger streams with the tide, when, with a net, it may be taken in considerable numbers. This fish will occasionally rise to a fly, and take any glittering bait moved quickly through the water. There are also mullet, snapper, rock cod, crawfish, cockles, and mussels; and a small fry, almost equal to white bait, is taken in the river Waitera.

This country, destitute of animals, and not particularly rich in birds, possesses many singular insects; a

VEGETABLE CATERPILLAR – MILD MOSQUITOES.

description of which would far exceed the compass of the present work. One of the most remarkable is the vegetable caterpillar. It is occasionally picked up in raking light bush land, from five to six inches long, and nearly as thick as the finger. It has then the exact shape and marks of a large dead caterpillar; but, to the head is generally attached something like a piece of slender twig, or small fibrous root. On snapping the body, it is found to be white and pithy – a kind of petrified vegetable substance.

There are also a small caterpillar, destructive to barley when ripening; the common grasshopper; and a large one, flying something like a snipe. With the exception of a rare kind of fly, there is not a single stinging insect; and although musquitoes and sandflies are troublesome at first, yet even these seem to partake of the mild nature of the climate, and are innocuous as compared with those of America and Australia.

The natives of this settlement form a portion of the broken and scattered Ngatiawa tribe, formerly very powerful here; but in 1834, attacked by the Waikato, under Te Whero Whero, a large and warlike tribe, dwelling more to the north, numbers were killed, many led into slavery, whilst others, retreating to the south, settled along Cook's Strait and around Port Nicholson, so that when the first settlers landed, there were scarcely fifty natives in the place. By degrees, however, as the scattered fugitives gained confidence from the presence of the white man, and were attracted by the advantages derivable from an European community, most of them returned to their old country, and now the number dwelling within the bounds of the settlement is about 1000.

They lived in settled habitations, called Pah, one of which, near the village, covers about an acre of ground. It is surrounded by two rows of strong split paling, three feet apart, and about twelve high; the entrance is by two or three narrow gateways, and the interior divided by similar paling into several little courts and passages: here are the houses, potato caves, cooking

NATIVE HOUSES, AND NATIVE PLOUGHMEN.

ovens, stacks of firewood, and small sheds for the drying and preservation of various edibles. The houses are chiefly built of raupo, a kind of rush; some of the most ambitious with a door and window; but in general they have only a low entrance serving for both. This pah contains a native-built Wesleyan chapel, has about twenty houses, with from eighty to one hundred inhabitants, and is merely noticed here as a common specimen of an ordinary native village. It should be remarked, however, that great alterations are becoming manifest in these native villages. Ricketty out-houses are being removed, the streets widened, and the neat framed cottage in the English style is taking the place of the old rush hut, which, like the Tapu, and the dog-skin mat, will soon be only a thing of the past.

The natives are remarkably quick in learning any manual operation. From their skill in using the American axe, clever management of fire, and knowledge of what is termed "burning off," they are found to be capital hands in the clearing and cultivation of bush land, for which they now frequently contract with the settlers at so much per acre.

In fact, owing to the rapidity with which the English labourers rise into the "small farmer class," and become themselves employers of labour, all our farming operations would be seriously crippled but for the powerful assistance of the natives.

Our harvests are now almost entirely cut and carried by them; whilst as to ploughing, there are some lads at the Wesleyan Mission Station, pupils of the Native Industrial School, who, for quickness of driving and straightness of furrow, are almost a match for the best English ploughmen in the place.

In short, the native possesses such ability for becoming useful, that settlers should not be deterred by slight difficulties in endeavouring to bring him forward, but should use every effort to develope his capacity for work; recollecting that "native labour" is not only most valuable as labour, but that European pay and employment is the surest bond of amity between the races; and, far more than missionary teaching, a means of weaning the savage from the barbarism of his race.

They deserve great praise for their honesty, sobriety

NATIVE IN COURT – CAPTAIN FITZ-ROY.

and peaceful habits. I have seen but three or four cases of intoxication, and the most serious battle was occasioned thus: – By accident, a carpenter broke a ramrod belonging to a native, who, considering it was done designedly, retaliated by breaking the carpenter's pipe, who thereupon knocked him down; the native brought the case into court, and succeeded in fining his adversary 30s., but was much disgusted at the whole amount going to the Queen.

In the early struggles in New Zealand, when, through glaring faults of both omission and commission, the Land Question was converted into a brand of dissension, and Governor Fitz-Roy and his assistant Mr. Protector Clarke, backed by the Exeter-hall Dilletanti, made war upon common justice, and ran a muck against the Company and common sense, the "brunt of the battle" naturally fell upon the poor harassed settlers, who would often devoutly, perhaps irreverently, pray for a speedy deliverance from all their tormentors – both from their legitimate official tormentors, and from the pertinacious native land claimants too. But although the most visionary of settlers never dreamt that any circumstances might by possibility occur which could ever render it desirable to continue our connection with Captain Fitz-Roy, as Governor; yet we did, even in those days, believe, that when this gentleman was removed to the narrower, but more congenial, sphere of the quarter-deck, and the Land Question was satisfactorily arranged, that the presence of natives around any settlement would be found to be materially advantageous to us. The experience of later years has amply confirmed this belief; and by Captain Russell's interesting report, on the progress of the public roads under his superintendence, and the character of his native workmen, it appears that the Canterbury settlement had found it necessary to import natives from Wellington.

In rather naive forgetfulness of this officially reported fact, or possibly from a self-imperceptible determination to regard the site of the Canterbury settlement as the perfection of human choice – requiring nothing which it does not possess – some of the respectable, cosy-coated members of the Canterbury Association in London, seem to look upon our native friends as sad losels, and varlet

COUNTRY GENTLEMEN, AND CARNIVORA.

pipe-smokers, predal vagabonds, darker than painted even by the old-wife school of writers.

In fact, at the Wednesday's "Colonisation Conversazione," held at the Canterbury Rooms, the information supplied to the enquiring emigrant on the subject of the natives, would almost seem to border on the apocryphal. At least, it is far less remarkable for its clear and practical character than that which is afforded the emigrant on other subjects.

I fancy that country gentlemen sometimes leave the rooms with the rather uncomfortable impression that there still is a dash of the cannibal in the maori; and that it can hardly be said New Zealand is free from the "ferae naturae," while the larger carnivora are so well represented by the natives.

By the original plan of the New Plymouth settlement, the land was classed as follows: – 550 acres town land, divided into 2,200 quarter-acre sections; surrounded by 10,450 acres suburban, divided into 209 sections of 50 acres each; surrounded by 57,500 acres rural, similarly divided into 1,150 sections; making the total 68,500 acres, of which one-tenth was reserved for the natives.

The actual quantity of land, however, validly purchased from the natives by the Government up to the year 1848, and for which Crown Titles are given to the buyers, was about 30,000 acres; of which about one-half had then been sold.

From the negociations, however, which have lately taken place between Sir George Grey and the native owners, and from the growing disposition on the part of these latter to sell their wild waste lands, and devote themselves to the cultivation of their own "large reserves," it is expected, that in the course of the present summer the Government will succeed in acquiring, both portions of the splendid sheep-grazing tracks to the south of the town, and probably a part of the river Waiteira district – so valuable as the site of another town, and as possessing a snug harbour for the numerous small vessels employed in carrying away the surplus

LAND – PRICE – TERMS OF PURCHASE, &c.

agricultural products of the settlement to Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, Sydney, and even California.

Now that New Plymouth, in common with Wellington and Nelson, has passed from the Company to the Crown, the system or disposing of land will probably be assimilated, eventually, to that which prevails in Auckland, and in all the Australian colonies. That is, from time to time certain eligible surveyed lands (probably in lots of from 25 to 500 acres) will be sold, by public auction, the upset price being one pound per acre. A portion of the large sum so realized being expended by the Government in surveys, roads, bridges, native improvements, &c.; and a further portion in promoting Free Emigration, the same as to Sydney, Port Philip, and Adelaide, by granting "Assisted Passages" to mechanics and labourers in this country, who may wish to join their friends and relatives in New Plymouth.

"Pasturage Licences," for the grazing of sheep and cattle on the unsurveyed or outlying portions of the Crown Lands, will also be granted, and probably on the same liberal terms as those which have lately come into operation in the Auckland district; namely, a penny a-head per annum for sheep, twopence for horses and cattle.

It appears, however, by the eleventh report of the Colonial Land and Emigration Commissioners, that the Government propose to continue the Company's system of selling lands, until as much land is sold in each settlement as, by the original plan or scheme, such settlement was to consist of.

In New Plymouth, under this proposed arrangement, the Government have to sell, on the following terms, about 40,000 acres more, before they introduce any fresh system, namely: –

Country Lands, in 25 acre sections, at £2 per acre.
Town Land, in quarter acre sections, £12 10s. each.

Out of every pound thus paid, the purchaser receiving a drawback of 3s. 4d. towards the expenses of his own passage out.

On application to Stephen Walcott, Esq. (Secretary), at the office of the "Colonial Land and Emigration Commissioners," London, parties desirous of buying

LAND SHOULD NOT BE BOUGHT BEFORE-HAND.

land in Wellington, Nelson, or New Plymouth, would be treated with on the terms on which they formerly bought of the New Zealand Company.

As an old colonist, however, I should strongly dissuade any emigrant from attempting to make a purchase in this country. Let him see before he buys, and not jump in the dark. Such is the scarcity of money in new colonies, that, in all human probability, if he landed in any of the New Zealand settlements, purse in pocket, he would buy land at a lower price, and on far more advantageous terms generally, than he would do, if he bought it by description, unseen, in London. I cannot too strongly impress on the emigrant the great advantage, the intense satisfaction, of feeling himself a free, unfettered man, on arriving in any settlement – free to leave it for any other settlement – free to embark in any pursuit – free to leave the colony altogether – and of not finding himself crippled and tied down by a kind of millstone purchase made in England, compelled to stick to the cultivation of the soil, or to one particular pursuit, in one particular spot, when he finds that it would be better for him to engage in some other pursuit in some other settlement.

In the particular case of a New Zealand emigrant, of Church of England principles, fully approving of the discipline of religious class settlements, quite satisfied that he shall like Canterbury better than any other place, and going there for the express purpose of engaging in agricultural pursuits, it would be right to purchase land before-hand; but New Zealand emigrants, generally, as a body, should avoid committing themselves by purchasing land in this country.

By the time any one perusing this little work could actually arrive in New Plymouth, he would probably find plenty of first-rate arable and grazing land open to his choice, for purchase or lease, either from the Crown or from resident proprietors, and in lots of any size, to suit his means. But on landing from the vessel, half an hour's chat with the Government surveyors, and ten minutes at the Government Survey Office, with the maps before him, would put him in complete possession of the whole state of the Land Question; whilst a lunch and a morning's canter through the settlement,

PROSPERITY OF THE SETTLEMENT – WILLIS' LINE.

with one or two of the old settlers, would enable him to form a pretty correct idea as to whether the place would do for him. If he was satisfied with what he saw and heard, he would stop; if not, he would just shake hands with his entertainers, return on board, and proceed on to Auckland, Nelson, Wellington, Canterbury, or Otago; 8 one of which he might like better, but none of which, I think, he would like so well.

Perhaps no surer test of the well-being of a colony or settlement can be adduced than that of a large, steady, and continuous increase of population. In 1848, the entire European population of New Plymouth was only 1,137. At the present time, including the emigrants who are now on their way out, it is about 2,000, showing that it has almost doubled itself in a period of little more than two years. A most gratifying fact, especially when we consider that during this period "Californian delusions," acting on the enterprising, energetic character of a colonial population, have unhappily led such numbers to abandon Auckland and the neighbouring settlements in Australia, to find a grave, if not gold, in the "diggins." The progress of the settlement, as tested by the increase in stock and in cultivated land, is equally remarkable; the Government statistics showing that in one year the increase has been 50 per cent.

It appears that Government, desirous of promoting the military settlement of New Zealand, is organising a plan by which regiments that have completed their term of service in India will be ordered home by way of the Australian colonies, when from these regiments certain selected men will receive grants of small portions of land in New Zealand. Sir George Grey, considering New Plymouth as the most eligible settlement for such a useful body of emigrants, applied last February to the resident agent of the New

MILITARY SETTLERS – THE TOWN.

Zealand. Company for 2,000 acres of land on which to locate them; but the Company's agent, having no power to grant such Company's lands for Government purposes, was obliged to refer the matter home. Since this, however, the New Zealand Company having ceased to exist, all their lands and settlements have reverted to the Crown, so that Sir George Grey will now have at his disposal the whole of the New Plymouth lands. We may expect, therefore, that New Plymouth will soon receive a large addition to its numbers, in the shape of a body of picked orderly men, whose military training will admirably fit them for their settler's life, who will give great strength and compactness to the settlement, and materially aid in the development of its resources.

The village, snugly situated by the sea-side, profusely watered by the clear streams Huatoki and Mangotuku, and their tributary rivulets, boasts a fine granite-built church, the interior of which has a very rich effect – the material of the carved open roof and of the seats and pulpit being entirely picked specimens of the finest Rimu, a wood in appearance something between Mahogany and Rosewood. There is also another church in rustic style at the adjoining village on the banks of the Henui river, and a third, lately erected, in the Omata hamlet; together with a Wesleyan, an Independent, a primitive Methodist, and two or three native chapels, six day-schools, two evening schools, and five Sunday schools; built mainly by the people, supported mainly by the people – that is, by some 2000 English settlers, and some 700 natives – a fact which would seem to show that the "voluntary principle," to some extent, does at least flourish in New Plymouth; and which may lead dissenters to doubt whether the £33 per cent. tax, as at Canterbury, is necessary to open to the settlers the means of religious worship and secular instruction.

The "Grey Institute," a large native industrial school and training college has lately been opened. It is an institution already working much good among the natives, and which owes its existence chiefly to the useful energy and practical philanthropy of the Rev. Hanson Turton, the Wesleyan minister, whose thorough knowledge of the native language and customs is admirably

THE TOWN AND ITS ATTRACTIONS – PRETTY WOMEN.

applied in promoting the joint good of both races. An excellent ladies' school has been opened by the Misses King. In fact, the means of education for both races are almost in advance of present requirements; though from the number of New Zealand emigrants of the better class, now making choice of New Plymouth, one could wish that the settlement also possessed a good classical school. It is to be recollected, however, that the Bishop's College at Auckland is distant only 120 miles, and will be comfortably reached, on the coming introduction of steam, in about twenty-four hours.

On the different streams running through the village there are three flour mills – one the largest and finest in New Zealand – two small breweries, and a tannery. There is also a lilliputian gaol, the pride of the policeman, the terror of the turbulent fat boy population, and quite a caution to the infant natives; with a neat village inn, and a new and excellent hotel for the accommodation of visitors and passengers who arrive by the various emigrant vessels.

A Court of Requests is held every month, for the recovery of debts as high as £20 between Europeans, and £100 between a native and an European. Substantial bonded stores, of beach granite, have been erected; a Lloyd's agent has been appointed; and a bank agency lately opened by the eminent London Banking House, Messrs. Barnard, Barnard, & Dimsdale. A savings bank, under the auspices of His Excellency Sir George Grey; a literary institution and a cricket club have also been lately established. In short, although the newly arrived emigrant, or passing visitor, will neither get an ice at Gunter's, nor a bus to the bank, in New Plymouth, he will get a hearty welcome – Devonshire cream and bullock carts in abundance; and will find a neat, clean, honest-looking village, famed even in New Zealand for its pretty women, and troops of rosy children – giving itself no town airs, but displaying shops and stores sufficient to prove to him on the spot, that if half as many facilities exist for getting money as for getting rid of it, he shall soon be a rich man.

Frigid dinner parties, where heavy men in mourning meet in stolid gravity to devour more than they can digest, and to muddle themselves with curious sherries

PIC-NICS, PHILOSOPHERS, AND THE PONS ASINORUM.

and full bodied ports, are calamities from which New Plymouth is happily free. Social meetings and merry meetings are, however, very common. People drop in upon each other, and just take "fortune du pot," which in New Plymouth is always good fortune. Small tea tournaments frequently come off, often followed up and crowned by a little dancing, and a good deal of Devonshire junket – a thing so good that we can only wonder that it should have been invented in Devonshire.

Pic-nics and gipsy parties in the woods are favourite amusements. A party of enterprising bachelors provide the easiest going bullock carts, and catch the least impracticable of bullocks, drive a load or two of provisions to some grassy knoll near the forest, and then return for the lighter baggage – the women and children, guitars, music books, &c. &c.

You light a large fire in some hollow-hearted fallen monarch of the forest, and proceed to discuss a mighty tea. After this, in natural succession, and pleasing variety, comes a stroll in the forest, a cigar with a bead of brandy, and Sir Roger de Coverley, or The Lancers, on the green sward; occasionally winding up, at the request of the ladies, with a game at kiss in the ring, or hunt the slipper. You have a warm and balmy atmosphere, Mount Egmont towering up ten thousand feet above you, and the forest ringing with the songs of birds. The whole thing beats a court ball hollow. Let the languid lounger of Regent Street try it, and he will say so too. Let the most ascetic of philosophers, the most rectangular of mathematicians, just unbend himself at a New Plymouth pic-nic, catch, if he can, one of their "Devonshire rosebuds," and then refresh himself with a kiss, and bottle of Seacome's remarkable ale. If one thing did not astonish him, I fancy the other would; and if he ever went back to his books or his closet, it would be – via the "pons asinorum."

Here, I may perhaps venture to state, for the benefit of my fair readers, that one of the chief wants of the settlement is a bevy of marriageable spinsters. Any moderate number of enterprising girls (weary of waiting to be wooed and won), who would take ship and boldly throw themselves on the bush, would find bearded lovers under every tree (ubi mel ibi apes), church and

WIVES WANTED – POLKING – AUCKLAND MUD.

priest hard by – and would thus do the state good service and themselves too. As an inducement to polking young ladies, I may remark that even regular balls do sometimes come off. On the completion of the last harvest, the bachelors of the place gave a ball and supper to Sir George and Lady Grey, at which the dancing was kept up till six in the morning. Many a settler wants but a wife to complete his happiness, for New Plymouth is indeed a place of which we may say, hic ipso tecum consumerer aevo – here, with thee, I could wear away even life itself.

Mount Eliot, the former residence of the Company's agent, and which was purchased for the Government residence about two years ago, has been much, beautified and improved. Sir George and Lady Grey seeming to make it a kind of summer residence or retreat from the mud and bustle of Auckland. In fact, at the date of the last arrivals, his Excellency was in treaty for the purchase of the beautifully situated estate of J. T. Wicksteed, Esq., at Omata, as private property.

The choice of New Plymouth, as the particular settlement in which to purchase an estate, by a man of Sir George Grey's colonial experience, is a pretty significant proof of its merits and capabilities.

The overland mail from Auckland to Wellington, carried by native postmen, passes through New Plymouth, arriving north and south every alternate Saturday, and departing the following Monday. Mails are also made up every week for England and the neighbouring colonies, and despatched to Auckland and Wellington, by the coasting vessels. From Auckland to New Plymouth by land through Manukau and Kawhia, the distance is 199 miles; from New Plymouth to Wellington, through Waimate and Wanganui, 238. The quickest communication either with Wellington or Auckland is by sea, as dull sailing coasters, although generally 3 or 4 days in making the trip, can perform it, with a fair wind, in 30 hours. By a plan, however, which has been suggested, and which would be so admirable in effect that it will, perhaps, eventually be tried, not only these, but many other sea passages in New Zealand could, with certainty, be shortened more than half. This plan is to place a small steamer

MAILS – MAGISTRATES – CLERGY.

at Manukau, to make the voyage from Auckland to the Southern settlements by the west, instead of by the east coast. The following table shows the great difference in distance: –

WEST COAST.

EAST COAST.

Miles

Miles.

From Auckland to New Plymouth,

126

710

From ditto to Nelson, - -

280

665

From ditto to Wanganui,

210

640

From ditto to Wellington, -

300

550

On the east coast, there are no settlements; whilst on the west, a steamer would pass New Plymouth, Nelson, Wanganui, and Manawatu. Against this plan of communication, some might urge that Manukau is not a good harbour: shallow banks partially obstruct the entrance; but there are three deep channels; and nothing but an accurate survey, and a pilot establishment, are required, to constitute Manukau one of the best harbours in the north. Even now, without lights or buoys, coasters occasionally enter at night. There is abundance of coal at Massacre Bay; and nearer still, it is found at Mokau.

MAGISTRACY.

Commander Henry King, R.N.

John Tylston Wicksteed, Esq.

George Cutfield, Esq.

James Webster, Esq.

William Halse, Esq.

Donald MacLean, Esq.

John George Cooke, Esq.

Josiah Flight, Esq.

Captain Campbell.

Peter Wilson, Esq.

CLERGY.

Rev. H. Govett, B.A.............Church of England.

Rev. H. H. Turton..............Wesleyan.

Rev. H. Groube.................Independent.

Rev. T. Gilbert..... .............Unitarian.

Rev. R. Ward................. Primitive Methodist.

PROFESSIONS.

Peter Wilson, Esq............. |
George St. George........... | Medical.
R. Sherriff Low............... |
William Turner, Esq........... | Solicitors.
Thomas Standish..............
Wellington Carrington, Esq...... |
Edwin Harris ................ | Surveyors.
Charles and Edwin Davy....... |

BIRTHS – STATISTICS – PRICES.

BIRTHS AND DEATHS.

Males.

Females.

Total.

Births during the year 1847....

36

34

70

Deaths ditto.

8

3

11

Of these eleven deaths, three were accidental. In 1846 the mortality was only three.

STATEMENT SHOWING THE PROPERTY ACCUMULATED BY SIXTY-NINE PERSONS – CHIEFLY AGRICULTURAL LABOURERS FROM DEVON AND CORNWALL – SENT OUT BY THE NEW ZEALAND COMPANY AS "FREE EMIGRANTS."

312 1/2 acres of Wheat, Barley, and Oats.

10 " Turnips.

80 3/4 " Potatoes.

46 " Grass.

97 ........Head of Cattle.

143 ........Pigs.

27 ........Goats.

59.......Houses.

238 3/4 acres of Cultivated Land.

180 " Wild ditto.

An average of £5 each would probably far exceed the amount of property which these men possessed on landing.

No account is taken of property in money, furniture, &c.

RETAIL PRICES OF ARTICLES OF CONSUMPTION.

S.

D.

S.

D.

Wheat, per bush....

4s to 5

0

Eggs, per dozen ........

0

6

Fine Flour, per lb......

0

1 1/2

Milk, per pint.........

0

0 1/2

Seconds Flour, do..

1 d. to 0

1 1/4

Butter, per lb. ........

1

0

Bread, fine, per 4 lb. loaf...

6d. to 0

7

Cheese, ditto........

1

0

Potatoes, per cwt...

1s. to 2

0

Tea, of fair quality, per lb.

2

0

Pork, by the joint, per lb.

0

3

Coffee, ditto, ditto, .......

1

0

Ditto, by the pig,

1 1/2 d. to 0

2

Sugar, ditto, ditto,..

4d. to 0

6

Beef and Mutton ..

4d. to 0

6

Soap, ditto, ditto,........

0

8

Bacon and Hams ..

4d. to 0

6

Candles, ditto, .........

1

0

Lard ...........

0

6

Tobacco, per lb. .......

2

0

Fowls, per pair,........

1

0

Oil, for lamps, per gal., ..

2

0

Ducks, per do. .......

1

6

Beer (Colonial) ditto, ...

2

0

Turkeys, each ..........

2

6

Brandy, per ditto,

16s. to 18

0

Wild Pigeons, per pair ..

1

0

Gin, per ditto,..

12s. to 14

0

PRICES – RATES OF LABOUR – DISTANCES.

Wearing Apparel, and English manufactured articles generally, are dear; but, from the natural increase of trade, and competition, from the reduction in freights, &c., these things, together with groceries, and all imported articles, are becoming considerably cheaper.

BUILDING MATERIALS, &c.

S.

D.

Red Pine Board, 3/4 to 1 1/2 inch, per 100 superficial ft.

10

0

Ditto, scantling size not exceeding 6x4 inches, per 100 running feet ....

10

0

Shingles, taking 700 to cover a square, per 1000

10

0

Masonry Work expensive.

Cost of Post Raupo Cottage in native style, good for 3 or 4 years

£10 to
£15.

MISCELLANEOUS.

£

S.

D.

Firewood – ten days' supply for a moderate family

0

3

0

House rent can hardly be given,
as but few houses are hired: a comfortable cottage lets for, per week,

4s. to 0

6

0

Working Steers, per pair ...

20

0

0

Heifers, each ....

£6 to 10

0

0

Hire of Cart, Driver, and pair of Oxen, per day .

0

8

0

Grinding Wheat, per bushel ...

0

0

6

Landing Goods on beach from ship, per ton..

5s. to 0

6

0

Passage per Coaster from Taranaki to Auckland or Wellington

2

0

0

Freight from ditto to ditto, per ton ..

1

0

0

Cabin passage to Sydney ..

£5 to 8

0

0

Freight to Sydney, per ton ...

1

10

0

Agricultural Labourers, shorter hours than in England, per day

0

2

6

Mechanics, per day ....

5s. to 0

7

6

Native labour, from 1s. to 1s. 6d.;
but natives chiefly work by contract.

PRESENT EXPORTS OF THE SETTLEMENT.

Flour, Wheat, Barley, Oats, Potatoes, Onions, Pork, Bacon Lard, Butter, Eggs, Black Oil, Whalebone, Flax, Iron Ore, &c.

TABLE OF DISTANCES.

Miles.

From New Plymouth to Sydney, is

1145

" " Hobart Town

1300

" " Port Philip

1400

" " Adelaide

1900

" " Swan River

2800

DISTANCES – DUTIES – EXPENSE OF PASSAGE.

Miles.

From New Plymouth to Tahiti

2400

" " Sandwich Islands

4760

" " Manilla

5000

" " Singapore

5000

" " Mauritius

5800

" " Hong-Kong

5600

" " Valparaiso

6000

" " Cape of Good Hope

7000

The passage from New Plymouth to Sydney – the great commercial emporium – the London in fact of the South Pacific – by steamer, would be about five days. The passage from Wellington to Valparaiso has been made in 30 days; and to Bombay in 56 days. The passage to Manilla would be about 40 days; and to California about the same.

DUTIES.

£

S.

D.

British and Foreign Spirits, .. per gallon

0

5

0

Wines, ..... per cent.

20

0

0

Malt Liquors, .... "

15

0

0

Tobacco – Manufactured, ... per lb.

0

1

0

Ditto – Unmanufactured, ... "

0

0

9

Cigars and Snuffs, ....

0

2

0

British and British Colonial goods and produce, per cent.

10

0

0

Foreign Goods and Produce, .. "

12

10

0

Munitions of War prohibited.

DUTY FREE.

Glass Bottles (Full) – Specie – Plants and Bulbs – Live Animals – Printed Books.

LOWEST RATES OF PASSAGE FROM LONDON TO NEW ZEALAND, PER MESSRS. WILLIS' LINE OF PACKETS.

Chief Cabin.

Fore Cabin.

Steerage.

GUINEAS.

GUINEAS.

GUINEAS.

Adults, 14 years old and upwards,

30

20

15

Children under 7 years pay one-third.

Ditto, " 14 " two-thirds.

Infants under 1 year, no charge.

(See Messrs. Willis' Advertisement.)

These ships are first class, from 500 to 700 tons, carrying experienced surgeons.

Provisions, medicines, and medical comforts, are put on board, on a liberal scale, for six months. No

WILLIS' SHIPS – ROADSTEAD.

trouble is given to passengers in apportioning the fare, which, is daily cooked for them, and each passenger is allowed, half a ton, or 20 cubic feet space in the hold for baggage. Wines, beer, &c., may be purchased of the steward at certain specified prices; but no passenger can take any private supply of spirits. The average passage of these ships is about 110 days. Further particulars may always be obtained by writing Messrs. Willis and Co. 3, Crosby Square, London.

It is well observed that the roadstead of New Plymouth has not so good a character as it deserves, – a circumstance not very difficult to explain. In the commencement of the colonization of New Zealand, public attention was strongly drawn to the first accounts from the various infant settlements established by the Company. One of the first things known in England respecting the Settlement of New Plymouth was the wreck of the third vessel despatched to it; and as the bad first impressions thus made were soon afterwards confirmed by the report of the danger of the emigrant ship Oriental, the roadstead was condemned as highly dangerous, – a mistake which has not yet been thoroughly rectified, by the fact of the safety of every ship which has since visited the Settlement. The best roadstead is not generally so well liked by sailors as even a bad harbour, where, once in, they can so much more easily go ashore; and, owing to this natural preference, masters of coasters who, as a class, are best acquainted with the place, have frequently damned it with faint praise, even when they have had every reason to give it an excellent character.

The following short account of the New Plymouth roadstead, which has been submitted to the harbour-master and the pilot, may tend to remove some misconception respecting it.

Ships bound to New Plymouth, approaching from Cape Egmont with a light wind, should keep well off shore, to avoid getting becalmed. The Outer Sugar Loaf, in south latitude 39 deg. 3 min. 48 sec., east longitude 174 deg. 47 min., may be called the west-south-west

ROADSTEAD – SHIPPING FACILITIES.

mark of the roadstead, and can be passed within a cable's length. The best anchorage for large vessels is in 13 fathoms, with the Outer Sugar Loaf, or Saddle Back, bearing south-west, by west-half-west; and the flag-staff east south-east. The water shoals to about three fathoms at low water, within half a mile of the landing place. The bottom, for the most part, is sand over rocks, consequently the holding ground is bad; and the safe character of this roadstead is attributable to its open position, to fine weather, and to the prevalence of certain winds.

"North-westers" raise a heavy sea and surf; but these are of comparatively rare occurrence. South-east, off the land, south-west, to west-south-west along the land, broken by the Sugar Loaves, are the prevailing winds. With the first, the roadstead is as smooth as many harbours; with the others, ships can generally ride with ease; and, from the observations of seven years, it may be safely said, that there are not more than fifty or sixty days in the year when vessels could not discharge in perfect safety. The weather here has one almost invariable course; for instance, with the wind from the usual quarter, south-east to west-south-west, it is generally bright and fine; when a change occurs, the mountain becomes hidden, and the wind shifts gradually by east, north-east, and north-west, round to its old quarter, – squally at first, then lighter, and fine weather again sets in. It should be well noted that in this change, the wind moves steadily on from the fine-weather quarter round to north-west, and thus gives ample warning.

On the approach of a "north-wester," a ship, to avoid the risk of losing an anchor, should stand out a few miles, steering about west by south, so as to make a fair wind of the south-west breeze, which invariably soon follows; and she might generally return to her anchorage the following evening. 9

Mount Egmont, usually clear, and the Sugar Loaves, always to be seen fifteen miles off, are such excellent landmarks, that a strange vessel could not mistake the place. The Sugar Loaves are three rocky pinnacles two

and a half miles south-west of the town; the first, about 400 feet high, is on the main land; the second rises from the sea, nearly three quarters of a mile off; and the third is about the same distance still further out. There is a good deep passage between the outer ones. 10 With the exception of a small reef, about a quarter of a mile south of the flag-staff, running out half a mile in a northerly direction, and the one as shown in the present map, but which is out of the way of shipping, there is not a single obstruction in the roadstead. Neither is the place embayed, but stands boldly out, so that any vessel anchored in the right position, yet, by gross negligence, caught in a "northwester," would clear the outer Sugar Loaf, and, if necessary, weather Cape Egmont, twenty-five miles distant, bearing by compass from the anchorage south-west by south; when, of course, she could either lie-to, or, if bad weather were likely to continue, in six hours fetch Port Hardy. If, while a vessel was discharging here, the wind veered suddenly from any smooth-water point to west, and blew a gale, this would then be a bad lee-shore, and the ship, if a dull sailer, would probably not succeed in beating off; but as, for seven years, no instance of such a shift has occurred, it is reasonable to suppose that it never will occur.

Heavy moorings were laid down by the Company in 1842, which were of great service for two years; but having never been raised for examination, they got out of order, and as the Theresa was lying at them in March 1844, a shackle parted in the night, when the ship was in considerable danger by drifting in shore. 11 Government maintains a boat-establishment, superintended by the harbour-master and the acting pilot, who boards all large vessels before they anchor, and, if required, takes charge. The cargo-boats carry from four to five tons; their construction is capable of improvement, and the whole establishment could easily be made more efficient; but, in its present state, cargo is generally discharged with great despatch.

SAFETY OF ROADSTEAD, AND QUICK DESPATCH FOR SHIPS.

The customs' records showed, up to 1847, that 259 ships, of the burthen of 22,834 tons, have visited New Plymouth, of which only one had been wrecked; 223 of these vessels had partly or wholly loaded or discharged here; but neither in the great boating work which this caused, nor in whaling or fishing, had there been a single loss of life, since the foundation of the settlement. The one wreck in these 259 vessels was that of the Regina, a fine schooner of 164 tons, and the third ship direct from England. It appears that she was anchored inside the small reef before named, and so close inshore that in standing out in one of the regular shifts of wind, she struck almost before she was fairly under weigh; the greater part of her cargo was saved. The Oriental, an emigrant ship, was in some danger here. A coaster was once driven ashore, though afterwards got off; and, in the course of seven years, fourteen anchors have, at different times, been lost. 12 It is worthy of remark, that few of these anchors have been lost through stress of weather. Owing to the rocky nature of the bottom, the chain has generally parted from the strain of weighing; and every vessel anchoring in this roadstead should invariably bend a good, strong, stout "buoyrope."

If the simple fact was generally known, that of the 259 vessels visiting this roadstead, at all seasons of the year, but one ship and fourteen anchors had been lost, nautical authorities would probably admit that, as a roadstead, the place merits an excellent character; for it must be distinctly noted that some of these accidents were such as, after seven years' experience, would hardly occur again.

Captains of vessels now coming to New Plymouth, can safely rely upon this – they may experience some inconvenience, for it is just possible that they may be compelled to "stand out" before the cargo is discharged; but, on the other hand, they will, in all probability, meet with very quick despatch; and, by taking the pilot, there will be less chance of actual danger to the ship

WAITERA HARBOUR – RECENT SURVEY.

than would be incurred in entering many excellent harbours. 13

The roadstead must always be the best place for large ships; but for vessels of from fifty to a hundred tons the Waitera River would form an excellent port. Even now, without marks or buoys, coasters frequently enter it to refit. There are from ten to twelve feet on the bar at high water; a considerable depth inside for three miles up; and great natural facilities exist for the construction of wharfs and quays.

Could the noble harbour of Auckland be combined with the fertile plains of Taranaki, the result would be a "site," position and climate considered, perhaps unequalled in the colonies; but in New Zealand it appears impossible to find a first-rate port combined with a district pre-eminent for fertility and other agricultural advantages. In the latter respect, however, New Plymouth has no rival; whilst it must be evident that, in possessing a safe roadstead for large ships, with capabilities for a river harbour for smaller vessels, it is at least equal in natural facilities for shipping to various places in the world, which enjoy a very considerable and important trade.

Since this article was written, three years ago, an excellent survey of the coast has been made by H. M.'s steam sloop Acheron, Captain Stokes, and a great additional number of vessels, of all classes, from the 700 ton emigrant ship, to the small ill-found coaster, have discharged and loaded cargoes at New Plymouth, in perfect ease and safety.

The Taranaki district is pre-eminent for its agricultural capabilities; experience has proved that English

AGRICULTURAL CAPABILITIES – FERN LAND.

grain and root crops, seeds, vegetables, and fruits, are easily produced, of excellent quality. In the virgin forests of America, where trees are deciduous, a mass of foliage is annually shed, forming in time a deep vegetable mould; but here, where all is evergreen, the foliage, dropping only leaf by leaf, is partially withered up and dissipated before its decomposition into this vegetable mould. Thus the rich surface soil is comparatively shallow, and the peculiar adaptation of this district for agriculture, arises less from any extreme fertility of soil, than from the genial and forcing nature of the climate, the extent of level land, the low cost at which it can be cleared, and the extraordinary ease with which the soil can be worked at all seasons of the year. Here, neither droughts nor wet harvests occur; water and water-power are abundant; all animals thrive, and no winter provision is necessary for stock. Violent storms, which occur even in England, blights, rust, and mildew, so injurious to grain crops, are here unknown. Except the rat and the parroquet, there is no destructive animal or bird – these are comparatively harmless; and no insects are found so injurious as the locust, wire-worm, turnip-fly, and others, which occasionally commit such ravages in various parts of the world.

The principal cultivation, hitherto, has been on land covered with fern from six to eight feet high, intermixed with a small bush, called "Tutu." The surface soil is a vegetable decomposition, of seven to ten inches, matted together by the fern root, with a light yellow, loamy subsoil of many feet in depth, entirely free from stones, shells, gravel, or clay; in fact, no real clay or brick earth has yet been discovered. When this land is broken up and got into order, the soil becomes so pulverised, and is ever after so easy of cultivation, that a pair of oxen will easily plough an acre a-day, even with the rude and clumsy implements which are still generally in use.

Fresh fern land has one marked peculiarity, called "sourness" by which is meant some property hostile to the growth of crops put in directly after the breaking-up. The probable cause of this, is the absence in the new soil of such promoters of vegetation as the am-

METHOD OF CULTIVATION ON FERN LAND.

moniacal gases, readily absorbed from the atmosphere when the soil is loosened and exposed; although if "sourness" arose entirely from this cause, it would appear strange that the bush-land also is not subject to it. If a piece of the finest fern land be cleared and sown at once with wheat, the yield would probably not exceed fifteen bushels per acre; the same piece prepared six months beforehand might yield from thirty-five to fifty bushels; but on timber land this would make no difference.

In cultivating fern land, the first operation is to clear away the fern, which is best done in some dry month. Choosing a gentle breeze, the fern is fired; if it burns well, all the thick and matted dead stuff at the bottom, with the leafy part of the live fern, will be consumed, leaving only the shrivelled "Tutu," and the cane-like fern stalks, which, as softened by the fire, should be cut at once, either with a strong hook, or, still better, with a short scythe, and the "Tutu" slashed down with a bill-hook. Lying a few days to wither, the stalks are loosely raked up and burnt with the "Tutu" branches, and the "Tutu" stumps have then to be taken up, and carted into a heap, or carried off. After these operations, which cost from 10s. to 15s. per acre, the land is ploughed with a strong plough, having a wrought-iron share, and four oxen. The best depth is about ten inches, turning up a little subsoil. When broken up, the soil should lie some time to get pulverised, and to dry the fern root. It should then be harrowed and rolled, so as to allow of the easy raking-up and burning of the fern root; and, to get it into superfine order, ploughing, and these subsequent operations, should be repeated, when the land, after lying about six months, will be in the finest possible condition for any crop which may afterwards be grown. 14

MODE OF CULTIVATION – CROPPING – FALLOW.

A complete course of "double working," such as this costs about £2 per acre; but it should be observed that as this sum is for work performed chiefly by bullock-power, it will be materially reduced as cattle become cheaper. The price of working oxen in New South Wales is about £8 per pair, whilst here it has generally been about £30; but as cattle are fast increasing, and as a direct trade has been commenced with Sydney, it is probable that, in the course of another year or so, a pair of oxen will be purchased here for about £15.

The best method of cropping fern land thus prepared is hardly yet determined. If the soil has been exposed about six months, well mellowed, perhaps the best course would be two wheat crops, then manure a little for potatoes, or fallow, and so round; but if it is likely to prove at all sour, the first crop should be potatoes, which might be followed by two grain crops and then a fallow. Sheep have a surprising effect on fern land: a flock folded a single night has been known to increase a crop of wheat in the particular spot nearly 100 per cent; and all animal manure is considered to go twice as far as in England.

It is probable, however, that fallowing will become a more general, and for some years a more beneficial, plan than manuring. In a new colony like this, farming is never conducted with half that care, labour, and regularity required in old countries; and here, the mere collecting, carting, and spreading manure, would frequently be thought to entail too much trouble; whereas "fallowing" would be made a very simple operation. Messrs. Davy, Glenavon Farm, had a piece of 20 acres of fern land, on which the course was – first, wheat (a splendid crop); second, barley; third, a fallow, receiving two ploughings; and fourth, wheat. This crop was at one time expected to yield an average of nearly 50 bushels per acre; but from being too rank 15 – the straw six feet

BUSH LAND – MODE OF CULTIVATION.

long – its average was probably not 40 bushels. On my brother's farm, a piece of fern land which had borne three successive grain crops, the last very light, was also fallowed, receiving merely one rather deep ploughing; the fourth crop was wheat, estimated at 45 bushels per acre.

The clearing of bush land should be commenced in October or early in November, so that the stuff, when cut, may dry and wither through the hot months, and burn-off freely in March. The forest has a thick undergrowth, which should be cut first and low; the smaller trees are then thrown with an American axe, the larger with a cross-cut saw. When a tree is down, all its straggling limbs, which would, prevent the next from lying close and compact, should be lopped-off; and any little extra care in the felling effects great saving in the "burning-off;" for which a very dry day, with a steady breeze, should invariably be chosen. If the fire acts well, almost everything will be consumed save the trunks and heavy branches – which are lopped-off, heaped, and burnt; the trunks are then cross-cut, rolled together, and burnt; or the best are suffered to lie, or at once drawn away for firewood and fencing.

Timber can be thrown for about 30s., and burnt-off for £2 10s. per acre: but by a plan that will generally be adopted as the clearing of bush land becomes better understood, a saving of £15 or £20 per cent. will probably be effected. This plan is to leave standing, here and there, any particularly large or hard-grained tree; the great labour of cutting it down and clearing it away is thus saved. Killed by the fire, it is not injurious to any crop underneath. It occupies no greater space standing as a dead tree than as a stump; and it can be taken down whenever it may be required for firewood or fencing.

The forest here, although the land is level and more open, and the timber much lighter than in some districts, is nevertheless such a tangled mass of luxuriant vegetation, that it presents rather a formidable appearance; and owing to the greater first cost of cultivating it, and the natural preference which English labourers and cultivators have for the familiar plough and harrow

BUSH LAND – COST OF CULTIVATION – NATIVE LABOUR.

over the axe and the saw, bush land has come to be regarded as less desirable than fern land. Which is the most profitable to cultivate, is a question not yet decided by experience. The best plan of clearing timber land would be to employ natives, through some European of influence among them. A dozen good men, living on the spot, working together, stimulated by "utu" (payment), would soon cut down a 20-acre clearing in such a style as to ensure a good burning; so that this work, frequently costing 50s. per acre, would probably be done for 30s.

Both fern and timber land will eventually be cultivated at less expense, though the greatest reduction may be expected in the latter. At present, the one, to be cleared, thoroughly worked, and got into the finest order, costs about £2 10s. per acre; the other is cleared for £4, and for its first grain crop the seed can be "chipped-in" for 5s. to 10s. per acre more. Now, if this "chipping-in" would answer for three or four years successively, the surface roots and smaller stumps would so decay that the land might easily be prepared for the plough, when the difference in expense between cultivating fern and bush land would be very trifling. This plan, however, is thought to succeed only once, for when tried again, the crop is frequently choked by sowthistle. If wheat, then, be required a second time, the land is generally "hacked-up, cleared of surface roots, and hand raked; an operation called "grubbing," which costs about £5 per acre – too great an outlay for the production of any common grain crop.

It has not been fully proved that this plan of "chipping-in" would answer only once; but, assuming such to be the case, the most profitable method of cultivating bush land would probably be this: a heavy wheat crop might be taken first, and then the greater part of the section laid down in grass; for dairy produce would pay well as an export, and the bush land soon affords luxuriant pasturage. Twenty-five acres, or any quantity which the settler could stock, might be applied to this purpose; and about ten left standing as shade and shelter, and as a small run. Cattle browse on the undergrowth, and a cow on the bush alone will keep herself in good order throughout the year. Twenty-

COMPARATIVE MERITS OF BUSH AND FERN LAND.

five acres would keep at least twenty milch cows in the finest condition; and the remainder of the section might be devoted to the growth of "Cobbet's corn," which with the surplus milk, would enable the settler to fatten a quantity of pigs for hams and bacon – a staple article of trade, almost everywhere in demand. After the land had been a few years in grass, four good oxen would pull up so many of the stumps that, if desirable, the plough might be worked; and a succession of fine grain crops obtained at small expense.

The comparative value of bush land has been underrated; it is the richest soil; in all grain crops there is a considerable saving of seed, the yield is greater, and most things may be put in nearly two months later. Bush, land also yields the quickest return: for instance, an emigrant arriving in November or December would be enabled to get down a few acres of timber to burn-off in March; and, by sowing wheat in July or August, he would ensure a heavy crop the following January, but on fern land this could not be done, for the reasons given at page 80.

In summing up the respective merits of fern and bush land, it may be said, that on farms of from 100 to 200 acres, or of any size with the necessary stock and implements, the common crops – wheat, barley, oats, and potatoes – can perhaps be produced cheapest on the first. But in the case of a settler with a small capital and a grown-up family, who required only fifty acres, and who desired to make the most of the hand labour 16 at his command; or for dairy farming on any scale, the preference should certainly be given to bush land.

The Times has lately shown, with considerable pungency and force, that the English farmer, from long habit and association, has come to regard himself as born to grow wheat and nothing else; whilst other crops more profitable, and equally within his power to produce, are neglected as beneath or beyond his peculiar sphere. The same remarks would apply in part to many colonial far-

mers, both in New Plymouth and elsewhere. Now, the fact is, that this bush land is admirably adapted to the production of many important articles besides wheat, far more so, in fact, than fern land. Among them may be enumerated hops, tobacco, fruits, cider, oil seeds, hemp and flax, butter, cheese, hams, and bacon; whilst, from the extraordinary fineness and luxuriance of its artificial pasturage, it maybe questioned whether fine wool sheep could not be kept upon it with advantage; for the risks, losses, and expences attendant on the care and management of sheep would be less on what may be termed this 'near field system' than on the distant, exposed, 'stock station' plan followed in Australia.

Emigrants, as a general rule, will take too much land; but if a person settling in New Plymouth with, say a couple of hundred pounds, would be content to purchase and cultivate one of the twenty-five acre bush sections, he would, I conceive, be almost certain to realise a greater profit than if he took fifty acres of fern. In short, these little five-and-twenty acre freeholds of bush land are admirably adapted for emigrants of limited means – farmers' sons, and small yeomen, working men, with a little money – the pith, bone, and sinew of a settlement. They are also particularly well suited to such as capitalists, merchants, traders, and professional men, who, without exactly becoming farmers, are still naturally anxious to have some little place of their own, within easy reach of the town; where, with wood and water, close shelter, and a teeming soil, they may gradually create a "comfortable home" – indulge their tastes in gardening, kill their own mutton, and dabble a little in rural pursuits, just as a pleasing variety and change of occupation.

Wheat is a certain crop – -not subject to rust, mildew, or the attack of any insect. It is best sown on fern land early in May, at the rate of from two to three bushels per acre, though one is sufficient, and August is soon enough on bush land. Harvest is general about the 10th of January, when wages are 5s. per day, or wheat is cut for 12s. to 15s. per acre. Threshing was formerly a slow and tedious job, costing 1s. per bushel, and even then badly done; but as machines are now

WHEAT – YIELD OF CROPS – CHANGE OF SEED.

coming into general use, this expence will probably soon be reduced to 3d., and much valuable hand labour saved for the clearing of fresh land. The wheat grown here is of excellent quality, but in the present state of farming it is impossible to give the correct average yield per acre. In fact, the yield of crops in a young colony is a subject on which rather wild notions seem generally to prevail, and on which is expended no little exaggeration. Fern lands apparently alike in every respect have varied in yield the same season as much as twenty bushels per acre – a difference attributable to bad preparation and premature cropping. Small cultivators have not always been able to farm properly; and others, until lately, have not been fully convinced that fern land pays best when thoroughly worked at first, as in the manner before described. The most practical men are of opinion, that when this is done the general average yield of wheat in this district will be from thirty to thirty-five bushels per acre. The heaviest crop that has yet been obtained on any large piece was four hundred and forty-eight bushels from eight acres, equal to fifty-six bushels per acre; sixty bushels have occasionally been obtained on small pieces; and in one instance, it is said that the first crop on an acre of bush land sown with four pecks, was nearly eighty bushels of clean wheat.

It would appear, that owing to the forcing nature of the climate in New Zealand, "vegetable life" soon attains maturity; and attention must be paid to due change of seed. The agricultural perfection of the climate, and the natural fertility of the soil, have produced their common effects in New Plymouth. The more nature does for man, the less he does for himself. A long succession of plenteous crops, obtained, as it were, by "scratching the ground," have rendered the New Plymouth farmers (with some most honourable exceptions) slovenly cultivators: if there has been any system of farming, it has assuredly been the "lazy-bed system." A deficiency in a portion of the last wheat crop, caused by want of common attention to change of seed, and by the violation of the first principles of good husbandry, is, however, likely to have a most beneficial effect,

REAPING WITHOUT SOWING – BARLEY – OATS.

in proving to the most sceptical, that even in New Plymouth there will be "no reaping without sowing."

I have no hesitation in saying, that if common good husbandry had been the fashion in New Plymouth, the average yield of the past five years' crops, good as it has been, would have been increased almost 50 per cent.

From the apparent nature of the soil, it was expected that Barley would succeed even better than wheat; but it has been found inferior both in yield and quality. As wheat, however, has been grown in the proportion of eighteen to three of barley, and eighteen to two of oats, the latter have scarcely had a fair trial. Three to four bushels per acre more of wheat would be obtained if the operations of harvesting, threshing, and dressing, were better performed.

Barley, as before observed, has not been grown so extensively as wheat, nor has it generally received the same degree of attention. Some difference of opinion exists as to the proper season for sowing. The best time would probably be early in September; but if tilled then, it begins to ripen in December, and is generally attacked by a caterpillar, which, making its appearance in that month, is destructive in biting off the ear just as it changes colour. As this insect comes at one particular time, and is injurious to barley chiefly when ripening, late sowing, about the 20th of October, has saved the crop; but in this case the yield is deficient. Owing principally to the caterpillar, barley has not yet been grown with much success; fifty bushels per acre is the most that has been obtained, and twenty to twenty-five is about the average yield. However, as it would pay better than wheat, if the yield were only equal, more attention will be paid to its cultivation; and by getting the land, into finer condition, late sowing will probably be found to succeed in every respect.

Oats have been but little attended to. From the high relative price which they bear in Auckland and Wellington, this is rather surprising, but may be partly accounted for by the fact, that seven-eighths of the farmers here, are from English counties, where their culture is not found profitable. The best crop, sown early in April, was grown by a settler from Lincolnshire: the yield was

GOBBET'S CORN – POTATOES – TURNIPS – FLAX.

about forty-five bushels per acre, and would have been greater; but the crop being sown on fern land, after a good fallow, was too rank, and became partially lodged before harvest.

Maize grows luxuriantly on bush land, and the natives cultivate it in warm spots; but the climate of this district, like that of Van Diemen's Land, is not sufficiently hot to ripen maize as a general crop. Cobbet's corn, however, succeeds remarkably well; under garden cultivation it has yielded nearly a bushel of shelled corn to a rod. It would be an excellent first crop on bush land.

Potatoes are a certain crop; not subject to disease, nor to the attack of any insect. On bush land, they attain a great size, but are not so good in quality as those grown on fern land, which are remarkably dry and mealy. The early sorts should be planted in August; the later, for a general crop, in September, or early in October. On fern land, without manure, about seven tons per acre is considered a fair crop; but bush land will produce from ten to fourteen. An extraordinary potato plant once grew in a garden on the "Black Iron-sand;" in size, the haulm and top resembled some bushy shrub rather than a potato. It was taken up in the presence of witnesses, and the tubers, carefully counted, numbered 240, of which 170 were of fair cooking size.

Turnips have not been extensively grown. The middle of October is the best time for sowing, although a fair crop has been obtained when tilled as late as Christmas: twenty tons per acre are considered about the average yield. Turnips, like all other roots grown here, are of excellent quality, and specimens of Swedes weighing thirty pounds are not uncommon.

Beans, peas, cabbages, parsnips, carrots, and onions, have been grown chiefly as garden vegetables; but from the luxuriance of their growth, some of them may become rotation crops. Parsnips and carrots yield most abundantly; and nearly 300 lbs. of onions have been obtained from three quarters of a rod of the black sandy soil near the beach.

About three years ago, some interest was excited by an attempt to introduce the cultivation of English flax. From some experiments tried chiefly by Mr. Flight, a

CATTLE AND SHEEP – "WARE TUTU" – MISS LUCY.

gentleman conversant with the subject, it appeared probable that the soil and climate of the Taranaki district would be found well suited to the production of this important article; and a sample was sent to Messrs. Marshall, the Leeds flax-spinners, and to a Dorsetshire house, whose report of its quality was considered favourable. Seed was imported, but owing chiefly to the want of capital, and to the then unsettled state of the Land Question, none of it was sown, and the subject has not since been revived.

Cattle and sheep thrive, and, like all other animals which have been introduced, increase very fast. Both are subject to a kind of delirious attack, arising from over feeding on the "Tutu;" but this seldom affects them more than once or twice, and the actual loss caused by it is probably not more than 2 1/2 per cent. A strong dose of spirits, (for a bullock two or three bottles) is considered the best remedy; but quick bleeding has been found very efficacious. It is to be remarked that "tutu" is injurious chiefly to fresh imported stock, just landed from the ship. Owing to most reprehensible oversight on the part of some of the old New Zealanders, who must have been present at Canterbury when the first fleet of colonists arrived, two very valuable heifers, taken out by Messrs. Phillips and Fitzgerald, were suffered to wander off among the "tutu" bushes, and were killed by "over-feeding." Before any Canterbury gentleman, inclined to take out choice breeding stock, who may honour me, and profit himself, by reading these remarks, could actually land at Canterbury, most of the tutu around Lyttleton will probably be ploughed up. If not, let "ware tutu" be his early mornings caution to Miss Lucy, or my Lady's Maid, who may volunteer to tend the early steps of the warranted-safe and hornless cow.

Sheep are never attacked by the "fly," are free from their common diseases, and fatten quickly; half-bred Southdowns have been killed weighing nearly 30 lbs. per quarter. From the regular feeding and equable nature of the climate, wool will probably be of fine quality.

The fences made here are a grip and bank, or post

FENCES – RICHNESS OF SOIL – ARTIFICIAL PASTURAGE.

and rail. The first costs about 5s. per chain, and is a good external fence when well made and kept in order. Owing to the rapid growth of coarse grasses, the face of the bank requires to be slightly pared every year, and the grip cleared out. The post and three rail fence costs about the same as the bank; it is the better cattle-fence, and with good Kohekohe posts will stand five years. The best fences have the posts of iron-wood, which is rather more expensive, but is almost imperishable. Excellent hurdles, costing 8s. per dozen, made of the karewa, or supple jack, are useful as temporary fences for gardens, &c. Except in the town, damages caused by cattle trespassing, cannot be recovered unless the ground is fenced.

A considerable breadth of land, after bearing a succession of grain crops, has been laid down in grass – a plan which is found to answer admirably. In this country, it is fifteen or twenty years before what is termed a "perfect sward" is obtained; such grass, in fact, as we see only in parks and old pastures. Now, at Brooklands, Captain King's place, there are about 100 acres which have not been sown more than five years; yet which, for fineness and beauty of pasture, might, I think, be matched with 100 acres of any old park land in England.

White clover and Italian rye grass, mixed, have been the grasses generally used, other sorts not having been commonly obtainable; and March is perhaps the best month for sowing. The white clover is particularly luxuriant, and by banks and road sides, from farm to farm, is gradually spreading over the country.

Mr. Fox, an old experienced colonist, and one of the leading Wellington settlers, writing about New Plymouth, in May, 1849, says – "I was much struck with the extreme fertility of the soil. Some idea of it may be formed from the fact that thirty-five acres of grass and white clover, during the last year, carried nearly 300 sheep for a twelvemonth in excellent condition."

Perhaps the sceptical will not believe this; I do, however, and I hope others will too. I was on my way to England, when Mr. Fox visited New Plymouth, but I believe I can indicate and describe the particular 35

RICH PASTURES – BUSH LAND IN GRASS.

acres to which he alludes. They formed a portion of No. 90 Suburban Section, two miles from the village, on the Devon road, and were originally purchased from the Company by a Mr. Chilman. In its wild state, this section was covered with the common luxuriant fern of the district. The land was cleared and ploughed up in the usual manner, and, I believe, three wheat crops were taken in succession; on this point, however, I am not certain; one of the three might be barley. Thirty-five acres were then fenced off into two paddocks, and sown with white clover and rye-grass; and when Mr. Fox saw them they had been laid down about three years.

There was nothing particular in the soil of this section, or in the management of the land; and no reason to believe that it carried more stock per acre than any other of the common fern land of the district would carry, if similarly treated. But as it was almost the first piece laid down in grass, and as the paddocks were on the road side, near the village, they were seen by every one; and the beauty of the pasture and the quantity of stock it carried came to be common talk.

This was Fern land, be it remembered, after three grain crops. Now for Bush land. – Suburban Section No. 51, adjoined my own little place. For New Plymouth, it was what we term a heavily timbered section, and was purchased by a Mr. Broadmore, a most respectable and singularly industrious master sawyer. He made a clearing of ten acres for his house and homestead, and took four wheat crops in succession, averaging, I should say, 45 bushels per acre all round. His oxen, kept for carting the timber to the town, were turned loose in the surrounding wood for the night, and quite left to shift for themselves. But as there was often considerable difficulty in finding them in the morning, it was resolved to lay part of the clearing down in grass. White clover and rye grass were, therefore, sown thick in March, and in less than two months the bullocks were turned in to graze.

Broadmore's partner, George Lethbridge, a good practical gardener, dug up and thoroughly prepared a piece of this same land for a kitchen garden. A couple of rods were sown with the large white carrot. The produce was carefully weighed; and, incredible as it may seem, the

EXTRAORDINARY CARROTS – NATURAL PASTURAGE.

weight was nearly 40 cwt., being at the rate of about 150 tons per acre. I must beg the reader to remember, that in this case the land was carefully prepared, and the cultivation carefully attended to – that is, it was gardening, not farming. The thing may seem impossible, but the little piece of ground could only be likened to a solid mass of clean-grown, heavy roots, more like mangelwurzel than carrots.

I must confess, that in the first edition of this little work, I dare not mention this "carrot yield." I feared the account might not be believed; and thus, that the general credit of the book would be damaged. During the last two years, however, the later New Zealand emigrants have sent back such numerous corroborative accounts of the fertility of the soil, that I venture now to bring my carrots to market, trusting that they will sell (in a legitimate sense, I mean), and assuring the reader that I have rather under-stated than overstated their very plethoric case.

It has been frequently remarked how much the appearance of the country and the character of the vegetation in New Zealand is changed and improved by the introduction and depasturing of stock. A remarkable instance of this came under my own observation in New Plymouth. On first landing there, my brother and myself, commencing an examination of the settlement with a view of purchasing land, went to look at a certain district, about three miles from the town, at the back of the whaling station at Muturoa. To walk over, or rather to get through, this track, was then almost an impossibility. Luxuriant fern, ten feet high, covering a dense mass of decayed vegetation on the ground, and close matted and interwoven with the largest tutu and koromika bushes, seemed to form a vegetable rampart alike impregnable to horse or foot. And, after indulging in some pleasing speculations as to the crops such soil would produce, if it could ever be got at, we retraced our steps, to search for a spot where nature had been less bountiful.

For some three years afterwards, it so happened that I never went near this spot again. In the interval, it had become a kind of "home stock station": a herd of cattle had been turned in first, and then sheep were sent to

WHITE CLOVER – GRAZING AND FARMING COMBINED.

follow. When I did visit the place again, I went for the purpose of gathering mushrooms! and any one who knows where mushrooms grow, the kind of soil they favour, will see that the cattle and sheep had proved most efficient cultivators.

Cattle break through, tread down, and bruise the fern, in order to browse on the bushes. The fern when so bruised and stamped on, has a happy weakness of gradually bleeding to death. The bushes, thus in a measure deprived of the close shelter which they love, and cropped by the cattle, begin to fade and wither. Coarse grasses now spring up with almost magical rapidity. Cattle get fat; the more they eat, the more there is to eat; and the wild track is broken up into winding paths, broad tracks, and grassy knolls, mixed here and there with patches of dead fern, and dying bush. Sheep now get in. The grasses keep gaining on the fern, become finer and more luxuriant, and at last white clover appears.

Thus, by what we may almost term a self-working process, the roughest tracks are converted into excellent sheep runs; and it is probable that this process might be considerably quickened, if, when the pioneer cattle have made a little opening, a person were to mount a horse, and just roughly strew a few grass seeds over the surface.

This remarkable easiness of obtaining the finest pasturage, either in the manner here described, or by laying the land down in grass, after taking three or four grain crops, may, I think, well lead us to question whether grazing and sheep farming in New Zealand would not be found more successful, when combined with arable farming, as in England, than when carried on as separate, distinct, pursuits, on the "distant stock station plan" followed in Australia.

To pooh! pooh! the thing, as some do, and to say, in the stupid pride of theory, that such a system would not answer in New Zealand, because it is not followed in Australia, argues but little wit, and less penetration.

Australia is a hot, dry, arid country, of immense plains of barren soil, with a poor and scanty herbage, parched brown every summer, and subject to long, disastrous, periodical droughts – a country in which

GRAZING AND FARMING COMBINED.

it is found, after repeated trials, that good artificial pasturage cannot be obtained by sowing English grasses.

New Zealand enjoys a cooler, moister climate – is a country of hills and valleys, clothed with luxuriant vegetation, ever fresh and green, having a rich light soil, and an abundance – a profusion – of the finest water; a country in which artificial pasturage can be obtained, and that too, with ease, at a trifling cost, and in the greatest perfection.

In fact, he who contends that grazing and arable farming combined, would not answer in New Zealand, because the system is not, or rather cannot, be followed in Australia, might very consistently attempt to introduce the cultivation of the cocoa nut and coffee plant into Norfolk, because such cultivation may answer in the Brazils.

In New Plymouth, where the settlers have had the advantage of some years' training and experience, the opinion is fast gaining ground, that this system of sheep and stock farming, combined with corn growing, is the system; and it is now, on a small scale, becoming almost universally adopted, and with signal success.

To make any exact, comparative, calculations on the question would be impossible. Two and two in a colonial book do not always turn out to be four in colonial practice; and emigration figures and statistics are said to be quite as remarkable for boldness as veracity. We will not confuse ourselves with figures then, but just consider these points.

By combining the pursuits, they materially aid each other. A longer succession of fine grain and root crops, a far better rotation of crops, must necessarily be obtained where stock is kept on a farm than where it is not. Eventually, even New Zealand soil must have manure, and the fertilizing effect of sheep on the fern lands is really wonderful. Again, sheep, cattle, and horses can be looked after, managed, and attended to with much greater ease, economy, and efficacy when kept on a farm, within sight of the residence, and under the eye of the proprietor, his family, and establishment, than when roaming about almost "ferae naturae" over the distant exposed stock station, under the care, so-called, of isolated, very independent, shepherds or stock keepers.

THE SETTLER, AND THE SQUATTER – THE CONTRAST.

Thus much, and far more, may be said with respect even to "profit and loss" considerations; but if we come to view the question as one affecting the "social life" of the settler, we must at once award the palm to the combined home system, not to the stock station. Here, a man creates a pretty home, and plants the garden; shears his flock, reaps his crop, gathers his orchard, and picks the hop, in pleasing alternation and variety – strolls round at eve, with his wife, for a chat among near friends and neighbours – plies his convives with the glass of humming home brewed, "with beaded bubbles winking at the brim" – and keeps a table groaning under good cheer, and ringing with the glad laughter of little children. Wise and happy man! – There, in dull monotony, the misguided settler brands cattle and clips sheep, and clips sheep and brands cattle – squats in a mud hut, sucks the short duddeen, and appeases hunger with perpetual mutton and dyspeptic "damper." Mercifully, perhaps, no humanizing red petticoat arouses his better nature – no joyous ring of festive mirth, no sound of church-going bell reminds him of the bright world which has closed upon him. And with ragged beard and unkempt locks forlorn, he gradually droops into a bucolic Robinson Crusoe, without a Man Friday, slowly vegetates in profound solitude, and resigning himself to wool and despair, becomes the lone man on a hill among sheep – wretched individual!

Agricultural Implements. 17

The plough which has been found most useful for general purposes is one made by Howard, of Bedford – a plough which has gained several prizes at the agricultural shows. Perhaps, however, the best plough for the particular and important purpose of "breaking-up" new land, is one of Messrs. Ransome's, of Ipswich. It is known at their manufactory as the "X.P." plough. To make it stronger, the share and coulter should be welded together; when, with six oxen, this plough will be found a most powerful and effective implement. Another

IMPLEMENTS – REAPING – CARTS – HARROWS.

excellent plough of the Messrs. Ransome's is the one known as the "Y.C.P." plough. The frame, as well as the beam and handles, is made of wrought iron.

Wheat is cut here in the manner generally practised in Devonshire, called long and "round hewing" – a quick and efficient plan. The hook used, less curved than the hand-reaping hook, is, I believe, commonly known as the "bagging-hook;" and, as young fern is frequently found in first crops, it should be of good temper and quality. The mowing of wheat is, however, coming into practice, and will probably supersede reaping, for it is well adapted to the common fern land crops of about thirty bushels per acre, with short straw; and here, as corn is cheap and labour dear, a little waste is not much regarded if the work be performed quickly. The Kentish corn-scythe and binding rake, described in the Farmer's Magazine of Sept. 1840, answer well, as would probably the common Cornish scythe and crooks. What is called the Aberdeen scythe, one of a very peculiar construction, is an excellent tool in the hands of the natives.

Owing chiefly to bad roads in winter, the wheel carriages in general use are small, strong, bullock carts, made in the settlement. In harvesting, fore and back ladders are added, which materially increase their capacity; but for this work, they are of course much inferior to light waggons, or to the improved one-horse Scotch cart. It would be advisable to bring the necessary iron-work for a cart, with a pair of strong wheels, four feet four inches in diameter, and the tire four inches and a half broad. The axles, made only of the best iron or steel, should not be less than two inches and a half in diameter. Spare tire iron, and iron rods for bullock-bows, would also be found serviceable.

Capital harrows are made of Puriri and Rata; but two or three sets of tires, about eight inches in the clear, and fastening with screws and nuts, should always be provided. As to the numerous implements called grubbers, scufflers, tormentors, &c. the price is generally high even in England, and their real value perhaps overrated. If however, the emigrant, as a practical farmer, knew of any very useful thing, he would do well to bring it – remembering that the soil, though light and easy to

DRILLING – THRASHING MACHINES – TOOLS.

work, is at first infested with fern and tutu roots, which makes a fair degree of strength requisite in every implement.

Drilling has never yet been practised; but, as it would undoubtedly be an improvement on the usual plan of "broad-casting," a drill would be serviceable, although the extra fittings for sowing bone-dust, rape-cake, &c. would be quite unnecessary.

Winnowing machines, complete, would be rather expensive as regards freight. The iron work and sieves might be brought, and the wood work added here.

Thrashing machines are much wanted. The best one yet tried here was imported by J. G. Cooke, Esq. The maker's name is "Farribee, of Stroud. It is three horse-power, worked by a driving drum and fly-wheel, with band – a very safe and ingenious contrivance for a colony, as there is little danger of such gear getting out of order; and, being light and compact, is easy to remove. It runs on two wheels, but four would adapt it better to the inequalities of our roads. The carriage part should be made rather stronger; the wheels higher, and constructed of wood; and as oxen are better adapted to remove it on bad roads than horses, a pole should be substituted for the present shafts. The parts of a thrashing machine most liable to wear out or break should be brought in duplicate, with a good supply of brasses, gudgeons, and all minor appurtenances. The present hire of a machine, without oxen or horses to work it, is about 10s. a-day.

Of course, it will not be forgotten, that if a person intends to cultivate bush land, either as an arable or dairy farm, he must make the necessary alterations in his outfit. For instance, ploughs and harrows he would not require; but he should bring a better supply of grass seeds, axes, bill-hooks, cross-cut saws, &c., with all things necessary for a dairy; and a little seed of "plants cultivated on a limited scale for various arts and manufactures" – such as flax, hemp, oil plants, hops, mustard, &c., with a good collection of fruit-seeds or cuttings. A small quantity of any fine samples of wheat, barley, or oats, &c. should always be brought when practicable, as change of seed is very requisite. The best place which I have been able to find for procuring

MARKETS – NEW SOUTH WALES.

the American axes, bill-hooks, cross-cut saws, common carpenter's tools, and the like, which the emigrant should always take, is Messrs. Fenn's, No. 105, Newgate Street, London – an old established and most respectable shop, where the emigrant will be sure to get a good sound article for his money.

Markets.

As it is probable that the chief exports of this district will long continue to be agricultural, it may be necessary to consider what are likely to prove its principal markets.

For all practical purposes, it is sufficient to know that an excellent home market is found in Auckland and Wellington. The imports of these towns are even now larger than this settlement can at present supply; and, from the character of the country around them, neither place will raise agricultural produce so cheaply as it can be supplied from the fertile plains of Taranaki; whilst the gradual formation of new settlements, such as Canterbury and Otago, or the extension of old ones (the result of that great emigration movement which will eventually be made to these fine islands) will continue to open new home markets.

As all young colonies must at first import food, and as the growth and progress of New Zealand has been so lamentably crippled. New South Wales, herself a large importer, has, for a long time, partly supplied it with flour. This, however, is the case no longer; and when the immense agricultural resources of New Zealand are fairly developed, and it becomes what it surely will become – the "Granary or Store-house of the South Pacific," – New South Wales, herself, will probably be an excellent market for some of its grain exports.

As an agricultural country, the superiority of the one is as strongly marked as the inferiority of the other. By the Sydney "Official Book" of statistics, from 1835 to 1844 (including the Port Philip district), the average annual yield of wheat for the ten years was not fourteen bushels per acre. The annual consumption is taken at eight bushels per head, and the year 1836 was the only one in the ten which produced a surplus crop; the ave-

AGRICULTURAL INFERIORITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

rage annual deficiency of the other nine years being upwards of 250,000 bushels, to be imported. The average yield of barley and oats appears to be about sixteen bushels; maize is much the best crop, yet the yield was only twenty-five bushels per acre; whilst potatoes gave only three tons and a half. It is necessary to bear in mind that these returns are for an old colony, where it must be supposed that the experience of more than half a century has indicated the best system of cultivation, and where there is plenty of capital and labour to carry that system into effect. Destructive storms, floods, and droughts have occasionally raised grain to such extravagant prices in New South Wales, that, in 1806, wheat was 75s. per bushel, and £7 was given for a bushel of seed maize; whilst, in 1840, flour ranged from £50 to £60 per ton. The fearful drought and consequent dreadful fires, before alluded to, as having recently occurred at Port Philip, afford another marked instance of the agricultural vicissitudes to which the Australian continent is subject.

If, with the certainty of good home markets for some years to come, and the probability of others in New South Wales, 18 it be considered necessary to look still further, we find that New Zealand is conveniently situated for supplying several places which may become excellent markets, such as the British possessions in India and China, the French in Bourbon, the Mauritius, Singapore, Ceylon, California, and some of the numerous islands in the South Pacific, rich in tropical productions, but non-agricultural, which English enterprise and "steam communication" may soon enliven with the busy hum of commerce.

Considering the rising good repute of New Zealand as an Emigration field, and the consequent rapid increase of its population – bearing in mind the nature of the Australian climate, subjecting the whole continent

PRICE OF WHEAT – FARMERS' PROSPECTS.

to periodical failures in the crop – recollecting that New Zealand is the nearest "corn growing" country to California – and that the improvements which are being effected in "screw steam navigation" will eventually bring it within the reach of other new and excellent markets – we are, I think, justified in assuming that the average price of wheat in New Zealand will not be less than about 5s. per bushel.

Taking 5s. a bushel to be the standard price, and all other farm products at the proportionate relative value, agricultural and grazing pursuits certainly ought to pay well in New Plymouth.

The English farmer obtains but 5s. a bushel for wheat, and pays a heavy rent, rates, tithes, and various taxes. In New Plymouth, he would obtain the same price, and pay no rent, no tax, no tithe – at least but a very low rent. He would buy the "fee simple" of the land for about 30s. per acre, and would get his crops in for £3 10s. more, making the first cost £5 per acre; and the interest on this at ten per cent., regarded as a rent charge, would be only ten shillings per acre.

But there is the extra cost of labour, the reader may say, and the greater expense of living! The rate of wages in New Plymouth, as affected by the lower price of native labour, is not more than £20 per cent. higher than in England; and it may well be questioned whether so much labour would be required. Mind, I am giving the farmer in New Plymouth a fair start, on a clean, thoroughly prepared, virgin soil, a light friable loam, without weed, stone, or clod, and in a mild equable climate, admirably suited to agricultural and grazing pursuits.

Moreover, if the whole outgoings of the New Plymouth farmer in labour should prove heavier than they were in England, I conceive that the difference would, in a great measure, be made up to him by the certainty of crop, and the greater yield per acre which he would obtain.

With respect to the "expence of living," there would be no material difference. In New Plymouth, mere eating and drinking would be quite as cheap. Dress, and all manufactured articles would be dearer – but not so much dearer; and such costly things would not be requisite. My Lord "Self-Protection's" tenant at

VERY 'FREE-TRADE' PORT, AND THE ENGLISH FARMER.

the Grange, exposes Giles in livery, and doses his guests with cunningly compounded claret, and very free-trade Port, not because he really likes this style of thing, or considers it essential to his happiness and success; but because some aspiring neighbour has introduced the style – one fool has made many – and it is the custom. Now, in New Plymouth such is not the custom. There he would not be compelled, by the tyranny of social convention, to keep up false appearances, but would live in that natural, easy, hearty, hospitable manner, which renders a week's visit in a farm house, more of the olden style, such a charming little episode in the town man's life, ever to be remembered with pleasure.

I must beg the reader to remember that we are not now taking that broad view of the question of emigration, which would shew us how, by passing over to New Plymouth, the struggling tenant farmer of this country would become the independent proprietor of an estate, and would establish his family in easy comfort. We are now glancing at farming in England and farming in New Plymouth only as comparative investments for capital.

A minute comparison might be drawn between the condition of the tenant farmer here, employing a capital of two or three thousand, and that of the same man cultivating his own estate in New Plymouth; but a desire to compress this little work so as to bring it within the reach of all classes of emigrants, warns me to bring this subject to a close.

It is hoped enough has been said to show that any one may embark in the leading pursuits of the New Plymouth Settlement with every reasonable prospect of success; and sufficient data have been given to enable the intending emigrant to make a closer calculation for his own particular case.

Who should emigrate to New Plymouth – and what are the pursuits for the emigrant to engage in? – are questions which would seem to call for a few remarks.

Some of the rather monopolizing, but ingenious, advocates of the Canterbury Settlement are by no means

NEW PLYMOUTH, AND CORINTHIAN CANTERBURY.

studious to conceal their opinion that, although little farmers may become big ones in New Plymouth, yet that every other style of emigrant should come to them.

Canterbury says that it is not "High" Church, but "Broad" Church – is rather apt to affect Corinthian airs, and calls itself the Belgravia of Settlements – would clip sheep in kid gloves, and dine late in a stiff collar – and, whilst specially parading its attractions before the noble and high born, the creme de la creme class of emigrants, would also lay an embargo on the best of every other class.

Wellington, too, older, wiser, and practically colonial, is less ambitious, but still something of the monopolist. It swears by merchandize, and would possess itself of all merchant adventurers and men of trade.

It is not intended to deny that each of the New Zealand settlements has, more or less, some distinctive character – adapting it more or less to some particular class of emigrants – fitting it more or less for some particular occupation or pursuit: that Canterbury, at present, is no place for the Dissenter; that Wellington and Auckland are commercial; Nelson, New Plymouth, and Otago more pastoral and agricultural. But, from this, it certainly does not follow that no farmer should go to Auckland, no trader to Nelson, or New Plymouth.

In fact, a place that is agricultural must, to a certain extent, be commercial, although the converse of this would not be true. It is an axiom in commerce, that wherever there are "exports" ships will go and fetch them. A place which produces, and which has almost unlimited capacities of producing, at a cheap rate, such exports as fine flour, flax, fruits, honey, malt, beer, potatoes, onions, pork hams, bacon, lard, butter and eggs, wool, hides, tallow, ship-bread, cured provisions, bar steel, whale oil, barks, timber, hemp, rope, cordage, &c., will have a population, and will have ships to come and fetch the exports, and to bring back the necessary exchanges of groceries, clothing, English manufactured articles, &c. Hence spring trade, and the merchant's and storekeeper's occupation. Wherever there is a population there must be trade, and wherever there are exports there must be a population.

The great cardinal desideratum in fixing the "site"

AGRICULTURE RULING COMMERCE.

of a new settlement, should be the power of producing exports – almost all of which spring from the land – from the soil. "Land advantages," therefore, should be first considered; then those of sea and harbour.

It would be good for New Plymouth had it a harbour; but it is better without a harbour than it would be without good land. Having only a roadstead, the expense of sending away exports is increased; but, having a soil of such easy cultivation and extreme fertility, the expense of producing these exports is more than proportionately decreased.

Briefly to illustrate this, let us assume that one of the Australian settlements and New Plymouth are sending wheat, in the shape of flour, to some equi-distant market, say California – the cost of an acre of land, and the expense of cultivating it, being about the same in either place. The Australian farmer, having the advantage of a port, would perhaps get the produce of his acre carried to market for 6d. a-bushel less, and would also procure his tea and sugar for a trifle less; but the New Plymouth farmer, owing to the much greater fertility of his soil, would have 30 bushels to sell from his acre instead of 20, like the Australian farmer.

The cultivation of the soil, the production of flour, grain, and root crops, and the minor products of the farm – dairy farming, stock breeding, and sheep farming, all more or less combined, and on a scale of any magnitude, to suit the means and resources of the emigrant – will probably long continue to be the main pursuits of the New Plymouth settlement. But a glance at the following remarks will shew the emigrant that, if he be desirous to engage in other pursuits, there are plenty of good openings for the active employment of his capital, ingenuity, and labour.

First, there is the iron sand, or steel ore. A small sample of this sand sent to a Sydney foundry, was at first disregarded; as iron sand from some part of Australia, previously tested, had been found comparatively worthless. However, on trying the Taranaki sample, it yielded so great a per-centage of iron, of a quality equal to the best Swedish, that it at once attracted attention, and a larger quantity has since been forwarded to afford a conclusive

RESOURCES OF NEW PLYMOUTH – STEEL ORE.

trial. A sample was also sent to England and submitted to an analytical chemist, who made the following report upon it: – "No. 5 is magnetic iron-ore, in the form of fine sand from the sea-shore. It consists of the peroxide and protoxide of iron mixed, containing about 71 per cent. of iron. It is free from the admixture of other substances, and, if obtainable in large quantities, is likely to be in considerable demand, as it is the most valuable of iron-ores. The celebrated Swedish iron, in such high repute for the making of steel, is obtained from a mineral of precisely the same character." An imperial pint of the washed sand, when dry, weighs four pounds, and on applying a magnet it becomes quite incrusted.

For working the ore on a large scale in the settlement, and exporting bar iron and steel, coal would probably be necessary. Massacre Bay coal could he delivered here for about 20s. per ton, and coal is found at Manakau, forty miles distant. Indications of it have also lately been discovered in the Omata Block, whilst, from the abundance of hard timber, and the gradual clearing of forest land for the purposes of cultivation, charcoal of excellent quality could be obtained at a low price. It may also be remarked, that the cost of those expensive mining operations generally needed in raising the metallic ores would, in this case, be entirely saved; for two men could collect and prepare for the smelting furnace from 3 to 4 tons of ore per day.

This passing notice of the iron sand, or rather steel ore, appeared in the first edition, and attracted some attention.

Further samples of the sand have since been procured, and several further experiments have been made, all tending to establish the real intrinsic value of the article, Mr. Carrington, the ex-chief surveyor of the settlement, in conjunction with other gentlemen, is about to return to New Plymouth, mainly with the view of carrying out a project for at once working the ore. This gentleman's present address is 10, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London; and he would be happy to receive communications from any parties desirous of joining in the enterprise. The following communication, for which I have to thank a very intelligent practical metallurgist, who has conducted several careful experiments, will be found

STEEL ORE.

to throw much additional light on this interesting and important subject: –

NORTHAMPTON, July 1, 1849.

DEAR SIR,

Having been informed that you are about to publish a third edition of your excellent work on New Plymouth, I have great pleasure in contributing to it a short notice on the New Plymouth "iron sand." The iron sand on which I experimented was a remnant, about sixty pounds, of some brought from New Plymouth in 1844, by Mr. Carrington; who informs me that the sand covers the coast for many miles, and is found in such quantities as to be inexhaustible for many ages to come, even though worked on an extensive scale.

It is a well-known fact to the commercial men of this country, and especially to us who make iron, that we require no importations of iron from the antipodes to swell out the already over-burthened iron market of Great Britain. This is not, however, a question as to raw iron, but as to the production of steel – steel too of a quality admirably adapted to the requirements of the steel converters and hardware manufacturers of Sheffield, London, and Birmingham, who are dependent upon the steel-iron supplied from the furnaces of Russia, Sweden, and Germany.

The quantity imported into England from the north of Europe is about 22,000 tons annually; and this too at a price which the absolute dependence of this country on foreign markets could alone tolerate. These prices vary, according to the established excellence or inferiority of the steel-iron of different brands, from £20 to £40 per ton. The effect of this high price, for the raw material, has had a baneful influence upon the hardware trades of this country; and the cast-iron razors, "made to sell," have served considerably to cut down the high estimation in which British hardware was once deservedly held in foreign markets.

The iron sand, or what might, with more propriety, be called "the native steel of New Plymouth," contains all the chemical elements of steel, fully equal to the best brands of the north of Europe; and, while I frankly admit the seeming difficulties which beset my

STEEL ORE – STENSON'S EXPERIMENTS.

first attempts to smelt this refractory ore, the ease and certainty of my later experiments have amply repaid the perseverance devoted to them. In a small furnace now standing at the foot of our tall chimney, not iron only but cast malleable steel can be produced, and of the finest quality – its colour being of a silvery whiteness, and the fracture closely resembling that of refined steel, manufactured from the best marks of northern Europe. There is, it appears, an inexhaustible supply of this iron sand on the New Plymouth coast, and requiring no pit-sinking or excavation, but merely shovelling into carts and carting away, from the hard beach to the works. And, as along the coast there is a profuse supply of wood of heavy and close texture, well adapted for charcoal, nothing is left to desire but a moderate amount of capital and enterprise to develop the wealth of this extraordinary metalliferous deposit.

The real intrinsic value of this New Plymouth ore becomes more apparent in contrasting it with the ores from which all our best steel is made. In Norway, Sweden, and Russia, the iron ore exists in abundance, but mixed with so large a quantity of earthy matter, as to require considerable labour in cleansing, picking, and calcining it, preparatory for the furnace; besides which, the woods in these northern climes are so slow of growth as to require full 18 years for the re-production of fuel indispensable to the operations of the furnace. Hence the high price of the steel-iron so produced. The iron sand of New Plymouth has been analyzed by several chemists of high authority, and is found to contain 70 per cent. of steel-iron – the yield of our native ores averaging 30 to 35 per cent.

I shall be happy to furnish any of your readers, who may happen to take a particular interest in this subject, with any further information in my power. I can assure you that, if I possessed sufficient capital, and were free to follow my own desires, I should at once go out to New Plymouth, set up the necessary establishment for working the ore on a large scale, and commence the manufacture of the finest brands of bar steel.

Yours, truly,

JOHN STENSON.

NEW ZEALAND FLAX – NATIONAL IMPORTANCE.

The "Phormium Tenax," or Flax Plant.

A person practically acquainted with the flax trade on coming to New Zealand, travelling through the Taranaki district, remarking the quantity and luxuriance of the plant, and testing the strength of the green leaf, would probably consider the feeble efforts hitherto made to invent that machinery which should render flax a "staple export" of the country, to be a reproach to the mechanical skill and enterprise of the age. The great consumption of hemp and flax in England renders them articles of national importance; and as the supply, drawn chiefly from the Baltic, might be so diminished by an European war, as to raise these necessaries to an exorbitant price, it appears to me that Government, or even the Canterbury Association, would be justified in sending out a kind of "flax commission" to New Zealand. The commission should consist of a scientific man, versed in botany and chemistry, one or two intelligent persons acquainted with the best modes of preparing flax, and two or three practical machinists, selected for their inventive ingenuity. It would determine whether the reported inferiority of the "Phormium Tenax" for manufacturing purposes has arisen from any imperfection natural to the plant, or from the rude, careless, and slovenly manner in which it has generally been prepared. The latter is by no means improbable. A Sydney merchant would station an agent, frequently an old whaler, sealer, or other roving spirit, on some part of the New Zealand coast, to collect flax by barter with the natives. Such agents being generally quite ignorant of the quality of flax, the natives would soon learn to swell the bulk, by still more imperfectly freeing the fibre from the fleshy part of the leaf; would use not the best of the numerous sorts, but that which might be nearest; and, to supply a demand, cut the leaves indiscriminately at all seasons. The very inferior article so obtained would generally be still further deteriorated by great carelessness in the packing and shipping.

From the disordered state of the country since its colonization, very little attention has been paid to any of its natural resources; but the excellent rope, cordage,

NEW ZEALAND FLAX – CHEVALIER CHAUSSEN'S PROCESS.

sacks, &c., now made at Auckland and Wellington, of New Zealand flax, prove that the article, even in the first stage of its improvement, does possess some good, manufacturing qualities. There is a clever pamphlet on the New Zealand flax, by Dr. Murray of Stranraer, Scotland, printed on paper made from the very material, which should be consulted by any one desirous of full information as to the manufacturing qualities and properties of the Phormium tenax. Dr. Murray states that, in a period of 14 years, we paid Russia eleven millions sterling, for the hemp used at one only out of the four Royal rope-yards of the British navy! Mons. Labillar, a gentleman who has instituted many careful experiments on the comparative strength of various vegetable fibres, gives the following results: –

Agane Americana, - - 7

Flax, - - - 11 3/4

Hemp, - - - 16 3/4

Phormium Tenax, - - 23 7-10ths.

Silk, - - - 24

There are nearly a dozen varieties of the Phormium Tenax indigenous to New Zealand, but that most prized by the natives, the "Tihori," of which they make the finest kaitaka mats, is confined almost to the Taranaki district. And, in considering the practicability of cultivating and preparing this sort as a regular export, it should be borne in mind that, of all branches of industry, this would probably be the one in which "native labour" would be the easiest obtainable, and the most effective; for the natives already understand the cultivation of the plant. Moreover, it would be grown on bush land, in the clearing of which they excel Europeans. The beautiful specimens of the Phormium Tenax rope and cordage in the New Zealand department of the Great Exhibition manufactured in the colony, by Robinson of Auckland, have excited considerable attention; and as the Chevalier Claussen's process is likely to quadruple the demand for flax, it is not improbable that the attention of some long-headed capitalists in the city will now be drawn to the subject; and that a company may be formed, which will turn New Zealand's true mine of wealth, its plains of Phormium Tenax, to speedy and profitable account. The following excellent paper on the

NATIVE FLAX – MANNER OF GROWTH – BEST SORTS.

Phormium Tenax, is from the pen of an old New Zealand settler, thoroughly acquainted with the subject: –

"On the importance of the Native Flax, and its Manufacture in New Zealand."

Throughout New Zealand the Phormium Tenax, or native flax, grows indigenous and abundant. The plant is totally different from the European flax, both in appearance and texture. It grows separately, and throws out, from a soft root, similar to that of a cabbage, its leaves, which, commencing near the ground, spring upwards to an average height of five or six feet, and each plant occupies about two square yards of ground. These leaves contain the fibre, are fleshy, and flag shaped, of a beautiful bright green colour, with narrow dark edges, and about three inches in width. There are from forty to one hundred leaves to each plant, and these are constantly renewed when cut. The graceful and regular shape of them, and the healthy luxuriance of the plant, make it at all times a pleasing object to the botanist. The leaves are very strong and flexible, and contain about twenty-five per cent. of fibre; each leaf will give about three-quarters of an ounce, the whole plant five or six pounds weight, which, for its silk-like beauty, length of fibre, and strength, cannot be excelled.

The flax grows in almost every part of New Zealand, on tops and sides of hills, or beside woods; but the plant delights most in valleys that are moistened by the drainage of the surrounding hills. Many hundred acres are to be seen growing in favourable districts, and sometimes so thickly and high that it is with much difficulty a rider can get his horse through, while a foot passenger has to thread his way by parting the long leaves with his arms, making a sort of swimming motion, or by creeping under on hands and knees.

The natives, who use the flax for many purposes, both in its green state and dressed, know the various sorts and qualities, and some of the settlers have paid attention to it also, and frequent experiments have been made to dress it, but as yet none is so efficient as that used by the natives, and none have succeeded in producing it so cheaply.

MR. MOORE'S LETTER – MODE OF DRESSING THE FLAX.

The best sorts of flax are known by the following native names: – First in quality is the Tihori: it grows in ground subject to the overflowing of a river, or mountain drainage, in its natural state; but when cultivated in good dry soil, the cultivation is done by transplanting, and is set in rows about three feet apart; the natives formerly had large plantations near their pahs or villages, and the fibre is much improved by cultivation, and easier to dress. It is, however, very excellent and abundant in its natural growth. The Tihori is of moderate height, and is known by the thickness of its leaf and a red tinge on the edges. Next in quality is the Atiraukawa; next the Kuhiora; fourth, the Parakoritawa, remarkable for its length and fineness of fibre, grows upon high land and tolerably dry soil, and much used by the natives for fine work; fifth, Tuao; and the sixth, Warariki. The two last are the largest, but least useful for dressing; they attain a great size, and grow by the banks of rivers or in swamps – are always indicative of good soil, – and are mostly used by the inhabitants as a substitute for rope, from the great length of the leaves. The fibre is neither so strong nor fine as the other four sorts, all of which are used for dressing, but the Tihori, or easy-skinned, is the best. Of its usefulness, and the purposes to which it is applied, both by natives and Europeans, I will now give a few examples: –

There is scarcely any part of New Zealand where there is or has been a sign of native population, but you will find the flax has been applied to useful purposes. Baskets, fishing-nets, mats, snares for birds, tethers for animals, ropes for canoes, and numerous other articles, meet the eye at every turn; while, on the other hand, civilized industry has succeeded in manufacturing the finest description of cambric, linen, duck, canvas, bagging, ropes, twines, and paper, from this very useful and indigenous plant. New Zealand flax.

The dressed flax, or the leaf divested of its fleshy substance, is used for all the purposes in New Zealand that hemp is in England, with these advantages, it is longer in fibre, of much greater strength, more white and silky in appearance, and when wrought into rope, fishing-line, sacking, or canvas, more durable.

NATIVE MODE OF DRESSING – VALUE.

The mode of dressing the flax by the natives is the following: – After cutting as much as they intend dressing in a day, it is carried, bound into bundles of about twenty or thirty pounds weight, to the village or dwelling, and the leaves divided amongst the family, every member of which, understands the process of cleaning it. This is done by scraping or peeling off the vegetable from the fibre, with a mussel shell, broken at the edge to make it sharp for cutting if necessary. Before commencing to scrape the leaf, it has to be stripped of its outer edge, which is narrow, and, as I before said, nearly black; this is done between the nails of the forefinger and thumb, – the flax is most easily split into shreds in this manner. The bottom of the leaf is always cut off if any of the stem has been cut with it; the shell is then applied to the top end of the leaf, about eight or ten inches from the tip, and a slight incision made across the outside of the leaf; the shell is held in the right hand, and the opposite side of the leaf to that where the incision was made across is held lengthways over the shell, in the same manner as you would hold a narrow slip of paper over the edge of a knife for the purpose of curling it. Beginning at the incision, the flax is drawn sharply through down the leaf, and this process leaves the fibre bare, while the thick coating of vegetable matter that comes off is thrown aside as useless, although it is still strong enough to tie up small articles. The leaf is then reversed, and the top part taken off in the same manner. Each leaf yields from half an ounce to three-quarters of an ounce of fibre; what little vegetable adheres after scraping will rub off easily when dry. It is generally tied up into little bundles, and put into a running stream for the night; the following day it is well shaken, and hung on a scaffolding of small poles to dry; by this process the husk will easily come off. It should not be exposed to the sun or rain, – for the sun makes it too brittle, and the latter discolours it. It should be, therefore, hung under a rough cover; and three or four days is necessary in drying it; it is then fit for use, and may be twisted or woven into any article required.

Hundreds of tons of flax are growing wild in all parts of New Zealand, and might be procured for the

MANUFACTURING VALUE OF FLAX.

English market, but want of capital to do the thing well has hitherto prevented its importation to any extent. Attempts have been made to dress the flax by machinery, and as yet with no good results, but it is to be hoped that shortly some skilful mechanic will succeed in overcoming the present difficulties; until this be done, it is more profitable to induce the natives to dress it their own way. All it wants to render it fine is to heckle it well, and already the most beautiful samples have been produced. Some objection has been raised to New Zealand flax, from the fibre containing a gummy substance, which, it has been said, renders it brittle. In practice this has not been fairly tried. However, a gentleman in Auckland has overcome this difficulty, and can produce the native-dressed flax entirely free from gum, at a trifling cost.

The prime cost of flax dressed varies from £12 to £14 a ton, in New Zealand, which, with the expense of shipping charges, freight, and risk, cannot be landed in England under £25, double the first cost. It is, therefore most desirable to import machinery to work it in New Zealand. Weaving looms, machinery for making rope, and paper-mills, are much wanted; and could persons be induced to join each other, and establish a firm which would combine the three manufactures, a moderate capital would suffice, and the certainty of it answering would enable those persons, in a few years, to enlarge their establishments, and eventually realize a fortune. There is sufficient flax to be procured from the natives for an establishment of this kind in each settlement.

Why I would urge manufacturing in the country is, that the expense of bringing such a bulky article as flax from New Zealand home is nearly equal to the first cost of material, besides risk, damage, &c., &c., and the manufactured article would, of course, when exported, be very much decreased in bulk, and not so liable to damage; there is no freight on refuse, which would be used for paper. Altogether then, it would be an immense saving and advantage over the present system of sending it home to be manufactured; and there is no practical reason why the flax should not be as well and cheaply manufactured in New Zealand as in England.

PURPOSES TO WHICH FLAX IS APPLICABLE.

There is no portion of the flax need be wasted; the finest sorts will make cambric and linen; the next drills, duck, and canvas; the next ropes and twines, bagging and sacking, woolpacks and bands for them; what otherwise would not pay for its freight home will make excellent paper, fine and coarse. All these articles have already been made, to a small extent certainly, but sufficient to show that they can be manufactured, and specimens may be seen in the British Museum, in proof of its value. Of ropes and twines many tons have been made both in New Zealand and at home; and lately I was introduced to a very intelligent gentleman, who has paid much attention to the manufacture of rope from New Zealand flax, and has produced some excellent specimens, by a late patent. He speaks in the highest praise of the flax, and is quite confident it must become a valuable article of commerce. This gentleman is a thorough practical man, and would join a weaving establishment – for the purpose of going out to manufacture the flax in the country – so impressed is he with its value. Specimens of his work may be seen at the New Zealand House, and are worthy the notice of parties interested.

The purposes to which power or hand looms might be profitably employed in New Zealand are various. The articles most in demand at present are duck, canvas, (fine and coarse), bagging, and packing, and, of course, the finer sorts of linen for domestic use. In rope-making – cables, ropes, lines, and twines; and wool-binding, and paper of all sorts – New Zealand flax would entirely supersede the use of European materials in all these articles, both in the colony and New Holland.

The demand for these manufactures is daily increasing in New Zealand, whilst in New Holland there is a ready market for upwards of £150,000 worth annually, which at present is supplied from home; the produce of foreign material manufactured in England, and the cost of which material is considerably greater than in New Zealand; consequently, New Holland could be supplied with all the above articles at a much cheaper rate from New Zealand than from home.

From my practical knowledge, preference is given to New Zealand wool sacks, corn sacks, and wool-bands:

CULTIVATION, AND MANUFACTURE.

all that can be imported meet with a ready sale in the Sydney market; and the cry is, Why do you not send more? The reason is we have no looms. New Zealand rope also meets, when well manufactured, with an equally good market, and only wants to be more thoroughly known to be appreciated in many parts of Europe, more particularly in England, which is dependent on Russia wholly for a sufficient supply. There is no doubt but New Zealand is destined to supply the mother country with this important article, for the climate is admirably adapted to the growth of hemp as well as flax. In a few years the cultivation of the native flax will become general, if we can only import machinery and show what may be done. The greatest difficulty in introducing a new article into an old country, is the not being enabled to send into the market sufficient quantity to establish general interest, and the article is thus frequently thrown aside as useless, or, if its superiority is acknowledged, unattainable; this has been particularly the case with the native flax imported into England in its raw state, and is one of the very best reasons for manufacturing it in the country, whereby the use of it in New Zealand and the Australian colonies will make it better known at home.

The vast benefit that would arise from the manufacture of the flax in New Zealand I conceive to be the following: – The first and most important, in a political view, is, that the whole of the native population would find profitable employment in the culture and dressing the materia], and as they are naturally an intelligent and industrious race, they would soon settle themselves dawn to peaceable habits, and entirely absorb their love of rambling and warfare in the more desirable occupation of turning into use the natural production of their country. Show a Maori the means by which he may improve his condition and obtain money, and his gun rusts, his spears are thrown aside, his war speeches are forgotten. Home becomes more dear to him, and the white man his necessary friend; when once the New Zealander is freely engaged in commerce, we know by experience he is amongst the most exemplary in conforming to, and supporting, British laws and authority. The cultivation and dressing of flax is particularly suited to their

FLAX – TOBACCO.

habits, and is a pursuit which they understand and could be easily induced to follow. Military establishments would not be necessary, and peace and good feeling between the two races would be promoted.

It is impossible to say to what extent the public would be profited by the cultivation and manufacture of flax in New Zealand; it is evident that it must give profitable employment to thousands. Hundreds of thousands of acres of fertile and now unoccupied lands would be brought into cultivation easily, numerous settlements would spring up round the coasts, while the interior would be no longer a waste as now, but peopled and profitably employed, emigration increased, and general prosperity secured.

So impressed am I with the importance of manufacturing the native flax in the country, that I have no hesitation in recommending those who have the means to go out at once, and establish themselves in the manner before described; large capital and extensive works are not necessary to ensure success; all that is wanted is to do it well but economically. There is at present plenty of work for an establishment of this sort in each of the principal settlements in New Zealand; whoever is first will meet with the cordial support of the colonists, and it would only be from bad management that manufactures would fail to pay. To those concerned I shall be happy to forward such information as I possess, and beg to say my ideas on the subject are founded on the practical experience of upwards of nine years' residence in New Zealand.

F. G. MOORE.

30, Arundel Street, Strand.

Tobacco.

The tobacco plant grows luxuriantly on bush land; and there appears to be no reason why it should not eventually be raised for a crop, as in New South Wales. Its cultivation, like that of flax, would be a branch of industry well suited to the natives; and there is already a surprisingly large and increasing consumption of tobacco among both races. As, however, the duty levied on it (1s. per lb.) forms one of the principal items

HOPS – BREWING – CURING BUSINESS.

in the customs' revenue, the local Government might be disposed either to prohibit its cultivation or to excise it. The difficulty of the latter course in such a country as New Zealand is very obvious, especially among the native population. The wiser course would be to encourage its free cultivation and manufacture, and to meet the consequent deficiency in revenue by a higher rate of duty on spirits, and on articles of luxury which could not be produced in the country.

Hops.

About two acres of hops have been grown as an experiment. They answered remarkably well as to yield; but the sort introduced was one of inferior quality. With an apparently favourable soil and climate, this district, in other respects, is well suited to the growth of hops; for, from the undulating character of the country – its numerous wooded dells – the exact aspect and degree of shelter most congenial to any tender plant may be t obtained on almost every section. The native women and children would make capital hop-pickers, and poles are cheap and plentiful.

Brewing.

Brewing has hitherto been chiefly confined to the wants of the settlement. The climate is well adapted to both malting and brewing; the nights are always cool; and soft, pure water is everywhere abundant. Hops may be extensively grown; but, if not, they would be the only import necessary. With so many natural advantages, it is not improbable that malt liquors will eventually become a considerable export. In fact, Seacombe's ale has a considerable repute in the Northern Settlements.

Provision Trade.

This trade – the supplying of beef and pork for shipping – is destined to become a business of considerable importance in New Plymouth. Cattle thrive and multiply so fast in New Zealand, and are so freely imported from

PROVISION TRADE – WHALE FISHERY – TANNING.

New South Wales, that in a few years they will be as cheap in the one country as in the other; and whilst the rich and succulent pasturage of New Zealand is favourable to the production of fine well-fed beef, its climate is far better than that of Australia for the curing process. The acquisition of portions of the district, south of the settlement, would open a track for cattle runs perhaps superior to any in either island, when the rapid increase of stock would naturally lead to the introduction of the curing business.

The pork trade, comprising the curing of hams and bacon, has been commenced on a small scale, and might at once be considerably extended. The natives rear great numbers of pigs, which are bought for about l 1/4d. per lb. Salt is imported for £4 per ton; and the forest produces abundance of wood well adapted for casks.

Some idea may be formed of the extent to which the provision trade might be carried in New Zealand, when we consider that, already, upwards of 40,000 tons of shipping annually enter its ports; and that, as a country possessing such natural advantages for the prosecution of the business, it will probably find a market in the large and rapidly increasing mercantile marine of Australia, and in the fleets of the Indian and China seas.

Whaling.

Shore whaling is carried on here by two parties with four boats, employing about thirty men. The season commences in June, when the black whale comes inshore to calve, and ends in October. The catch by one party in 1846 was five whales, yielding about forty tuns of oil and forty hundredweight of whalebone. Last season, as usual, several whales were seen; but, owing chiefly to the warm rivalry existing between the two parties, the fishery was unsuccessful. Two fine boats, constructed of white pine and Rata, have been built in the settlement; and the oil of this season's fishery will be shipped partly in casks of home manufacture, made from the "Mai," a wood which appears well suited to the purpose.

Tanning.

This business has been commenced on a small scale

FRUIT – CAPE GOOSEBERRY – VINE.

with considerable success, and a portion of the leather used is now manufactured in the settlement. The gentleman who introduced this branch of industry – Mr. Gledhill – states that the bark of the Rimu, a very common tree, possesses tanning qualities far superior to any of the Australian barks.

Fruit.

Nearly all the varieties common in England have been introduced; they grow luxuriantly and promise well, but are yet too young for full bearing. Some fine apples and gooseberries have been gathered, and strawberries and peaches are becoming plentiful. Near the banks of the Waiwakaiho, in a deserted native clearing, half hidden and smothered by the dense vegetation around, were formerly to be seen two large peach trees, the stem of one being three feet in circumference. They had sprung up from stones dropped or planted by the natives; and, although growing wild and quite neglected, bore a profusion of fine fruit.

The Cape gooseberry is almost a weed, springing up wherever seed is carried by the birds, and producing abundance of fruit nine months in the year. This plant appears too common to receive any cultivation; but it yields finer berries if partly chopped down or thinned every year. The Cape gooseberry is not a pleasant dessert fruit; although, from its remarkable juiciness and richness of flavour, it makes an agreeable wine or liqueur, and excellent jam and jelly.

The vine grows luxuriantly, and about four hundredweight of common white grape have been obtained from cuttings of four years' growth. This will not, however, be a wine district. In sheltered spots, with a little care, it may be easy to produce grapes of the early sorts; but the climate does not possess that steady continuance of heat necessary to ripen the fruit for wine. At the same time it should be remarked, that a few miles in the interior, away from the influence of sea-breezes, the climate is warmer than immediately on the coast; and there, such fruits as the fig, olive, loquat, orange, and lemon, would probably ripen, if planted in hot and sheltered situations.

CAPITALISTS – VALUE OF MONEY – YOUNG MEN ON TRIAL.

Timber.

A description of the various forest trees has already been given. The Rimu of the Taranaki district is said to be handsomer and freer to work than any in New Zealand; and this, together with the White Pine, will eventually form a most profitable back-freight export to Sydney and the Australian ports, where, for the most part, the woods are hard, heavy, brittle, and bad to work.

All the classes of emigrants described in the lecture (page 40), would now find the New Plymouth district a noble field for emigration, provided they came in the right spirit.

Gentlemen possessed of a few thousands, preferring a more leisure life, and not desirous of embarking in any active pursuit, might create a beautiful home on a little 50 acre estate, and derive a handsome income by safely investing a portion of their capital so as to return them 10 per cent. at least. 19

It is to be remembered, too, that not only does invested capital return such a handsome annual income; but that, owing to the difference in scale and status, the same income represents a much greater relative value in a colony than in an old country.

In the mere money balance, a man in England with a clear £500 a-year is just nobody; but a man in New Zealand with this income would just be himself and somebody else too. I sincerely believe it is no exaggeration to say that an income of a couple of hundred a-year in New Plymouth would give a family a better standing, a better position as to money matters, than a thousand a-year would in England.

Young men educated for some business or profession, but disappointed in their views, unsettled, and beginning to contemplate emigration, might well pack up a small outfit, take a twenty guinea passage to New Plymouth, and place themselves in the family of some respectable

SOCIETY – CHARACTER OF THE POPULATION.

settler for a year or so; giving their services as an equivalent for their maintenance and instruction in the mode of farming and grazing, and in the general business of the settlement.

Young men of gentlemanly habits and correct conduct, willing to exert themselves and to do their best, would find no difficulty in making some arrangement of this kind. If, after such trial and probation, they liked the life, and determined to become bona fide settlers, their friends would have more confidence in supplying them with the necessary means; and, with a little money and the practical experience of a year's training, they might most safely undertake something on their own account. On the other hand, if they did not like the life, they might return. They would have tried the thing at an insignificant cost both of time and money, and would be more inclined to settle down, and to make the best of anything which might now offer at home.

The population of New Plymouth chiefly consists of independent proprietors, large and small, living on their own estates. The arable and dairy farms join each other, and fringing the boundaries of the town or rather village, surround it, in compact order, in a kind of semicircle. The homesteads are frequently planted on the small rivulets winding through the dells, with which the whole district is so closely studded; some of the houses so closely sheltered in the luxuriant shrubbery of these green nooks – where the tree ferns, fuschia, and honeysuckle bushes, attain their largest size – as to be quite hidden from the view of the mere passing visitor taking but a hasty glimpse of the settlement.

The population being chiefly a rural one, spread in compact order over the country, there will be found none of that pertinacious "sticking to town" and town taverns; none of that universality of shop-keeping and slop-selling pursuits, which is the bane of almost all young settlements in new colonies: a circumstance which may serve to explain the cause of that tone of society and good moral atmosphere so eulogised in the Bishop's charming letters, and in Mr Fox's official report. 20

SOCIETY – FIRST IMPRESSIONS.

Owing to the number of good families who have settled in New Plymouth during the last year or so, in addition to those now on their way out and those going out, the state of society is becoming more satisfactory than when the Bishop described it, even five years ago; that is, as the population is fast increasing, there is necessarily more breadth, more contrast and variety in society; and families of capital, education, and refinement, now planting their "Penates" in the Garden of New Zealand, will, I think, admit that the people are worthy of the place.

I would conclude by giving emigrants of all classes one caution. Let them not judge New Plymouth or any new country merely on first impressions. Few Englishmen ever land in a young colony, whose first real feelings are not those of disappointment. Even where much of the country has been reclaimed, and arts and civilization have produced cities and their refinements, as in the Canadas and Australia, the English eye seeks in vain, either in town or country, for that air of finish, comfort, and substantiality found only in England. In a young settlement like this, where the land, however fertile, is still chiefly in a state of nature; its rich and luxuriant vegetation is at first suggestive of difficulties in reducing it to those neat corn-fields and trim-fenced meadows, which the emigrant may have laboured and rejoiced in at home. This is, perhaps, a natural feeling – here, happily, it is but a transient one.

Let the emigrant remember that, on landing, he will find a village, not a town; for here, unlike the other settlements, labour has been expended chiefly in the country; and that the land immediately around the village is perhaps the worst and most broken part of the district. Suppose it about harvest time, and let him then stroll among the farms; see the district around Omata and the Mongaraka; mark the beauty of the country; reflect on what a handful of people have accomplished under past difficulties; and he will gratefully acknowledge that his lot has fallen in "pleasant places."

Other countries may boast some particular excellence in a higher degree; but for a land in which are found combined a prolific soil of the easiest cultivation, beau-

FUTURE CELEBRITY OF NEW PLYMOUTH.

tiful scenery, and a climate at once delightful and invigorating, this part of New Zealand is probably unequalled. Let no one unacquainted with the district call this exaggeration. I have seen several parts of the world, but none so admirably adapted as this to the support of a large and prosperous agricultural population; and though I may be charged with enthusiasm, I would soberly venture to predict that the "Taranaki district," numbering its happy thousands, will eventually be known and celebrated as the finest part of perhaps the noblest islands in the world.

FINIS.

[Page 124 is blank]

4 Unfortunately for the interests of the colony, this gentleman is since deceased. He was at the head of the Company's establishment in New Zealand, and led cut the pioneer settlers in 1839. The unflinching energy and admirable conduct he displayed in carrying on the duties of his important office for a long series of years, and in times of great trouble, difficulty, and disaster, were such as to win him the golden opinions of all. Captain Arthur Wakefield, his gallant brother, the Company's representative of Nelson, who fell in the mournful "Wairoa affair," was equally popular and lamented; and the names of both will ever be intimately and honourably associated with the early history of New Zealand colonization."

5 Since this was written, deplorable accounts have been received from Port Philip, New South Wales. A scorching drought appears so to have withered and parched up the entire vegetation of the country, that immense fires (perhaps by the dropping of a spark on a single leaf), have sprung up, as if by magic, and sheets of flame, rolling with lightning speed over whole districts, have literally consumed everything on the surface – the brown grass, forests, farms, houses, live stock, and even human beings. Subscriptions were being raised for the numerous sufferers; and grain and flour were fast rising in price. – See Times of June 11th; and the various Australian journals of Feb., 1851.

6 I am familiar with Niagara, and taking the Falls and Mount Egmont as two grand natural objects, I think that the latter would be pronounced equally striking at first sight, and more permanent in effect – more constantly fresh and striking, if I may so express it.

7 Here I am sorry to differ so much from the author of a late amusing work, "Angas's Savage Life and Scenes in Australia and New Zealand," who calls this fruit a "vegetable luxury," and says, "their taste, when ripe, is something like that of a ripe and juicy pear, with an aromatic flavour resembling vanilla." Chacun a son gout; but I would observe that although the Tawara might pass as fruit with the toiling traveller in the "Poukemarpou Forests," it would probably never appear twice at dessert. I have known fern root, putrescent maize, and the karaka berry, eaten with considerable gusto in various expeditions on the coast among the natives; but never remarked that the relish for such delicacies continued long after return to the European Settlement.

8 By a very convenient arrangement, most of the New Zealand emigrant ships call at some one settlement first, and then proceed on to two or three others. The vessels of Messrs. Willis' cheap and excellent line, (3, Crosby Square, London) which can be warmly recommended to emigrants of all classes, generally call at Auckland first, and then at New Plymouth – proceeding afterwards to some of the southern settlements, and remaining from a day or two to a week at each place.

9 As a general rule, under these circumstances, a large vessel should commence getting her anchor before the wind is further round than north.

10 There is a small rock, generally marked by a "wash," about midway between the two. Close round the Outer Sugar Loaf, there are from twelve to eighteen fathoms at low water.

11 These moorings are, I believe, about to be replaced.

12 Of this number, one was lost by the Madras, an accident attributable only to the captain's refusal to take the acting pilot, and anchoring his ship near the Sugar Loaves, in the worst position that could well have been chosen.

13 Captain Fitz Roy, R.N., when here, expressed the following opinion of the place: he said "that a vessel would generally find it easier to call and land cargo or passengers at New Plymouth than at Wellington, or even Auckland; because, on account of the 'lay of the land,' a ship lost no time in getting in with it." It is true that in his pamphlet, New Plymouth, in common with all the Company's Settlements, receives a considerable "setting-down;" but this may be regarded as only the Captain's parting blow at the Company.

14 In Terry's New Zealand," a work written in 1841, will be found an amusing account of the process of clearing fern land. He says the only effectual plan is that of the natives, and describes the operation as most laborious, performed by three men in a "triangle," who, each armed with a pointed pole having a kind of step, "simultaneously jump" thereon, to force it into the ground, when, together, they tear up a mass of roots, &c. Such a method is not practised in this, the heaviest fern district in New Zealand, but it should certainly be described in Loudon's brief notice of the agriculture of this country, or in some of D'Israeli's "Curiosities of Agriculture."

15 It is supposed that this was caused by turning up too much of the subsoil, which seems to be a powerful fertilizer when mixed with a surface soil that has become partially exhausted. This piece is in wheat again, which will probably be a finer crop than the last.

16 In support of this view, it may be observed that the natives, who of course cultivate only by hand labour, invariably choose bush land.

17 This information has been furnished partly by my brother, and by. Messrs. Cooke and Davy, two of our best farmers.

18 A Sydney firm have lately instructed their New Plymouth agent to endeavour to procure them about 10,000 bushels of malting barley, at from 4s. to 4s. 6d. per bushel, at New Plymouth.

19 See Letters, page 125, et seq.

20 See Letters, page 141 and 144.

LETTERS, AND MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.

LETTERS,

AND

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.

FOUR Letters are now submitted for the perusal of my readers. They are not chosen as being more flattering than many others out of the large number open to my choice, but as giving the impressions, embodying the views, of different grades or classes of emigrants.

Now, as there is reason to fear that emigrants' letters (both those in mourning and those in couleur de rose), are sometimes manufactured at home, I beg to present mine with the following credentials as to their parentage and respectability; and, I daresay, the parties alluded to would so far oblige me, as to satisfy any intending emigrant, of a sceptical turn, that he may safely eat of the good fruit set before him. The first two of these letters derive great additional weight and authority from the circumstance of the respective writers having left England without breaking up their establishment. They went to look at New Plymouth, to satisfy themselves by ocular demonstration that it was a good emigration field – a place in which they might create happy prosperous homes. If Major Lloyd or Mr. Richardson had not been fully satisfied with New Plymouth on seeing it, there was nothing whatever to prevent them from at once returning to their families in England, and abandoning the idea of emigration altogether. Being quite free and unfettered to go north, south, east, or west they saw New Plymouth – decided to make it their home, to bring over their families, and to become regular settlers.

No. I.

The writer of this – Major J. Y. Lloyd, late of the 73d Regiment – is a gentleman who, some two years since,

THE MILITARY EMIGRANT.

went out to have a look at New Zealand, and judge for himself, before he decided on settling in the colony. He made choice of the New Plymouth settlement, purchased a fine estate there, remained about six months to put things in train, and then returned for his lady and family.

FROM THE "ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS."

"Every accession to our acquaintance with the characteristics of New Zealand tends to increase our admiration of this beautiful country. The settlement of New Plymouth, or Taranaki, affords abundant evidence of this assertion, which we are fortunately enabled to illustrate by the favour of Major Lloyd, to whom we are indebted for the following communication: –

"To the Editor of the Illustrated London News.

"SIR,

"The following extracts from a letter addressed to me by Mr. Richard Brown, of New Plymouth, with the accompanying sketches from the pencil of Mr. Good, may perhaps be acceptable to such of your readers as may be interested in New Zealand.

"Mr. Brown's experience of many years, his thorough knowledge of the country, of the natives, and their language, proved most beneficial to me during my late sojourn of six months in New Plymouth; and from this gentleman (indeed, I may say, from all our countrymen in that settlement), the new settler will meet with kind and ready help. If it be asked – why did I leave the 'happy home'? my answer is, that I have purchased near New Plymouth a considerable property, to which it is my intention, as soon as possible, to take back my family.

"Yours, truly,

"J. Y. LLOYD.

"Exmouth."

NEW PLYMOUTH, 9th April, 1850.

"* * * Your sections abound with most beautiful fern trees, and offer every imaginable tint of foliage to the view; the Tui (the mocking bird), and other singing birds, are numerous; and altogether these sections are picturesque and park-like. The views from them are

THE MORE CHILDREN THE MERRIER.

beautiful beyond conception, embracing Tengahoro Pah (the picturesque old native fortification), the Sugar Loaf Islands, the ocean, and the white cliffs of Mimi, distant forty miles; the mountain range of the Patura and Puakai, rising 4,500 feet above the level of the sea, without concealing the graceful and majestic peak of Mount Egmont, towering fully as many feet above. Tengahoro Pah overlooks the snow-capped mountain of Tongariro, distant about 100 miles, and an unlimited extent of country. In England such views are never seen; my description therefore may appear to be exaggerated: the sketches in your possession give but a faint resemblance of the natural beauties they are intended to pourtray.

"The Tapuae block, adjoining the Omata, containing several thousand acres of unchosen land, of the most desirable description, is extremely picturesque, and beyond that there is a vast extent of fertile level land, not yet purchased from the natives, but which, as the country beyond has been already sold by them, will, in all probability, be ere long alienated to the Europeans. I am, as you are aware, as well acquainted with the district and the country down to Wanganui as any resident here, and I confidently assert that that district would, in addition to supporting the present small native population residing on it, graze 100,000 head of cattle, and provide food for more than a million human beings. The flax alone growing on it would provide employment for many thousand individuals. In fact, only capital, enterprise, and industry are required to render the district the granary of the Australasian colonies.

"I have made these few notes, thinking that my nine years' experience might possibly be useful to you, in describing the resources of the New Plymouth settlement. This is not a California; although, by the bye, our millions of tons of iron sand will, I imagine, be turned to account, at some future period, when New Plymouth will become the Sheffield or Birmingham of New Zealand.

"Here, children, far from being a burden, are a decided advantage: at seven, the boys drive the oxen; at nine, they plough; at twelve, engage in all sorts of farm-work; and at fifteen, take to the axe, and clear the

VALUE OF NATIVE LABOUR.

forest. Where every one works, no farm labour is considered degrading. Idlers alone are exposed to ridicule, and excite pity.

"As for domestic servants, parties who want them must bring married people from England.

"You will, no doubt, be questioned as to the safety of living amongst the natives. In the most troubled times we never even had or required any other protection than the moral influence of the well disposed portion over the others. You have seen them work for you and your neighbours, engage in all sorts of farm work, and employed as domestic servants. You are aware that hundreds of them can read and write; are shrewd at making a bargain; that they understand the value of a written contract, and are, in fact, less savage than thousands of our own countrymen. You are also aware how truly useful their labour is at present in this settlement, and that in a very short time the Omata district will not have a native residing in it unless employed by the European residents.

"Many persons object to this settlement because it does not possess a good harbour; they are not aware that the roadstead is a safe one; that vessels are loaded and unladen far quicker than in any port; and that no life has been lost by boating since the first establishment of the settlement. In many other settlements possessing a harbour, people have embarked their capital in the township, to the detriment of the country: here, the former is an inconsiderable village, and the farmer flourishing.

"Truly, yours,

"RICHARD BROWN.

"To Major J. Y. LLOYD,

"Exmouth, Devonshire."

No. II.

THE writer of this – Mr. Richardson – is a gentleman who went out to New Plymouth last year. Mrs. Richardson, and the ladies of the family, taking with them several servants, are now preparing for their departure, and will probably be ready to sail by one of the

CLIMATE – SOCIETY – NO LOCKS.

August ships. 21 This lady's present residence is 3, Saville Place, Clifton, near Bristol.

"NEW PLYMOUTH, July 14, 1850.

"You ask me how I like New Plymouth. I like it – I love it – I thank God for it. Every one who sees it is delighted. Every ship which comes here leaves many who meant to go elsewhere. The Poictiers brought about twelve for New Plymouth – upwards of twenty will stay here. The Berkshire left thirty who never contemplated settling here. The next ship will bring about thirty; and they are expecting thirty women will be sent here by Mr. S. Herbert's committee, who (if well selected), will be a blessing to the country.

"Did Mr. Hursthouse in his book or lecture say anything too good of this place? No; on the contrary, he did not say so much as it deserves.

"The country five miles out of the town is beautiful. No soil in the world so rich, productive, and easily worked, and the climate matchless. The weather, now our mid-winter, is something like the finest English March, without easterly winds. Morning and evening cold, requiring warm clothing, and a good fire; mid-day delightful. Such weather will continue for three weeks at a time; then you may expect a gale for three days, or heavy rain for three days, and then the fine, healthy, invigorating atmosphere renewed. The summer scarcely ever sultry – always a breeze, and the very look of the lovely foliage of the forest is enough to cure sore eyes.

"No vermin of any kind – the rats have been extirpated; gnats and flies rather troublesome in summer; they abound in some spots only, and annoy only new comers.

"I like the people as far as I have seen or heard; the settlers are honest and industrious, and quite respectful in their demeanour. No New South Wales convictism, and no Americanism. All that you can say in their dispraise is, that many of the small settlers – paupers when they came out – live in a very dirty comfortless manner, although well to do, and even wealthy.

"The natives I like much – they are of great value to us – we could do nothing at all without them. They

THE CAPITALIST AT THE ANTIPODES.

will come to work for any one they like for 2s. per day. They appear to be a good tempered happy race, and go about very nicely dressed, either in scarlet blankets, or their own mats. You see nothing naked but their face and feet. Au reste, you live and move about in perfect safety, and really need not a lock to your door.

"Now, for the drawback. What you were told about getting servants for £16 a-year was not true. But in a year or so they will be obtainable, if the plan of female emigration is well carried out. At any rate you have a remedy by bringing two or more families – of what description, I will send you word hereafter.

"Now, what are the prospects of New Zealand? Decidedly good. It is steadily on the rise. For money, you get 10 per cent. of the best security; 16 per cent. on fair security; and sometimes the merchants will gladly give 20 or 25 per cent., when they see a chance of making a good bargain.

"Of New Zealand generally, New Plymouth is indisputably the garden; as to earthquakes, we have no more than you have in England. We have the most delicious mutton at 6d. per lb.; ditto beef, 5d.; English fed pork, 4d.; Maori pork, 3d.; butter, 1s.; fowls, 1s. 6d. per couple; turkeys, ducks, and geese in abundance. All the root vegetables wonderfully prolific; green peas you may have (with attention and care) all the year round; but alas! no fruit, the settlers cannot find time – other things pay better. I do not mean to say there are no gardens and no fruit trees; there are some, but the trees are not yet come into bearing. I wish to have a garden of the choicest fruit, and an orchard.

"My headaches were dreadful on board sometimes, but I hope they will be mitigated, if not quite cured, in this fine country.

"Be looking out for good, honest, skilful people – a farming man and wife who can brew, bake, and manage a dairy, &c. A good gardener, a maid servant or two, and a couple of useful little girls, if you approve of it.

"Plenty of good steady horses to be had, and bridle roads in every direction. * * * *"

No. III.

THIS well-written and very interesting letter appeared in

THE CLERK IN THE GARDEN.

the Liverpool Mercury, and other provincial journals. It is too long to be inserted here at full length, and the first part, describing the voyage, &c., has been left out, as not having any particular relation to New Plymouth matters. I understand that the writer – Mr. Batkin – was formerly a clerk to Messrs. Besemere, a London Out-fitting House. The letter is addressed to his father-in-law, Mr. Keet, 7, Gloucester Terrace, Kensington, two of whose daughters have since gone to join the Batkin family.

NEW PLYMOUTH, May 19, 1850.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"* * * * We sighted New Zealand on the afternoon of Wednesday the 15th of August, and, indistinct as it was, it created a general rush on deck; but darkness soon obscured all again, and we went to bed. In the morning, we found ourselves off Rocky Point, about three miles from shore, and by the evening were abreast of Cape Farewell, the western entrance to Cook's Straits. We continued beating about for the next two days, waiting, as the saying is, for the wind, which complaisantly came at last, and carried us into the roadstead of New Plymouth, where we anchored about four o'clock on Sunday morning. Having sometime previously determined on landing at this place – a determination on which I have abundant reason to congratulate myself – and having packed up our things, we bade adieu to the Cornwall, on Sunday afternoon, and heartily we rejoiced to find ourselves ashore.

"I must not forget to mention the kindness we experienced from Mr. Charles Brown, the gentleman we mentioned in our letter from the Cape de Verds, as a friend of Leigh Hunt. He was returning to New Plymouth, after a short visit to England. His kindness saved us much trouble on board, and he having left the ship some hours before us, kindly sought us our present dwelling. He carted all our goods up from the beach, and has placed us under many other obligations. We were not, therefore, utterly friendless on our first arrival, and, indeed, we afterwards found that, although in a place where we were totally unknown, there were many ready to assist the strangers.

"On first landing, I was struck with the appearance

ROSY LITTLE WOMAN AND NEW MILK.

of the sand on the beach. It is much like fine gunpowder, and is strongly impregnated, with iron – about 75 per cent. It has been sold at Sydney at £3 per ton, and is said to produce iron of as good quality as the Swedish. Our next look was towards the country and settlement – the latter was a curious looking place we thought then, but it has much improved on acquaintance. We found Mr. Brown waiting to receive us, and he having warmly welcomed us to New Zealand, introduced us to our landlord, who took us to look at our house. We found it to be a four-roomed wooden tenement, situated on the top of a hill immediately above the town; the garden attached to it includes about three-fourths of an acre of ground, bounded on one side by the river Huatoki, and on the other by the high road. The sea lies before us, immediately beyond the town. We have a well of excellent water, pigstyes, &c. &c. Having come to terms for all this – 3s. a-week – we accepted our guide's invitation to tea (this man is a journeyman carpenter.) We found him to be owner of a snug little house, some acres of ground, a cow, pigs, &c., a nice little wife, four sturdy boys and a girl. They produced, for tea, ham, eggs, home-made bread, and fresh butter, cream, fruit pies, cakes, &c. &c. All these (our first meal ashore), we punished, as you may imagine.

"As it was now getting dark, we returned home to arrange our beds, &c. &c. for the night. While thus occupied, our friend the carpenter sent us some firewood and a lamp, and a rosy little woman next stepped in with a quart of new milk for breakfast. We received this thankfully, but refused extensive proffers of pots, kettles, &c. &c. After some labour, and many makeshifts, we went to bed in what looked not unlike a 'curiosity shop.'

"In the morning, while at breakfast, another good Samaritan arrived, who, having deposited on the floor a sack of potatoes, said – 'he had brought us a few potatoes, if we would accept them' – and I had barely time to utter a word, before he was gone. We proceeded to unpack amid a levee of natives, who were delighted to see us, and watched us with great interest. We were visited by them for the first week, and did nothing but shake hands with them from morning to night.

PRICES OF PROVISIONS.

"I dug and planted the whole of the garden, in which we have had almost every vegetable you can name. We have peas now, though nearly mid-winter. Beans here grow for seven or eight years without being replanted. Some melon and cucumber seed I brought has produced beautiful fruit. I have grown vegetable marrows, from William Bayley's seed, 2 feet 6 inches long, and I have one now in the garden, 27 inches in circumference. We have had 'enormous radishes,' 'stupendous carrots,' and all sorts of vegetable wonders. A gentleman here, a cousin of Sir William Molesworth's by the bye, tells me, that on what is called the 'bush land', he has grown sixty-six bushels of wheat to the acre.

"The grandeur of the 'bush,' as the forest is called, is beyond my powers of description. The trees are large, and all bear some kind of flower. The hands and supple-jacks add much to the beauty of the scenery. They are twined round and round, up and down, from the tops of the loftiest trees and down again in the most fantastic form, binding, as it were, the whole forest together. The size of the 'fuschia tree' is no fable. I have seen hundreds of them thirty feet high, and fourteen inches in diameter.

"The climate is delightful. We have none of the long rains you have. The longest lasts perhaps three or four days, with frequent intervals of dry, warm weather. In summer, a good shower once a week, or so. In the hottest weather there is always a cool breeze from the sea. Mount Egmont is a magnificent object, covered at its summit with perpetual snow, and the admiration of every one.

"I can hardly persuade myself sometimes that we are not living in some English village, only that poverty is unknown. All mechanics have their cow or cows; my opposite neighbour, a blacksmith, has his one hundred acres of land, and four cows. He bought some iron brought out in our vessel, £50, cash down; and all are, as I said before, independent. We feed on the best; meat is eaten at every meal. The prices of provisions are about as follows: – Flour was 10s. per 100 lbs., when we came; it is now, owing to large exports to Auckland, 14s.; potatoes, in winter, 1s. for 60 lbs., in summer, 6d. for the same quantity, of the natives; fowls, 1s. per pair; ducks, 1s. 6d.; eggs, 6d. per doz.;

SETTLERS LOOK RAINBOWS, AND TALK THUNDER.

beef, 4d, per lb.; mutton, 6d. (as cattle increase, these will be still cheaper); butter, best fresh (there is no other), 1s.; sugar, 4d. and 6d.; tobacco, 2s.; tea, 1s. 4d. to 2s. 6d. All imported goods are dear; the storekeepers get their two hundred and three hundred per cent., and people can afford to pay it. Drapery goods, except calico, are exorbitantly high; so are tin and earthenware. The storekeepers are making money fast; they say the farmers make more, and the farmers say the mechanics and labourers do best. Everybody looks happy, and all talk in a round bold tone of voice.

We have, like all other communities, our politics and gossip, and though we hear that Europe is in an uproar, we care nothing about it. We have our red letter days too, our parties, and our pic-nics, our races, ploughing matches, rural sports, Cornish wrestling, &c.

Now, I will tell you something of the natives. They are in stature from five feet ten to six feet; all are immensely muscular, and are, as a race, the finest men I ever saw. I have only seen one, out of some thousands, in any way deformed, and that was a woman, who appeared as though her back had been injured while young; she was, however, as active as the rest. Strange as it may appear, they nearly all seem to be in the prime of life, save now and then you see an old chief, with a long white or grizzled beard; but old as he is, his activity seems no whit diminished.

"A stranger is never allowed to pass them while eating, without being invited to partake with them. Many of them will run on errands, and make purchases in town, cut firewood, draw water, and perform any little task you may assign them. They are generally very much attached to settlers, and are very useful to us. They are excellent axemen, and good labourers, reaping and clearing land as well as white men. They are not bad sawyers; and, in fact, we could hardly do without them. They are very fond of copying us, and are great fops.

"At Christmas last, there were numbers of them who purchased beef, plums, and currants, in order to have roast beef and plum pudding, 'all the same as the white man.' They have bullocks, cows, carts, harrows, and horses. A schooner trading regularly between here

MOULD CANDLES, AND A MR. HURSTHOUSE.

and Auckland, belongs to, and is manned by, natives. The mails to and from this place (Wellington and Auckland) are carried by natives on foot; the road is inaccessible on horseback. All are civil, most are polite, and I have seen some of them offer their hand with all the grace of a finished courtier. They enjoy a joke, and laugh and sing as gaily as boys. They can, many of them, read and write their own language, and some of them talk the English, tolerably. They all here go to church or chapel two or three times on Sunday. They live commonly on bread and potatoes; of the former, they never seem to have enough. They will sit down by the roadside, and demolish a four pound loaf, without the aid of water or any other adjunct!

"We live on the best, breathe the purest air, have the most glorious days, and the most heavenly nights. We can command all the comforts, and as for the luxuries of life – we burn mould candles. What more can I say, but come and join us. We have now been here nine months, and are therefore, in some measure, experienced settlers. A Mr. Hursthouse (whose brother here I know well, and whose father and sisters, brothers-in-law, &c. arrived here by the Pekin, in January last) has written and published a work on New Plymouth. I have read it, and believe it to be a straightforward account. Read it, and you will be able to form some idea of us. We have had the Governor and his lady here; they are very much attached to this place, and he (Sir George Grey is his name) has bought a very pretty house here. We have had three vessels here from England, since we came – the Kelso, Berkshire, and Pekin. The Berkshire made the passage in 102 days. We were four months exactly. Hoping soon to hear from you,

"I remain, yours, truly,

"J. BATKIN."

No. IV.

The writer of this letter – John French – is personally known to me. He was one of the best and most industrious Devonshire labourers ever sent out by the New

DEVONSHIRE PEASANT IN CLOVER.

Zealand Company. He has now risen into the small farmer class, and, in the natural order of things, his children will probably rise a grade higher, and become substantial yeomen, farming their own estates: –

(From the Plymouth Weekly Journal.)

"We have been favoured by C. B. Calmady, Esq., Langdon, with an extract from a letter written by a man named John French, whom Mr Calmady advised some time since to emigrate, and who was well known to him. French was a native of Holme, and the statements made by the writer may, in these hard times, induce other men to better their condition, by emigration. The letter was written to Mrs Joane Pearse, at Holme, near Ashburton: –

"'There are many of you that could do well in this part. If emigration goes on again to New Zealand, as I believe it will, I would advise some of you to start for New Plymouth; such a man as John Rowland and other good lusty fellows are sure to do well. You would soon be able to get into some land, to grow all you want and to sell. There is Anne's brother at Lake-more, in that starve-gut old place, where it will not produce two grains for one. A man can do nothing for himself nor family, digging and delving all the days of his life for nothing. There are men that when they landed were not possessed of a single shilling, who are now independent of any one. There is no tax to pay; the land appears to be very good; I have known sixty bushels of wheat grown to the acre, without any manure, and it will carry wheat for many years without manure. The worst of the land will carry good crops by giving it a summer fallowing now and then; it is like every other country, some places better than others; but it appears that it will produce almost anything. Hops answer well; grapes seem to thrive wonderfully, and many sorts of apples and peaches, gooseberries, cherries, and vegetables of all kinds. I have grown as good a kidney bean as ever you saw, only by making a hole in the ground with my finger to put the bean in; cabbages the same. I am very glad of leaving England when I did. Since I wrote to you last, the natives have sold several thousand acres of land, and are still selling.

CLIMATE – SOIL – SHEEP GRASS.

"'Frost we get but little; I never saw ice thicker than a shilling, some winters we don't get that, only a little white frost toward the spring. Snow we never see, on the ground, although we can see it any clear day on Mount Egmont, which is about 10,000 feet high. There is always snow on the top of this mountain in the height of summer; it is about fifteen miles from us. I have not seen any snow elsewhere; so that you see we are not pinched up with the cold here as you are. The cold here is not worth saying anything about, nor do I find our summer hotter than yours; and rain I do not think we get more than you do, or so much. It has never been known that a crop has been lost through dry weather – generally good weather for harvesting. New Zealand is as good a climate as any in the South Seas, and well supplied with water everywhere, and good – I refer to Taranaki. Our days are two hours shorter in the summer than yours, and two longer in the winter.

"'I don't know what I can say about ploughing, sowing, reaping, or mowing – there is not a single stone in the soil of Taranaki; when brought into cultivation it will be fine land to plough. Barley here is used for malting, not to make bread. Potatoes are used as they are in England. Sheep do well, they are of a different breed from yours; they are chiefly the breed from New South Wales, or the Spanish breed; they do not shear above three pounds of wool each – the wool is very fine and short. I cannot say anything about the price, as there has not been much here yet; in England it is sold at 2s. or 2s. 6d. per pound. This breed averages about twenty-five pounds the quarter, and I am quite certain that we can fatten sheep with half the keep that you can.

"'There certainly is more nutriment in the grass here than in England. I never saw sheep, bullocks, or horses in England that would keep themselves in so good a condition with so little grass as they do here. It appears that it will be a fine country for grass; everything seems to thrive well. You want to know whether we grow corn enough for our own use – yes, and export scores of tons of flour each year for three years past; this year we shall export above 200 tons, besides oats and potatoes.

CUT AND COME AGAIN.

Goats are not worth saying anything about. Poultry and pigs do well; it's next to France for poultry.

"'Well, I say to you, this is the country for a poor man. I am sure that the poor in England during the dearth must have been in a perishing state – what is it the best of times? a man working with a half belly of victuals, this of the coarsest fare. Every man here has an opportunity of getting land – little or much, and here he can grow for his own consumption; there is no pinching the belly in Taranaki; a man can sit down to a meal, and rise up satisfied.

"'Corn is 4s. the bushel; barley, 5s.; oats the same; butter, 1s. per pound; pork, 3d. per pound; mutton and beef, 4d. and 5d. per pound; eggs, 6d. the dozen; fowls, 1s. per pair, (very cheap); men's boots, 15s. to 20s. a pair; 22 men's wages, 2s. 6d. per day; a good stiff lad gets 1s. a-day, meat, drink, and lodgings, or a-week; clothing is very reasonable now. I should like to see some of you come out. A man has a chance here, and there are many of you who would do well by coming.

"'JOHN FRENCH."'

The following testimony as to the merits of the New Plymouth District will show the reader that I am only one of many who entertain a high opinion of it: –

1. "No one can speak of the soil or scenery of New Zealand till he has seen both the natural beauties and the ripening harvest of Taranaki (New Plymouth.)" – The Bishop of New Zealand's Journal, 1848, p. 43.

2. "I have never, in any part of the world, seen such extensive tracts of fertile and unoccupied land as at Taranaki (New Plymouth)." – Sir George Grey, the present Governor of New Zealand.

3. "But the finest district in the Company's territories, and which is surpassed, perhaps, by none in New Zealand, is that which surrounds the base of Taranaki, or Mount Egmont; much of the soil in this district, consisting of decomposed lava, is of an extremely fertile

CORROBORATIVE TESTIMONY.

description." – R. G. Jameson, Esq., New Zealand, p. 214.

4. "In fact, the country is so level round the base of Mount Egmont, that the latter seems almost to rise immediately from the plain. The coast forms a cliff of moderate height, and consists of a yellowish sandy loam – an excellent substratum for a rich mould which covers the top, and which increases in depth towards the foot of the mountain. The whole district of Taranaki, as far as I have yet seen, rivals any in the world in fertility, beauty, and fitness for becoming the dwelling-place of civilized European communities." – Dr. Dieffenbach's Travels, 1843, vol. i., pp. 139, 150.

5. "In future times this picturesque valley, (Waiwakaio), as well as Mount Egmont and the smiling open land at its base, will become as celebrated for their beauty as the Bay of Naples, and will attract travellers from all parts of the globe." – Ibid, vol i., p. 161.

6. "The soil of New Plymouth is, perhaps, more uniformly good, and therefore more suitable for an extensive agricultural settlement, than that of any other. The substratum is generally a yellowish sandy loam. The surface is a rich volcanic mould, of the most fertile character." – Handbook of New Zealand, by a late Magistrate, 1848.

7. "The New Plymouth district has, from its great productiveness, the beauty of its climate, and the facility which it presents for easy cultivation, been termed 'the garden of New Zealand.' By the natives themselves, it is spoken of as a kind of terrestrial paradise. The Wellington natives, the former inhabitants of this district, from which they were driven, become pathetic in their regrets and affectionate remembrance of their former country; and it is an object of ambition with many of them to get on board a vessel bound for New Plymouth, to gaze once more upon the lovely outlines of its scenery." – Earp's New Zealand, pp. 73, 74.

8. "New Plymouth, though a small settlement in comparison with others, was the first in New Zealand, not only to feed itself, but to export its own produce. While the commercial settlements of Wellington and Auckland were importing corn from Sydney and the West Coast of South America, New Plymouth was ex-

MR. EARP'S SAY – FEEDING CANTERBURY.

porting corn to both. Like Nelson, New Plymouth owed nothing to the expenditure caused by the troops, which have been so extensively employed in the other settlements; it was isolated from the disturbed districts, and not a single soldier was necessary for its defence. The inhabitants having no resources of this nature, and but few of a commercial kind beyond the export of their surplus produce, steadily applied themselves to agriculture and sheep-farming, and with such success that a poor or a disappointed man is scarcely to be found amongst them, – every man literally living 'under his own vine and fig-tree.' The New Plymouth people are well aware of the productive powers of their own settlement. When the Canterbury settlement was first projected, it was the recommendation of the bishop that it, should be located at New Plymouth, but the committee of the Canterbury Association decided otherwise. On this a New Plymouth settler shrewdly remarked – 'It is no matter, wherever they may settle, we shall have the pleasure and the profit of feeding them till they can run alone, and thus find another market for our rapidly-increasing surplus produce.' And it is a fact that this, the least of the older settlements, has for many years past fed the larger, there being no limit to its productiveness, but want of small capitalists to reclaim new lands." – Earp, 3d Edition, p. 123.

The following letter has been much admired for the simple beauty and pathos of its style; whilst the strong testimony it furnishes, as to the high tone of the settlement in "things spiritual" is very gratifying – coming, as it does, from so high and disinterested an authority as the admirable Bishop of New Zealand, Dr Selwyn. The letter is one of a series, published in a little work called the "Bishop's Journal." This work, and the third, edition of Earp's excellent Hand-book, should be consulted by every intending emigrant. The one is a very interesting and graphically-written description of natural scenery, missionary adventures, and native life and scenes; the other is a work which, in style of execution and real practical utility, stands out in happy

BISHOP'S TESTIMONY.

relief to the various "Pen and Pencil Sketches," "Keys to Colonies" (innocent of opening any Colonial lock), "Emigrants' Oracles," &c., id genus omne, of which New Zealand, in common with all colonies, has unfortunately been the victim: –

"The Bishop on New Plymouth: Taranaki.

"Our voyage round the North Cape, including one day at the Bay of Islands, had occupied sixteen days, when we anchored at Taranaki, early in the morning of Sunday, the 9th of April (1848.)

"If I may confess a partiality, such as a father may feel for one particular child, without injustice to the rest, this is my favourite settlement in New Zealand. On the present occasion it was invested with a deeper and more solemn interest by the recent death of my dear friend and child in the ministry, the Rev. W. Bolland. I had spent a few hours at New Plymouth in August, 1847, and had heard in that short time such words of unfeigned sorrow and respect from his parishioners as I could scarcely have hoped to hear from a congregation so recently formed under so young a minister. On that occasion the church was filled on a week-day evening with his bereaved people, who seemed to drink in with open hearts every word that I spoke of their departed pastor; and when I gave them hopes that a new clergyman would speedily arrive, their joy seemed to be damped by the thought, 'that they could not look to see again the like of him whom they had lost.' I think I can never forget the peculiar solemnity of that evening service, when I was obliged, by fear of an approaching storm, to go at once from the church, and embark at midnight, leaving the mourning widow and the desolate congregation to lament a loss which seemed as if it could never be repaired.

"The lapse of seven months to the time of my second visit, in April, 1848, had lightened the burden of public and private sorrow. The Rev. H. Govett, Mr. Bolland's associate in their first work as settlers on the Tamaki, seemed to be marked out as the fittest successor to his departed friend; and thus it has pleased God already, in the short space of six years, to carry

BISHOP'S TESTIMONY.

down the spiritual line of succession in the New Zealand Church to the third degree.

"My dear Chaplain, the Rev. T. Whytehead, looked forward with comfort to the arrival of his affianced brother-in-law Mr. Bolland, as trusting that he would be moved by his letters to fill the gap in the ministry which his own death would cause; and Mr. Bolland was not taken away till he had seen the effect of his own advice and example, in inducing his companion, Mr. Govett, to relinquish every other care for that work of Christ, in which he now follows the footsteps of his friend.

"My arrival on the Sunday morning was opportune, as Mr. Govett was absent at the native villages on the coast, which Mr. Bolland was accustomed to visit once in two months. Mr Govett keeps up the practice, having himself learned the duties of a missionary clergyman in his temporary occupation of Mr. Hadfield's late station at Waikanae. The duties of the parish, therefore, devolved upon me; and a great pleasure it was to spend the whole of the Lord's-day among this friendly and earnest people. The beautiful stone chapel was well filled in the morning, at very short notice, and crowded at the evening service. It is indeed a refreshing sight in a new country to see such a building, with walls which seem fitted to withstand an earthquake, and a beautiful open roof of the red pine (Rimu) of the country, which, when oiled and polished, has a rich colour, well adapted to the interior of a church. Everything was in character and in order; the books, the seats, the communion cloth, the lamps, all directed by Mr. Bolland's judgment and taste, and not procured without much effort and self-denial. The same may be said of the parishioners, who subscribed most liberally, and incurred heavy responsibility to carry out the full plan of their architect, Mr. Thatcher, and to complete a work which might express their own zeal for religion, and form an imperishable monument for ages to come.

"CHAPEL OF HENUI.

"Besides the congregations in the parish church, I had the pleasure of assembling a small body of our people at the rustic chapel of the Henui, two miles from the church. The building is formed only of

BISHOP SELWYN ON NEW PLYMOUTH.

rough logs of timber, but its appearance indicates the uses to which it is applied; and, without assenting to the common approbation of cheap churches, it is a satisfaction to know that a village population, to the number of seventy or eighty, have been provided with a temporary chapel of pleasing appearance, at an expense of £50. The parish church will continue to uphold the other principle, of giving to God, even in the 'goodly stones and timbers of His house, that honour which is due unto His name.' In that 'the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it,' to tell to future generations, that the first clergyman, and the first settlers in Taranaki, offered this worthy thank-offering to Him who had guided them in safety from their native country to this distant land; where the many still live to worship Him, but where one has gone to his rest.

"Close to the eastern end of the church is the resting-place of the mortal remains of that one. There, in a small enclosure the green turf, carefully weeded, covers the graves of the father and of an infant child, who lived only to be baptized. 23 There, may be seen, before the services of the day begin, the kind-hearted peasant of this simple village, reviving the memory of his friend and pastor by gazing upon his burial place; and there too, I felt, as it has been my lot to feel in every settlement of my diocese, how much this new land has acquired the character of a mother country, in which I can be content to live and die, by the number of dear friends and holy servants of Christ who sleep within its bosom.

"The few days which I spent at Taranaki were occupied in visiting many of my old friends, and in examining the candidates for confirmation, in whose preparation Mrs. Bolland had interested herself, to her own comfort, and their great benefit. On the appointed day, a body of fifteen young women and five young men were admitted to confirmation, and many of the number, I have since learned, have been added to the list of the communicants. For these small beginnings, as they

PALL-MALL, AND THE HENUI VICARAGE.

will seem to you in England, I have reason to be thankful, remembering that this is the first colony in which any function of my office has been performed from its first foundation. But beyond this, the personal examination of the candidates, their appearance in church – the young women neatly dressed in white – and the fact of their desiring to come to the Holy Communion, all combine with that duty of charity which believeth all things and hopeth all things, to make me trust that a work of grace will be begun in these early days, which will spring up in multiplied blessings to these children's children.

"If I could send you 24 a true picture of the parsonage of Taranaki, it would make you leave the noise of Pall-Mall, and apply for institution as pastor to the English settlers. Mr. Govett would find ample employment among the natives, as the greater part of the Ngatiawa tribe, to whom he formerly ministered at Waikanae, are now returning to their old homes, a few miles from New Plymouth. Picture to yourself an irregular stone building, roofed with genuine thatch, with shady verandahs overrun with creepers, and a grassy bank in front sloping down to the sparkling stream of the Henui, fed most plentifully when it most needs supply, by the snows of Mount Egmont, which towers in solitary grandeur behind the forest. You would not wonder that I love New Zealand if you knew as much of it as I do."

Extracts from the Official Report of WILLIAM FOX, Esq., on the New Plymouth Settlement.

WELLINGTON, May 22, 1849.

"I found the settlement of New Plymouth very prosperous. All classes seemed well off and contented. Of the capabilities of the district, in an agricultural point of view, it would be difficult to speak too highly; while it displays in its career an instance of self-reliance, unsupported by Government expenditure or the aid of

MR. FOX ON NEW PLYMOUTH.

British, money, forming an agreeable contrast to the settlement of Auckland which I had just left, where no true colonizing enterprise exists, and nearly the whole population (cooped up in the town) lives solely on the proceeds of the British Treasury. The want of immigration, however, begins to be seriously felt at New Plymouth, so large a portion of the labouring class having become independent of employment for hire, 25 that had not the natives been induced to work, there would have been great difficulty in securing the last harvest.

"I was glad to find a mechanic of the name of Perry engaged in erecting a blast-furnace for the purpose of smelting the iron-sand, of which millions of tons lie scattered along the sea beach, north and south of the settlement. Perry is using the fire-bricks which were sent out by the Court, and is very sanguine of success; experiments on a small scale, and with imperfect apparatus, having been satisfactory. He also shipped eight or ten tons of the sand on board the vessel which I sailed in, which will be forwarded to Sydney by one of the merchants here, Mr. Fitzherbert, where, if it answers expectation, a considerable demand may be expected.

"Three excellent flour-mills and two breweries were in full operation. One of the former uses a pair of stones hewn out of granite blocks found in the settlement, and which appear to answer every purpose as well as French burrs, except that they are rather more difficult to dress. Forty tons of flour left for the Auckland market when I was there, and much more will be exported during the season.

"I was much struck with the extreme fertility of the soil. Some idea of it may be formed from the fact that thirty-five acres of grass and white clover, during last year, carried nearly 300 sheep for a twelvemonth in excellent condition. This is accounted for in a great degree by the mildness of the winter, which promotes the free growth of herbage during that season, while the proximity of the sea, and westerly breezes, ensure abundant moisture during the summer.

TONE OF THE SETTLEMENT – NO SECTARIANISM.

"I thought the tone of the settlement very good; the churches and chapels well frequented, and sectarian differences little thought of – the church congregation mustering Anglicans, Romanists, Unitarians, and other denominations, within the same walls. Schooling seems as much attended to as it is likely to be in a rural and somewhat scattered population. An excellent school for girls of the upper class is in course of establishment by three ladies, whose accomplishments are likely to make it an attraction even to the other distant settlements. A well-conducted book-club, with an entrance-fee of £1 1s., and the same annual subscription, has been formed, and includes nearly all the higher class as members. An institution for the education of the natives has been founded by the Wesleyan Society, and, in the charge of the Rev. Mr. Turton, is likely to promote greatly the welfare of the race.

(Signed) "WILLIAM FOX,

"Acting Principal Agent.

"The Secretary of the New Zealand Company."

The following are extracts from a letter lately received from some members of my family, including my father, who, at the ripe age of 70, emigrated to New Plymouth.

The entire letter would be given, but as it was not written for publication, the greater portion of it relates to mere private matters, of no possible interest or importance to the general reader: –

"This New Plymouth is indeed a noble country, both for the steady, industrious poor man, and for the gentleman with a few thousands; for his capital may be safely invested at 10 per cent. at least, and on an income of a couple of hundreds a-year, he might live like a prince.

"The climate, too, is certainly very fine. This is now our winter, but I have only once seen ice on the pools, about as thick as a shilling. This morning there is quite a rhyme frost, yet the scarlet geraniums, scioenthus, scarlet myrtle, and beautiful mimosa, are all

FINE OLD ENGLISH EMIGRANT.

in full flower. My sons take credit for bringing the latter from the Cape of Good Hope, when they touched, or rather struck there, on their way out in 1843.

"Our vegetables are really wonderful; and a Mr. Nairn, one of the old settlers here, and I think the only one who has paid the least attention to horticultural matters, tells me that in 1848 he had at least 500 dozen of fine marketable peaches from six or seven standard trees.

"We are now high busy improving and ornamenting our new home. The place formerly belonged to a Captain Creagh; it has been much neglected, but is capable of being converted into a very beautiful spot. I am busily employed superintending the putting up of some homely but useful out-buildings. I have also just completed a rose arbour, larger than the one at Tydd, with a beautiful fern tree for a centre part.

"Our farm consists of about one hundred acres, only two miles from the town. It is fine level land, the yet uncleared parts covered with fern ten to fifteen feet high, the soil a fine black mould, and so like my rich garden soil at Tydd.

"Our mountain (Mt. Egmont) is certainly worth a journey of some thousand miles to see. It is now covered with snow nearly half-way down, and dazzling white; the rock and snow having the appearance of immense longitudinal purple stripes; then bright green forest. It is nearly 10,000 feet high, of a regular massive, cone-like shape. Such is its size, and the purity and clearness of the atmosphere, that although it is sixteen miles from us, its base actually seems to be in our garden. We have made a cut through our wood so as to command a view of this snow-capped giant beauty from our windows.

"The Poictiers has just arrived, bringing us several new settlers and such excellent news, as to the numbers who may be expected by the following ships, that the price of what we term the "compensation lands," rose in one week from 8s. to 21s. per acre; and a neighbour of ours (a relation of Lord Berners, by the bye), has refused £300 for a little property which a month ago he offered at £180.

"A gentleman who came out in the ship before us

FURTHER EXPERIMENTS ON STEEL ORE.

has just returned to England. He originally intended, I believe, settling in Nelson, but on seeing New Plymouth, was so charmed with it, that he purchased an estate of 300 acres, and expended about £1,000 on it, and has now gone back to fetch his family; I expect he will also induce several half-pay officers to return with him." * * *

"NORTHAMPTON, June 20, 1851.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"Since my last letter to you, I have resumed my experiments upon the iron sand of New Plymouth, and you will be pleased to know that my success is greater than any of my former researches. This rich ore is indeed a mine of immense wealth, and I trust the day is not far distant when its high value will be the means of improving a colony of already acknowledged importance, and of rendering this country independent of foreign aid, for the supply of the finest steel – an article in constant and growing demand, and which this iron ore contains in such abundance and excellence.

"I have, during this week, carefully noted the assay, and find the lowest yield of steel-iron 38 1/2 per cent. and the highest, 59. I have forwarded to Mr. Carrington a piece, one side of which is polished, and exhibits a white silvery brilliancy, equal to the finest steel; though only just smelted in the crucible, this piece was of a yield equal to precisely 50 per cent.

"There is no difficulty in producing steel-iron from this ore, except the difficulty of obtaining the means required for the erection of the necessary works in New Zealand.

"I am, DEAR SIR,

"Yours, respectfully,

"J. STENSON.

"Mr. C. HURSTHOUSE, Jun."

BREES' PANORAMA.

In justice to New Plymouth, a few remarks are necessary on Mr. Brees' Panorama of New Zealand.

BREES' MAGNIFYING PANORAMA.

When this gentleman's Exhibition first appeared, it was confined principally to views of the Wellington district. The Times (it would seem in a rare fit of benevolent weakness) pronounced the thing good; and the New Zealand Panorama flaunted its posters and planted itself in Leicester Square – sub magni nominis umbra.

After such dictum, certain carping critics, with more temerity than wit, ventured to assert that the Panorama was quite as remarkable for many things as for correctness – no one heeded them though. If it was objected that the houses were much too small, it could be urged that as the natives (six to the ton) were much too large, the general average, the gross size and weight of the whole thing, was about correct. And, if the Panorama did puzzle the intending emigrant, or terrify the "unprotected female," still, as an improving study of comic perspective, a la Hogarth, it was a treasure of art, and a cheap sight at a shilling.

More lately, however, the Panorama has become cosmopolitan; several additions have been made, and one of them, unluckily, is New Plymouth. Now, I venture to assert, that however faithful may be Mr. Brees' views and descriptions of the Wellington district, he has been signally unfortunate in New Plymouth.

Mount Egmont, a remarkably broad, massive mountain, carrying its substance well up to the summit, is depicted as a slim, meagre-looking, sugar-loaf. The river Waitera, ten miles distant from the town, is described as running through the town (I wish it did). The district is rich in forest timber, and wooded dells, of exquisite beauty, are interspersed throughout the cultivation. Yet in the Panorama, scarcely a tree is seen, and the country is made more to resemble the naked plains of Canterbury.

These remarks are dictated in no spirit of hostility to Mr. Brees, whose efforts to promote New Zealand emigration are worthy of great praise. I gladly admit that a visit to his Panorama would convey to every one a far more vivid idea of the general features of the country than could be attained by mere book-reading, and I would strongly urge every intending emigrant to see it. But I know that the exaggerated size and

ANACERON AT THE ANTIPODES.

ferocious aspect of the natives in the Wellington view, so different to reality, the misrepresentation of New Plymouth, &c. &c. have really done considerable harm, and I point these things out, not to damage the Panorama, but in order that every one who goes to see it may bear these errors in mind, and thus derive full benefit from his visit.

Having now, I hope, pretty well disposed of the business matters, practical details, and sober realities of New Plymouth life; and, by a description of what the intending emigrant may expect to realise, raised his spirits to an attuning pitch, it is meet that I should present him with a Song, composed by my brother, in special honour of the "Garden of New Zealand."

In brotherly justice to the composer, I feel bound to state, however, that he is not a minor poet, and would rather turn a straight furrow than a smooth couplet, rather produce a prize pig than a prize poem.

The song – a maiden effort – written during the gloomy times of 1844, was presented to his fellow-members of the Taranaki Farmers' Club, probably as a kind of lyric antidote to the saddening effects of Governor Fitzroy's strokes of policy. Like the "Marseillaise," "Jim Crow," "Rule Britannia," and "Lucy Neal," it instantly became famous, and is now held to be as much an integral part of the New Plymouth Settlement as Paritutu or Mount Egmont itself. The juvenile populace are especially noisy in it; whilst at great feasts, on high-days and holidays, it always follows "Non Nobis" and "God Save the Queen." Here it is: –

AIR – Malbrook – con spirito.

The passing moments to beguile,
To cheer our spirits, raise a smile,

Though rude the verse and rough the lays,
We'll sing in Taranaki's praise –

And soon will prove in doggrel rhymes,
Despite the badness of the times,

That of all places on the coast,
We surely have most cause to boast

CHORUS.

So banish care and don't despair,
Of fortune in this place so rare;

But in a bumper pledge the toast:
New Plymouth fair – New Zealand's boast.

FARMERS' SONG – FREE-TRADE LYRICS.

We've famous land for him who tills;
To grind our corn we've got good mills;

We've churches for the orthodox,
And for the sinners gaols and stocks;

We've lowing herds on every side,
And hapuka in every tide;

And as for fruit, the place is full
Of that delicious bull-a-bull.

(Chorus.)

We've coal, jet black, on yonder hill,
And manganese close by the mill;

There's sulphur near Old Egmont's base,
And ironsand all o'er the place;

There's nickel, too, if we are right,
And signs of silver, rich and bright;

And where's the man will dare to tell,
But that a gold mine's there as well?

(Chorus.)

And other things we have besides;
We've got Gledhill to tan our hides;

To strike the whale with harpoon true,
We've Barrett and his hardy crew;

Our flagging spirits soon will cheer,
With Secombe's stout, or Ramsden's beer;

Nor fetch tobacco from afar,
Whilst Nairn can twist the mild cigar.

(Chorus.)

We've gallant hearts and ladies fair;
A climate that's beyond compare;

We've crystal waters, noble wood;
In fact, we've everything that's good.

Sure nothing more we need to add,
To prove the sin of being sad;

And gaily here through life we'll rub,
And merrily meet at the Farmers' Club.

CHORUS.

So banish care and dont despair,
Of fortune in this place so rare;

But in a bumper pledge the toast:
New Plymouth fair – New Zealand's boast.

[Page 152 is blank]

21 This party has since sailed in the Lord W. Bentinck, Messrs. Willis' 1st of August ship.

22 French's letter was written about five years ago, and such an article as boots would now be much lower.

23 The Rev. W. Bolland, the first New Plymouth Pastor, whose short life was one continuous scene of "good works;" and whose untimely death created a deep, heartfelt, sorrow throughout the entire community, utterly beyond the power of language to describe.

24 The Rev. Ernest Hawkins, to whom the letter is addressed.

25 Considerable immigration has since taken place, and the natives are now, as has been stated, in regular and steady employ. – See page 186.

THE CANTERBURY ASSOCIATION, AND THE CANTERBURY SETTLEMENT.

THE

CANTERBURY ASSOCIATION,

AND THE

CANTERBURY SETTLEMENT.

It would far exceed the legitimate compass of this little work, to discuss, at length, the nature of the Canterbury Settlement, and the peculiar system on which it is founded; but in respect of its being the "great fact" of the day in emigration matters, and the grandest colonization project ever conceived, some notice of its general character and chief peculiarities is essential, in any work treating of New Zealand as the colony of 1851.

As an emigration field, the Canterbury settlement may be viewed under three phases: –

1st, As being the most complete and practical embodiment of the Wakefield system of colonization which has yet been attempted.

2d, As being a religious class settlement; made so, by the exclusive domination accorded to one form of religion.

3d, As being a settlement endowed or not endowed with certain intrinsic natural advantages, such as good position, climate, soil; and power of producing exports.

1st, A wide difference of opinion exists as to the "Wakefield System;" it is a subject of fierce discussion among contending political economists and opposing colonial writers. An army of books, reports, pamphlets, and platform speeches, characterises the "Wakefield Sys-

WAKEFIELD SYSTEM NOT YET TRIED.

tem" as about the perfection of human wisdom; whilst a rival host represents it as a most pernicious theory – utterly subversive of sound colonization, and a complete stumbling-block to legitimate emigration.

It must, I think, be admitted that the opponents of the system have, with some plausibility, shown that, on the whole, it has not worked well in the Australian colonies; but their further argument, that the system has failed, and will continue to fail, in New Zealand, breaks down in point of fact, and is not remarkable either for honesty or penetration.

The most superficial acquaintance with New Zealand affairs must satisfy any one, save the wilfully blind, that the personal ruin of the early settlers, and the general retardation of the colony, arose from causes with which the Wakefield System, as a distinct theory of colonization, had no more to do than Animal Magnetism or Electro-Biology. The Pandora's box of Land Sharking, Church Missionary Intrigues, Native Protectorships, the Shortland and Fitzroy dynasty, Land Claims versus Native Rights, would have swamped and annihilated a system of Colonization conceived in Olympus and carried out by demi-gods. And, if New Zealand, after its first decade, numbers less than forty thousand settlers instead of half a million (which it might have numbered, had things gone well and smoothly) we are not to wonder at the shortcomings of the Wakefield System, but rather at the intrinsic natural advantages of New Zealand, which through such an ordeal, should have preserved for it any inhabitants at all.

Had New Zealand been a Port Natal, a Swan River, a Nova Scotia, or a Western Prairie, subjected to similar treatment, the probability is, that instead of exhibiting, as it does even now, about 40,000 prosperous settlers, half a dozen flourishing towns, with shipping in every bay, corn fields, flocks, and herds, extending on every side, and troops of industrious, well-clad, corn-fed native workmen, – it would have relapsed into pristine desolation; with the fern and wild grass in its streets and fields, the settlers vanished into thin air or fled to happier lands, and the natives, under protectorate hot-house treatment, dwarfed into a handful of ragged savages.

CANTERBURY SMOOTHLY LAUNCHED.

wandering through deserted clearings, and miserably subsisting on precarious potatoes and uncertain "clams."

Now only, for the first time, the founder and talented expositor of the "Wakefield System" will have the satisfaction of seeing his great theory fairly tried in New Zealand. A fine climate, a large extent of available land, accurate surveys, clear valid land titles, an efficient staff of officers – veterans trained in the wars of the New Zealand Company – have all been secured for Canterbury. The Government of New Zealand is administered by one, of whom it is scarcely sufficient praise to say, that he is just the antipodes of his predecessors. The painful experience of the past ten years in the old settlements, will point out to the directors of a new one many a shoal to be avoided, many a safe shore to be hugged. The Canterbury scheme is launched, too, at a time when free-trade levellings and upsettings are signally favouring the emigration of the better classes; whilst it presents itself before the public backed and accredited by an array of good and noble names, in itself a strong evidence of the soundness of the great principle at stake, and a guarantee that such principle will be fairly and effectively carried into execution.

If, with these advantages, at such a time, under such auspices, it should be found, some ten years hence, that the Canterbury settlement has more tub orators than exports – more churches than villages – more shepherds than sheep – more schools than scholars – more Corinthian ornaments than Doric pillars – more rapid tandems than straight-going ploughs – more silks and jewelled hands executing Meyerbeer than neat merinos doing plain-stitch and nursing the baby – then, and not till then, may Mr. Sidney and the Sydney heathen exultingly exclaim – behold, at last, a splendid failure! and all of us, sadly crest-fallen, admit that the Wakefield System of Colonization was a beautiful theory, (like the atmospheric railway, perpetual motion, O'Connor's land scheme, "liberte, egalite, and fraternite"), failing – only when tried in practice.

Secondly – As a Religious Class Settlement, of Church of England principles, Canterbury of course appeals only to members of its own numerous and influential persuasion. By a fundamental principle of its foundation, one-third

ROSY RECTORS, AND COLLEGE DONS.

of the entire proceeds of the "Land Sales" is appropriated to religious and educational purposes. That is, every purchaser of land must pay what may be termed a tax of 33 1/3 per cent., on the amount of his investment, for the erection, endowment, and support of Church and strict Church Schools.

It is reasonable to suppose that Dissenters from the Established Church, as a body, would not do this; they would make choice of other settlements, offering equal natural advantages, and where they were not compelled to pay so heavily for objects of which they actually disapproved. But, on the other hand, it is equally reasonable to suppose that intending emigrants – members of the Established Church – would gladly pay such a tax for such a purpose.

If Canterbury can offer a fine climate, fertile land light of cultivation, and easy of access to good markets, at three pounds per acre – with labour at reasonable rates, efficient religious establishments, excellent schools, and really good society – hundreds of excellent families, of strong Church principles, contemplating emigration, will most assuredly make choice of it (thousands ought to choose it) for their future home.

To such people, it is idle to hint, ad captandum vulgus, at one-third of the land sales being too much for School and Church; at rubicund Rectors, more bibulous than biblical, and College Dons dozing by the dozen in snug retreats, in learned ease, abstracted from the hum and bustle of the vulgar crowd. One pound per acre on the land sales is probably not too much to accomplish the really excellent objects which the founders of the Canterbury settlement have in view; and even if it were, the emigrant Churchman who looks to the training and education of his children, will not be disposed to criticise, in a carping or harrow spirit, the exact apportionment of the proceeds of the land sales, when the great fact is before him – that at Canterbury he can actually buy the "fee simple" of an estate for about as much as he would pay for one year's rent of it in England; this Canterbury being a type of England, or rather of England as it ought to be – England in summer dress, without crime or pauperism, and not the country of "Palaces and Pig-styes."

THE 'NEW ELEMENT' IN CANTERBURY.

It would be an idle dream, however, a vain delusion, to suppose, for a moment, that Canterbury will long remain an exclusive Church of England class settlement, recruiting its ranks solely from quiet, pious, Church of England English families. 26

If it succeeds, if money is to be made there, it will become famous throughout the entire range of the South Seas, and will inevitably draw to itself, from the neighbouring colonies of the Australian continent, and from various quarters of the Pacific, divers money-hunting, go-a-head, restless spirits; merchants, traders, colonial speculators, roving professionals, sea-going mechanics, wandering Jews, vagabond cosmopolites – id genus omne – a heterogeneous crowd of every belief and no belief. Men who will not, it is true, follow the plough or tend the flock, purchase much land at £3 per acre, or contribute much either to the support of Church or Church Schools; but who will become dwellers in the towns, builders of sectarian chapels, subscribers to the "Lyttleton counter Times," perchance irreverent jokers at the constituted authorities of Church and State; and who will assuredly shake down, subside, and settle into a large, active, and enterprising portion of the Canterbury community.

So much the better for Canterbury. Such new blood would infuse new life and vigour. True, it might bring something of party quarrels, political broils, and sectarian acrimony; but as Canterbury is not paradise, these would creep in, yea, even the latter, without this "new element;" whilst its introduction would assuredly do this much: – It would give greater breadth, tone, freedom, and elasticity to Canterbury society; which, otherwise, might remain tinged with the villagers' "Squire Worship," tainted with the frigid stiffness, the grim formalities, and cloister-like propriety, so excruciating in certain circles in the old country. It would be a wholesome corrective to certain fine airs and silver fork

THE SEA ROVER, AND THE CANTERBURY PILGRIM.

notions which young Canterbury, in its weaker moments, is apt to play off, in sport perhaps to itself, but which may prove cruel death to some of the "Jeames de la Plushe" members of society. And it would tend to keep down any little manifestations of Puseyism, the mediaeval age, scarlet hose, and such Jesuitical designs, which sagacious colonial Mr. Spooners tells us do lurk in the dark recesses and secret conclaves of the Canterbury councils.

In short, this forced amalgamation of the "Sea Rover" with the "English Emigrant" – the dashing vivacity and colonial astuteness of the one, built up on the steady courage and moral massiveness of the other – should produce a race admirably fitted for the requirements of colonial life – a race which would conduct the press, fill the pulpit and the Professor's chair, navigate the seas, subdue the wilderness, tend the flock, and, if need be, "set the squadron in the tented field," with equal vigour and success.

The great social features of the Canterbury Scheme, and the natural advantages of its field of operation, will secure for it the necessary "motive power" to be found only in an immigration of large numbers of trained, orderly, English families, led out by certain archigoi [Greek], and men of high birth and large capital. These will form the mass; and if the mass is leavened and rendered more digestible by light and frothy matter, cast up by the seas, the high tone and substantial respectability of the Canterbury settlement will still be preserved virtually intact.

Third. – The natural advantages of a new colony, capabilities of soil and climate, the power of producing marketable exports, may be termed the "first condition" of its success. Without the intrinsic power of producing marketable exports, a settlement built up by twice the ingenuity and astuteness, rank and wealth, of the founder of the Wakefield system and his disciples, would be a settlement founded on sand. It is, therefore, gratifying to find that, in these essentials, in this great cardinal requirement, Canterbury will bear the closest scrutiny.

The Times, of May 9, in an article on the Canterbury settlement, prophesies, but regrets, in language at once cruel and condoling, that Canterbury will prove a failure

THE 'TIMES' ON CANTERBURY.

The "Thunderer," or "Blunderer," prophesied that the Crystal Palace would prove a transparent failure, and headed the rabble of prominent dolts who denounced the bright idea. Let us hope that the felicitous pre-science displayed by the Times in the one case, will find a match in the other; and that when Canterbury, like the brilliant beauty of the Park, is built up in strength and symmetry, full-finished, and crowned with men's applause, the Times will bring its brick, and industriously begin to finish the completed work.

Lord Lyttleton made so good a reply to the Times, touching the morale, the spiritual part of Canterbury, that it would be as supererogative as presumptuous in me to meddle with this part of the question; but as the noble Peer and colonist seems to have passed over (probably as beneath criticism) the Times' speculations on the "material" of Canterbury, its natural capabilities, &c., I may perhaps venture to jot down my notions; especially as the question raised really affects, not Canterbury alone, but New Plymouth, and every settlement in New Zealand.

With that singular infirmity which oft makes the best of men and journalists blind to the merits which they really do possess, and fond of parading virtues which they do not possess, the Times seems to plume itself less on its facility of language, chamelion capabilities, powers of imagery and invention, than on its plain facts of figures and statistics. With a jauntiness peculiarly afflicting in a paper of such oppressive profundity, it commits this passage on Canterbury exports: –

"Nor do we know upon what commodity for export the colony relies to provide itself with the necessary products for which it must for years to come be dependent upon other countries. The Australian colonies grow wheat for themselves. England will not always be foolish enough to keep three thousand troops to consume the flour of New Zealand; and all other markets are too remote. When men and pigs have eaten all they can the surplus will remain a drag."

The Australian colonies do not grow wheat for themselves; 27 England does not keep three thousand troops in New Zealand, and colonial pigs never do eat all the wheat they can. But, passing over these little trips

CANTERBURY EXPORTS.

and recommending the Times to read up and improve itself in colonial statistics, and the domestic economy of the stye, let us briefly glance at the exports which Canterbury, in common with New Zealand, is certainly capable of producing.

They may perhaps be classed under two divisions: – First, Grain Exports, and their concomitants, springing from the cultivation of the soil – such as flour, seed-corn, wheat, barley, oats, pressed clover hay, malt, hops, beer; barrelled potatoes, onions, and apples; articles described by Loudon as cultivated on a limited scale for various arts and manufactures, such as flax, hemp, oil, and dye-plants, mustard, tobacco, &c.; with dairy and other small produce of a farm, such as butter, cheese, hams, bacon, honey, lard, &c. &c.

Secondly, wool, tallow, hides, live-stock, ship provisions, preserved meats, salt beef and pork; whale oil, and bone, cured fish, Phormium Tenax, raw and manufactured, &c. &c.

In estimating the exporting resources of Canterbury, as springing from the cultivation of the soil, we must allow due force to the fact, that New Zealand is not only a great agricultural country per se, but that it is so in comparison with any country south of the equator. The Cape Colony, parts of South America, and the Australian continent are capable, under certain conditions, of producing wheat; but, with one single exception, they are essentially, by nature, non-agricultural countries. This exception is South Australia, which may perhaps be capable of producing a ton of flour as cheaply as New Zealand. Van Dieman's Land may be named, but the cultivable portions of this comparatively small island are of very limited extent (see Maculloch), and in a question of supplying the markets of the Southern Hemisphere with bread-stuffs, Van Dieman's Land must be considered as the kitchen-garden not the farm.

The climate of the country, rather than the soil, stamps its producing character; and it is to climate that New Zealand owes its great natural superiority as a corn-growing country. Neither droughts nor wet harvests ever occur; there are no excessive rains; whilst

AGRICULTURAL WEALTH AND STRENGTH.

the frequency of those moderate but golden showers, described by Loudon as real sources of fertility, is the predominant feature of the climate. Violent storms, blights, rust, and mildew, so fatal in many countries to grain crops, are here unknown.

To these signal advantages of climate, add, that water-power, of easy application to thrashing and other farm purposes, is most abundant; that no winter provision is necessary for stock; that there are no destructive animals or birds, and but few insects; and that the soil, for the most part, is a light, friable loam, of the easiest cultivation, certainly capable of yielding an average of thirty bushels of fine white wheat per acre. In short, it is no exaggeration to say, that there is no colony, perhaps no country in the world, where a bushel of wheat or a ton of flour could be produced cheaper than in New Zealand or Canterbury; perhaps none where it could be produced so cheaply.

The question of food exports and markets, however, is one on which some little mystification exists – a question which is made unduly prominent. Many appear to think that the first point which is to claim the emigrant's attention is, how to dispose of his produce – he may rely upon it that the first point for consideration should be, how to produce it. In all new countries, under the most favourable circumstances, the work of feeding the first colonists is a work of considerable time; the first and second generation of settlers generally manage to eat all the food they raise.

In the case of New Zealand, we have to bear in mind that the 100,000 natives are rapidly changing into large consumers of flour and farm produce. 28 Satisfactory indications exist that the colony is in a fair way of becoming the "favourite emigration field" of the day; and a large increase of population may be expected by immigration from the mother country, swelled by draughts

AGRICULTURE VERSUS MANCHESTER LOOMS.

from the better portion of the Australian population, and by numbers of ex-military and Indian invalid families dispersed over our Indian empire, who will be drawn to New Zealand by the beauty of its climate, and the tone of society. And further, we have to recollect that a large portion of the New Zealand population will undoubtedly be engaged in trade and commerce, in the fisheries, and in pastoral and other pursuits; and will, therefore, be consumers, and not producers of grain crops and general farm produce.

The Canterbury emigrant, now going out to engage in the cultivation of the soil, may rest assured that for all the wheat he will ever grow, a five shilling a bushel "home market" will be open to him; whilst if he be inclined to speculate on the future, or to trouble himself about his descendants, he may equally rest assured that New Zealand, by climate, soil, and position, is destined to become the "Granary," the "Store-house," of the Southern hemisphere. Her power of producing cheap food will enable her to carry on an extensive and lucrative trade with the non-agricultural continent of Australia, with our possessions in India and China, Ceylon, and the Mauritius; with California and the ports of South America, and with various tropical countries of the surrounding seas, all within easy sail of her own shores.

A country or colony that is essentially agricultural, is essentially, intrinsically, powerful. No Californian mines, no Manchester looms, no extent of wool-producing plains, can compensate for food-raising deficiencies. A country which can supply both itself and other countries with the first necessary – food – will supply itself on easy terms with everything else. Agriculture may be regarded as the great substratum of national prosperity to which every other source of wealth should be subordinate; and great as by nature may be the pastoral, commercial, or manufacturing capabilities of New Zealand, it is the surpassing agricultural resources of the country which renders it so desirable a field for present emigration; and which will, in all human probability, make it the key of the Pacific, and the future England of the Southern hemisphere.

Of the second division of exports, sufficient has been

THE GOLDEN FLEECE AT CANTERBURY.

said in a former part of this work 29 to show that New Zealand is a country of singular pastoral capabilities. In fact, paradoxical as it may sound, New Zealand is naturally more a pastoral country than Australia. Australia's claims to be considered a pastoral country rest solely on her possession of immense plains. In heat and aridity of climate, poor and scanty herbage, scorching droughts, and scarcity of water, she is the very reverse of a pastoral country. Sir George Grey, the former Governor of South Australia, and no mean judge, declares that the pastoral capabilities of the middle island of New Zealand are superior to anything he ever saw in Australia; an opinion corroborated by many, in fact, I believe, by all, "practical men" who have actually visited both colonies.

The Canterbury colony will certainly not export so much wool as the Australian colonies, inasmuch as a lake is not so big as the sea – but what then! The Canterbury colonists will surely find a good English market for all the wool they do grow. The question whether wool is to be produced in Canterbury at as low a cost as in Australia, is one which experience has certainly not yet decided; but there is every reason to believe that it will be produced even more cheaply. At least, the Canterbury grower will have these advantages over the Australian: – 1st, A climate most favourable to the full development of vigorous animal life; leading to a faster increase in his flock, both by births, and by the comparative absence of many diseases so fatal to sheep in Australia. 2nd, Droughts, and a consequent failure of grass, will never decimate his flocks; nor will he suffer from the depredations of the dingoe and the native. 3rd, He will have plenty of water for washing, no burs, and pasturage of such superior quality that, instead of requiring about four acres to feed one sheep, he will probably feed four sheep on one acre. 4th, There is no reason to expect that labour will be any dearer in Canterbury than in Australia; whilst the more compressed system which this richer pasturage will allow the Canterbury colonist to adopt, will enable him to manage with less labour, and to exercise a closer personal attendance over his flock. Moreover, this com-

CANTERBURY, AUSTRALIA, AND SAHARA.

pressed system, placing him much nearer the coast or shipping port, will save him the heavy expenses of the long inland carriage to which the Australian wool-grower is subjected.

It may be urged that the Canterbury wool will not be so fine in quality as the Australian. The result of the last London sales of New Zealand wool, makes even this doubtful; but if it were not so fine, it would be longer in staple, and coming to market free from burs, clean, and well-washed (which latter, from the abundance of water, it always might be), it would probably command nearly as high a price per pound as the Australian wools. Moreover, we have to bear in mind the pregnant fact, that whilst the Australian fleece does not average three pounds, the New Zealand fleece, of the same breed of animal, has been found to average nearly four pounds; so that if the price per pound were rather less, the value of the fleece would probably be rather more.

From the enormous quantity of wool which the immense extent of the Australian plains has enabled the Australian colonies to send to the English market, Australia has come to be regarded, par excellence, as the "wool-growing" country of the world – an idea fondly hugged by the colonial writers in the Australian interest, who can regard New Zealand only as a hostile rival colony.

Juster notions and truer estimates are, however, gaining ground; and practical men who have seen both colonies are pretty well agreed that in everything, save extent, New Zealand is about as superior to Australia in pastoral or wool-growing capabilities, as Australia may be to the great desert of Sahara.

But after all, if, contrary to present appearance, it should prove that the Canterbury colony cannot export wool so cheaply as Australia, it may be questioned whether the merits of Canterbury, as a field for the higher sort of emigration, would be much weakened or impaired thereby. The production of cheap wool and tallow, although in itself a most meritorious achievement, and a fair object of ambition to a certain order of minds, is not exactly the first consideration which would sway an educated English family in the choice of a new home. To such, the delightful climate, good society,

GENERAL EXPORTS.

and extraordinary social advantages of Canterbury, with fifteen per cent. profit on sheep-farming, would probably be far more attractive than the summer broilings, the mud hut, the isolation, and the semi-savage style of Australian sheep-farming, even with a profit of twenty per cent.

Wheat and wool have been specially alluded to in connexion with Canterbury exports, as the standard productions of two great branches of colonial industry, indicative of other exports; and as that combination of soil and climate which is eminently favourable to the cheap production of wheat and wool is eminently favourable to the cheap production of almost every other article enumerated in the two divisions under which I have classed Canterbury exports, it is unnecessary to discuss each of these articles in detail; especially as my space is limited, and allusion has already been made to them in other parts of this little work.

Next to arable farming and wool-growing, the cultivation and preparation of the finer sorts of the Phormium Tenax, the provision trade, the curing of beef and pork for the shipping of the South Pacific, the Whale and other fisheries, will probably be the leading pursuits in Canterbury; and, as the colony advances, other sources of wealth, besides those I have indicated, will probably be opened up, and go to swell the long fist of valuable exports which Canterbury, in common with New Zealand, is so signally capable of producing.

The history of commerce warns us not to be too hasty in limiting the resources of any new country, or in deciding against the value of any new article which may be tried as an export. It is stated that the gentleman is now living in South Carolina who assisted in packing the first bag of cotton sent to Liverpool from the United States. The consignee of this lone bag informed the merchants who sent it, that he could not sell it, that it was valueless, and advised them to send no more. America now exports to this country some two millions of bags of cotton every year. The accidental upsetting of a dray, on a rough hill road, in South Australia, revealed a "sparkling ore," and induced researches leading to the discovery of almost unbounded mineral wealth, which raised the colony from a state of great languishment and depression to one of great vigour and prosperity.

TERMS OF PURCHASE OF LAND.

The intending emigrant who may be satisfied with, the "social features" of the Canterbury colony, may safely rest assured, not only that its soil and climate will enable him to produce a great variety of valuable exports; but that the geographical position, fine harbours, and shipping facilities of New Zealand; the improvements effecting in screw steam-navigation, and general sea transit, will, year by year, tend to bring within his reach new and excellent markets for such exports.

TERMS OF PURCHASE OF LAND AND PASTURAGE IN THE CANTERBURY SETTLEMENT.

The conditions on which the Association offered land for sale and pasture-licences were altered from time to time, according to circumstances. After the passing of the statute, it was necessary to revise them, and they were finally consolidated and issued on the 27th September, 1850, as follows: –

"1. With the exception of such land as has already been, or may hereafter be, selected by the agent of the association for the site of the capital town, and of harbour and port towns, and of such land as may be reserved by the association for works of public utility under the present or any other terms of purchase, all the lands shall be open for purchase as rural land. The association has resolved not to exercise the right of selecting the sites of towns beyond the site of the capital; and in case Port Lyttelton should not be selected as the capital, then of one port town.

"2. Any quantity of land may be purchased as a rural allotment not being less than fifty acres. Any person desirous of purchasing land in distinct allotments, may do so by separate forms of application, each allotment not to be less than fifty acres. The extent of a town allotment shall be one-half acre; and in the port town, if any, one-quarter of an acre.

"3. The rural land shall be sold at £3 per acre, including the sums contributed for special purposes.

"Town allotments may be sold in the colony in the following manner: – An allotment of half an acre in the

TERMS OF PURCHASE OF LAND.

capital at £24, and an allotment of a quarter of an acre in the port town, if any, at £12; but no such allotments shall he sold upon the foregoing terms without being first put up for sale by auction, at upset prices of those amounts respectively.

"4. All land for the time being remaining unsold shall be open, under licence, for pasturage purposes, at the rate of 20s. per annum for every hundred acres. And until 100,000 acres, being the quantity of land originally appropriated to the first body of colonists, shall be sold, every purchaser of rural land, and no other person, will be entitled to a transferable licence for pasturage, renewable by such purchaser from year to year, in the proportion of five acres of pasturage to one acre of land purchased.

"5. Holders of pasturage licences under the last condition will be entitled to a pre-emptive right of purchase of the lands comprised in such licences, subject to the conditions herein contained, applicable to the purchase of rural land; except that, instead of applications for purchase being made to the secretary of the association, and the purchase-money being paid to the bankers of the association, such applications may be made to the principal agent, at the land office in the colony, and payment of the purchase-money may be made to him.

"6. Lands held under pasturage licences may not be purchased by any persons other than the licensees until after one month's notice, in writing, given by an intending purchaser at the land office in the colony, stating the intention to purchase, and specifying the lands proposed to be purchased; the intending purchaser being required, at the time of such notice, to deposit his full purchase-money at the land office. Pasturage licences will confer no right to the soil.

"7. Subject to the foregoing conditions, all lands included in such pasturage licences will be open for purchase in like manner as other unappropriated lands.

"8. Applications for the purchase of rural land must be made according to a printed form, which may be obtained at the office of the association, 9, Adelphi Terrace. Before any application can be received, one-half of the purchase-money must be paid to the bankers

TERMS OF PURCHASE, AND PASTURAGE.

of the association, Messrs. Cocks, Biddulph, and Co., Charing-Cross, and their receipt produced. Land-orders will not be issued until the purchase-money shall be paid in full.

"9. The selection of land in the colony will be made according to the order in which land-orders shall be presented at the land office of the association in the colony. But if it should ever so happen that two or more persons should apply at the same time for the same allotment, the preference of selection between them shall be determined by lot.

"10. Every allotment of rural land must be selected of a rectangular form, so far as circumstances and the natural features of the country will admit.

"11. Every allotment fronting upon a river, road, lake, lagoon, or coast, must be of a depth from the front of at least half a mile.

"12. Every allotment not fronting upon a river, road, lake, lagoon, or coast, must be not less than 300 yards in width, and not less than half a mile distant from a river, road, lake, lagoon, or coast.

"13. Each section under a pasturage licence must be in one block, and of a rectangular form, as far as possible.

"14. The intended application of purchase-money is as follows: – One-sixth part to be paid for the land; one-sixth part for miscellaneous expenses, including surveys, roads, &c.; one-third part for religious and educational purposes; and one-third part for emigration. Subject to the regulations of the association with respect to the selection of the emigrants, every purchaser will be entitled to recommend emigrants, proportioned in number to the amount of his contribution to the emigration fund; but not more than ten shillings per acre will be allowed towards the passage of the purchaser and his family.

"15. The association reserves to itself the right of selecting, and appropriating, and obtaining a conveyance to itself, for public use only, of all such lands as may be required for streets, squares, roads, sites of churches, churchyards, schools, parsonage-house, wharfs, landing-places, jetties, or other objects of public utility and convenience.

TERMS OF PURCHASE – OTAGO.

"16. The association reserves to itself the right of making such modifications in these terms as experience may prove hereafter to be expedient or desirable for the general benefit of the settlement, and as may be consistent with the conditions under which the land has been reserved to the association.

"No rural land will be sold in the colony until after due notice to that effect. Subject to the engagements which the association has made by previous terms of purchase, town land may be sold in the colony at any time after the date of these terms of purchase. And the foregoing conditions shall (so far as they properly can) apply to such town lands, except that, instead of applications for purchase being made to the secretary of the association, they may be made to the principal agent of the association, at the land office in the colony; and instead of the purchase-money being paid to the bankers of the association, the same must be paid to such agent."

Further particulars as to land, sailing of ships, &c., may always be obtained by writing to H. T. Alston, Esq., Secretary, Canterbury Association, 9, Adelphi Terrace, London.

OTAGO.

The remarks which have been made on the class character, social features, and natural capabilities of the Canterbury Settlement, apply, in a great measure, to the Scotch Free Kirk Settlement, Otago.

The chief difference in the schemes of the two settlements is, that in Otago, the price of land has been fixed at £2 per acre, instead of £3 as in Canterbury; consequently, in the former settlement, the fund for emigration, religious and educational purposes, is not so large as in Canterbury.

Full particulars as to the terms of purchase of land, pasturage, sailing of ships, &c., may always be readily obtained by communicating with J. M'Glashan, Esq., Secretary of the Otago Association, 27, Hanover Street, Edinburgh.

[Page 170 is blank]

26 The reader who may question this, should refer to the lucid remarks of Messrs. Earp and Dillon Bell, (see 3d edition of Earp's Hand-book, pp. 92 and 181), two of the most experienced and practical of New Zealand settlers; shrewd clever men, well trained to form correct opinions on all New Zealand matters, and able to express themselves in language at once clear and captivating.

27 See page 99.

28 It may be remarked that the natives would do their own farming, and supply themselves. I do not think that this is at all probable. The fisheries, the coasting trade, the breeding of horses and cattle, and the cultivation and part preparation of the Phormium Tenax and tobacco plant, are branches of industry which the natives would much prefer to wheat-growing, and in which they would be signally successful.

29 See Article at page 90 to 96.

EXTRACTS FROM SIDNEY SMITH'S "EMIGRANTS' NEW HOME."

EXTRACTS

FROM

SIDNEY SMITH'S

"EMIGRANTS' NEW HOME."

"THAT strange world-madness called war has, with so few intervals of peace or truce, raged over the earth, that some philosophers have concluded the natural state of mankind to be that of mutual devouring. The train of reasoning by which, a declaration of hostilities is arrived at is so ludicrously inconsequential, that the misery of its results is the only consideration which saves the tragedy from being farcical. That because two kings, or a couple of diplomatists, should differ in opinion, two hundred thousand men – one half in red, and the other half in green or blue – should, assemble with iron tubes to feed powder and carrion crows with each other's carcases, seems to partake to so great an extent of Partridge's favourite element of logic called a non sequitur, that one cannot help suspecting that battles arise rather from the universal spirit of pugnacity, than from any solicitude to find out a more rational apology for them. Invasions, plagues, the small-pox, famines, are still considered as so many substitutes for Malthus' prudential check to population. The progress of civilization, the improvements in science, which have so greatly diminished these sources of mortality, are regarded by the cynical as a thwarting of the tendencies of nature. They point to our thirty-three years of peace and its effects in intensifying the pressure of population on the

means of subsistence, and the miseries of increasing competition and poverty, as a proof that over-civilization defeats its own end, and that social and scientific progression contains within itself the seeds of its own destruction. They darkly hint at War, Pestilence, and Famine, as scourges to the human race, which are as yet essential to the fulfilment of the designs of Providence, and silently point to warriors and destroyers as the virtual regenerators of mankind. And truly when a prime minister, rubbing his drowsy eyes, calls to mind, as he awakes each morning, that 1,277 more subjects of the sovereign that day require bread, than when he laid his head on his pillow the night before, it is not wonderful that he should fall into antiquated habits of philosophising upon the best and speediest means of getting rid of them.

"Nor can the people themselves be less interested in the practical result of this enquiry. All Europe has been shaken to its very foundation by neglect of any endeavour to furnish a rational solution of the question. The very existence of civil society is perilled. Class is rising against class – crime is spreading with unerring consequentiality upon the heels of misery. We repose at the mouth of a volcano; like snakes in an Egyptian pitcher, each struggles to rear his head above the rest, for sheer air and breath; and a crowning selfishness seizes on us all, in the struggle to preserve ourselves from sinking in the crowd of competition for bare life, and from being trampled to death in the contest for existence.

"It is true we have still standing room in these islands, although how long that will be possible, with an increment of five millions in every ten years, and not a square inch increase of soil in a century, it is not very difficult, by the help of Cocker, to predicate. But this is not life – scarcely even vegetation – but a mere sickly and sluggish hesitative negation of dying. The Spitalfields weaver, the pale artizan, the squalid labourer, the consumptive sempstress, classes that count millions in the census, what optimist of us all can venture to say that that is God Almighty's dispensation of the life of immortal creatures gifted with discourse of reason? The starved clerk, with the hungry children and the

pinched wife, nailed to the desk of the dingy office from year's end to year's end – the poor wretch that breaks highway metal by the measure, losing a meal by pausing a single hour – the spindle-shanked peasant, paid in truck with tail wheat, and the very marrow drudged out of his rheumatic bones, until toil is ended by a premature old age in the workhouse – are ceasing to be mere exceptions, and gradually becoming the rule of our population. The tradesman, the merchant, the professional man, what one among them who reads these pages, can tell any but one history – that of continual anxiety to sustain himself in his existing position – of a total inability to save anything for his children or the decline of life – of a war to maintain his place against the encroachment of bis neighbour, a mote troubling his mind's eye with the spectre of possible misfortune and contingent destitution.

"It was intended that we should toil to live, but never that we should live simply to toil; yet mere work! work! work! is literally the exclusive element of our existence. Rousseau's preference of the savage to the civilized state was not entirely Utopian. If the pride of our civilization would let us, a modest hesitancy might well whisper the question, whether the Cossack, the Kalmuck, the New Zealander, the Otaheitian, the Hottentot, or the North American Indian, is in very many substantial respects in a state of less dignified humanity, or of less ample enjoyment of the rights and privileges of sentient existence, than not a few of the mere drudges and scavengers of our toiling population.

'God made the country, man made the town' –

– and such a town! Wherein a man ceases to be a man, and is drilled and drummed into a machine of the very lowest mechanical function, spending a whole life in making a needle's eye, or exhausting an existence in putting the head upon a pin! Look at that begrimed beer syphon, a Blackwall coal-heaver, or his archetype, the dustman, handling his 'paint brush,' in doing a bit of 'fancy work round a corner' – or the hand-loom weaver throwing his weary shuttle for eighteen hours a-day, to charm the daily loaf into his crumbless cupboard – -or think of the pinched drudge 'in populous

city pent,' who sees the sun only through the skylight of the dingy office, and hears nothing of the fields but the blackbird in his wicker cage on the peg, and scents the morning air only of the fluent gutter; whose world boundary is the parish march, whose soul is in his ledger, and whose mind is a mere mill for figure-grinding. Look at the slave of a dyspeptic huckster, and thirty shillings a-week, whose, and whose children's fate, hangs upon the price of green-grocery and open ports. Or call to mind the lodging-house maid of all work; or the cit's nursery governess; or the trudging peasant, who is in the country, but not of it, who cannot leave the high road for the open field without a trespass, or kill a hare without transportation, or pluck fruit from a tree, or a flower from a shrub, without a petty larceny. Last of all, picture the Irish cateran in a mud pigstye, without bad potatoes enough for a meal a-day, dying of starvation while exporting the very food he raised; and after that turned out of his only shed and his children's sole shelter, into the nearest bog, there to find some ditch that will shield their naked skeletons of carcases from the wintry wind. Think of these pictures and compare them with the picture of 'nature's freeholders,' who work only for themselves, and only when they have a mind; who are monarchs of all they survey, who fell the nearest tree when they want a fire, and shoot the fattest deer or spear the largest salmon when hunger bids them; to whom every soil is free, every fruit, seed, and herb, belong for the gathering; to whom every forest yields a house without rent or taxes; who never heard of a workhouse, and never saw a game certificate, and cannot conceive of a gaol or a gibbet. Compare the archetypes of sophisticated civilization, with this rude barbarism; and which of us can, without hesitancy, determine that social better than savage man enjoys the privilege of sentient existence, develops humanity, fulfils the earthly purpose of his mission in this present evil world.

"To talk of 'the love of one's native country' to the man whose sole outlook into it, is through the cracked and papered pane of the only window in his Liverpool cellar; whose youngest and oldest conception of England is that which the coal seam, in which he spent his life,

presents; the only inspiration of whose patriotism is the dust cart he fills; the union in which he is separated from his wife, or the twopence-halfpenny she earns for stitching shirts for the slopsellers – is to display more valour than discretion.

"The cry of some that there is no need of emigrating, that there is abundance of food and employment at home, which would be accessible to all but for oppressive taxation, unwise restrictions in commerce, and a defective currency, does it not partake a leetle of fudge, and not too much of candour? Is not the objector thinking of his own pet panacea, when he should be remembering that 'while the grass grows the steed starves?' A sound currency and cheap government are goodly things, but the Greek Kalends are a long way off, and, meanwhile, the people perish. Why, the very insects teach us a wise lesson; it is not food and capital alone that they desire. The bee must have room to work, latitude and longitude without unseemly jostling. What is swarming, but emigration upon a system? an acted resolution, that whereas there is not space and verge enough for all of us here, therefore let some of us go elsewhither.

"There is no conceivable state of social circumstances which can make general independence, ease, and comfort compatible with a dense population crowded together in two small islands, and sustaining the incursion of a daily increment of 1,277 new competitors for work, food, and clothing. If to that evil be added the circumstance that only one person in every 108 can boast of the possession of even a rood of the soil of the country; that scarcely one-fourth of the population has any industrial connection with its cultivation; that the great mass, both of the numbers and the intelligence and enterprise of the nation exists in a state of the most artificial mutual dependence; that their prosperity is contingent on the most sophisticated relations of circumstances; and that their very existence in a state of civil society hangs upon the most complicated and the least natural arrangements of human occupation, industry, and subsistence – little reflection can be necessary to induce the conviction, not only that emigration is essential to the relief of the majority who

remain at home, but to the safety and happiness of those who are wise enough to see the prudence of shifting their quarters.

"When a revolution in France destroys the means of living of millions in England; when the very existence of many hangs upon the solution of the question of the currency; when the fixing of the rate of discount seals the fate of thousands, and a panic in Capel Court or Lombard Street, may empty the cupboards and annihilate the substance of half a kingdom, he is a wise man who looks out over the world for a freehold on God's earth, which he may have, and hold, and make fruitful, and plant his foot upon, and call his own; in the assurance that, let the world wag as it may, he at least is inexpungably provided for.

"What after all is at the root of social existence? – what is the basis of human industry and thought? – the craving maw that daily cries 'Give!' the empty stomach with its tidal fever, punctual as the clock, which must be filled else 'chaos is come again.' But this, the preliminary condition of society, the fundamental postulate of life itself, is almost overlooked among us; and nothing is perhaps less seriously regarded than the appalling fact that twenty-one millions out of twenty-eight of our population, have literally no more interest in or concern with the soil, on whose productions they depend for bare being, than if they were denizens of the arctic circle. Sweep away the leather and prunella of civilization, credit, a government, institutions, exchange, barter, and manufactures – and what would become of the people in this artificial cosmogony? Neither iron, copper, coal, nor gold; neither cotton, bills of exchange, silk, nor leather; neither law, medicine, nor theology, can do much to save them from a short shrift and a speedy end. No: plant a man on his own land, though it were a solitude; shelter him in his own house, though it should be a log hut; clothe him in self-produced integuments, though they were the skin of the bear he killed, of the deer he hunted, or the sheep he tends; and what contingency can give him anxiety, or what prospect bend him down with care?

"Revolutions of empires, reverses of fortune, the contingencies of commerce, are for ever threatening the

richest with poverty, the greatest with insignificance, the most comfortable with every physical destitution. At this very hour how many thousands are there, who, by revolution in France, or monetary crisis in England, after being racked with anxieties, have been prostrated in the most helpless destitution! In densely populated countries, where the great body of the people live the dependants on mere artificial contingencies; and are destitute of any direct relation with the soil, half the mortality is traceable to a purely mental cause – the fear of falling out of the ranks of one's neighbours, of losing place, customers, or money – the dread of poverty, or the terror of starvation. But in America it is rightly said that there are, properly speaking, no poor; no man dependant for life or happiness on any other man; none without a freehold, or the immediate access to one. A freehold which would amply supply him and his with all that is truly essential to the due enjoyment of the glorious privilege of sentient existence on this beautiful earth; which every day, in sky and sea, in sunrise, meridian, and sunset, in cloud, and moon, and star, acts before us a succession of scenes to which all that wealth, power, or genius can add, is less than nothing and vanity. What are the hardships of the backwoods to the corroding cares of the crowded city, or what the toils of the body to the anxieties of the mind?

"To the man whose very constitution has become cockneyfied, who has long taken leave of nature, whose soul has become moulded in the artificial and conventional; to whom Warren's blacking has become a necessary of life; to the man who cannot exist beyond hail of the newsman, or out of sight of the town clock; whose tranquility is dependent on the possession of the orthodox number of pots and kettles, and who scarcely conceives how water can be accessible, except it is 'laid on' by the new river company, it may appear an unconquerable difficulty, and the most calamitous vicissitude, to be placed at once in immediate contact with nature and the earth; to be called on to use his bodily faculties in the discharge of the functions for which they were originally designed; to make war on the elements, and to provide for his wants.

"But to the man who yet has left about him human

instincts and manly intrepidity – his thews and sinews, his ten fingers, his hardy limbs, will soon find their right use. To stand in the midst of one's own acres, to lean on one's own door-post, to plough, or sow, or reap one's own fields, to tend one's own cattle, to fell one's own trees, or gather one's own fruits, after a man has led an old world life, where not one thing in or about him he could call his own; where he was dependent on others for every thing; where the tax-gatherer was his perpetual visitant, and his customer his eternal tyrant; where he could neither move hand nor foot without help that must be paid for; and where, from hour to hour, he could never tell whether he should sink or survive – if there be in him the soul of manhood and the spirit of self assertion and liberty, it cannot be but that to such a one the destiny of an emigrant must, on the whole, be a blessing.

"As hounds and horses may be 'overbroke,' and wild beasts have been even overtamed, so man may be over-civilized. Each player in the Russian-horn band blows only a single note, and that merely when it comes to his turn. Division of labour, however cut and dried a principle it may be in political economy, cuts a very poor figure in the science of mental development. We are so surrounded with appliances and 'tendings,' that none of us is able to do any thing for himself. We have one man to make our shoes, another cobbler to mend them, and a third man to black them. Railways and steam-boats, gas lights, county constables, and macadamized roads have extracted the adventurous even out of travel. Almost without a man's personal intervention he is shoved in at a door, and in three hours is let out at another, 200 miles off. Our claws are pared; we are not men, but each of us is some peg, cog, piston, or valve in a machine. The development of our individual humanity is altogether arrested by the progress of the social principle; we get one man to clothe, another to feed, another to shelter us. We can neither dig, nor weave, nor build, nor sow, nor reap for ourselves. We neither hunt, nor shoot, nor grow what supports us. That variety of mental exertion, and of intellectual and physical occupation, which creates a constant liveliness of interest and cheerful healthiness of mind, is sorely ne-

glected amongst us; and nervous diseases, mental depression, and the most fearful prostration of all our overstretched or under-worked faculties, is the consequence. We abdicate our human functions in promotion of the theory of gregarious convention. We lose the use of our prehensiles, and forget the offices of our limbs. We do not travel, but are conveyed. We do not support ourselves, but are fed. Our very manhood is no longer self-protective. We hire police to defend us, and soldiers to fight for us. Everything is done for, scarcely anything by, us. That universality of faculty which is the very attribute of man, is lost in the economy of exaggerated civilization. Each of us can do only one thing, and are as helpless and mutually dependent for the rest, as infancy itself. We spend our lives in introspection; turning our eyes inward, like Hindoo devotees, we 'look only on our own navel;' the mind becomes diseased from monotony of thought, and we vegetate rather than live through life's endless variety of scene, incident, and occupation. It is not royalty alone in Jerusalem palace that sighs, 'O! that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest... then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness.'

"There, the necessities of present life, the every-day calls upon our industry and action, the constantly shifting scene of labour and activity, the rural cares which become comforts, bid us live out of ourselves in the world of external realities. There, our friends are not our rivals, nor our neighbours our competitors. The sight of 'the human face divine,' sickens us not with a sea of the squalid visages of multitudinous population, but brightens our own countenance with welcome to a brother. The mind has no time to canker within itself; we have to grapple with the palpable realities of the physical elements and the earth that is around us, not to wrestle with the diseased anxieties of the brooding mind. The nervous energy which in populous city life festers in the brain, and eats into the heart, is exhausted in the healthful activity of muscular exertion. The steers have to be yoked, the cows low for milking, the new fallen lambs bleat their accession to our store. The maple yields its sugar, the sheep its

fleece, the deer their skin for our winter integument; the fruit hangs for our gathering. There is no exciseman to forbid our brewing our own October, or making our own soap and candles. With the day's work, the day's cares are over; the soul broods not, but sleeps. Tired nature bids us take no thought for to-morrow, for we have the promise that seed time and harvest shall never fail; our house and land are our own, and we have fuel for the felling. Children become a blessing and helpers to us. Nature is within, and above, and around us. 'Behold the lilies how they grow, they toil not, neither do they spin, yet Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.' If then, the splendours of a royal court are as nothing to those natural glories which God, in the fields, by the rivers, and on the mountain side, has made accessible to the meanest and poorest of us, and which we may drink in at every sense; what is there in the crowded city, or the populous centre of wealth and civilization, that we should really prefer to the enamelled prairie, the echoing forest, the contemplative waterfall, or the fertile valley?

"Let him to whom a daily paper is an indispensable requisite, and whose evening's happiness depends on the cooking of his dinner; who has within him no mental resources, no self help; to whom the simplicity of nature is nothing, and who is made up of conventionalities, 'who must have everything done for him,' and 'cannot be put out of his way,' – let such an one, whether rich or poor, stick to the sound of Bow bells, and keep within the bills of mortality. Futile idleness, and worthless ineffectuality may prevail upon folly to mistake its pretentious bustle for useful service; but it could not so impose upon the settlers in the backwoods, nor the prairie farmers. Riches can do but little for the luxurious in colonial settlements, where every man is master of his own freehold, and will not own the service of any one. The tutor or governess that would rather bear –

'The spurns
That patient merit of the unworthy takes,'

– than plough his own land, or milk her own cows, let them, too, stay at home, and wait upon Providence. The man who has no internal resources, and no moral

intrepidity, who has no external activity, and no spiritual energy, to whom work and physical labour of any kind are real hardships, whose whole feelings, habits, and sympathies are trained in the sophistications of high civilization, needs no advice from us to deter him from emigration.

"No doubt the life of a settler has its drawbacks. We cannot carry the conveniences of Cheapside nor the roads of Middlesex with us into the backwoods. To the member of the middle classes there will be found the absence of the same obedience and servility of servants and labourers to which he has been accustomed. His frame-house will not be so fine as the brick one he has left behind him. He has not at his elbow the shops, the social helps with which he was surrounded. He must often serve himself where he was formerly ministered to by a hundred alert appliances; he must oftener do as he can, than do as he would; and he must not be ashamed to work with his own hands. His wife must lay her account with often being deserted by her servants, and of being compelled always to make companions of them. The doctor, the apothecary, the blacksmith, the saddler, the carpenter, will not be so near within hail as in England. Furniture will not be so good, nor ordinary appliances and wants so easily supplied.

"But if a man prefers toil to care; if he would rather have fatigue of body than anxiety of mind; if he would train himself in cheerful self-denying intrepidity; if he would rather lie harder that he may sleep sounder, than slumber fitfully in troubled dreams, under the Damocles' sword of 'thought for to-morrow;' if he would prefer his children's happiness to his own present convenience, then there can be little hesitation as to his choice.

"In England to seem is to be. An exterior is an essential element of business expenses. A man must spend an income, if he would earn a subsistence. Even life insurance cannot meet his case, because before he can die, he may lose the means of paying the annual premium. Where every advertisement for a secretary, a manager, a book-keeper, a buyer, a traveller, is answered by two thousand applicants; where hundreds are stand-

ing by, gaping for dead men's shoes, or envying the snug berths of the living, and offering to supply their places for half the money; where the slightest slip or the most innocent misfortune, like a tumble in a crowd, crushes the sufferer out of his place, or tramples him out of his existence; frugality and thrift, which curtail the imposture of appearances, become absolutely shortsighted improvidence. The citizen must for ever bethink himself of Mrs. Grundy. As he can leave his children nothing which, divided amongst them, will enable each to sustain the position he is compelled to hold, he must spend his substance in the lottery of matrimonial speculation for his daughters, or in surrounding himself with connections who may be useful in pushing his sons into life. When he dies, his girls have the fate of the poor buffeted governess before them, and his boys sink into the precarious existence of eleemosynary employment. In Australia the former would become invaluable treasures, and if they chose, already brides before they had reached the harbour.

"And even where the material and merely outward prospect is fairer, what are not the thousand moral temptations and spiritual hazards to which a family of sons is exposed in the gay vice, the unthinking extravagance, the reckless dissipation of European cities! How many prosperous parents have their whole happiness poisoned by the misconduct or spendthrift thoughtlessness of pleasure-hunting boys; whose hearts, perhaps in the right place, and whose principles, sound and true at bottom, have their heads and fancy turned and captivated by the follies of the hour, and the 'pleasant sins' of metropolitan gaiety. In the bush, on the prairie, at the colonial farm, if the attraction be less, the safety is the greater. The hot blood of youth sobers down in the gallop over the plain, or falls to its healthy temperature as he fells the forest king.

"Where all women are reverenced, and respect themselves, the gay bachelor can fix his regards only where he is ready to repose his prospect of happiness for life. Where vice presents no artificial gilding, and debt and dissipation are equally despised, there is small temptation to improvident extravagance; and no inducement to leave the beaten path of useful industry.

"Emigration saves many a pang to the anxious mother's heart, and renders the duties of a parent easy and pleasant to many a thoughtful husband. Nor, while the bubbling hell-broth of European convulsions still turns up its poisoned scum, and momentous social questions allow mankind no rest until they are solved, will parents fail to reflect on the tranquillity of the transatlantic solitude, or the hopeful security of young society in Australia.

"No man can deliberately reflect on the fact that our population has doubled since the commencement of the nineteenth century; that every trade and occupation is so overdone that there are thousands of applicants for every vacant situation; that the social fabric of all Europe has been shaken to its very centre; that internal discontent festers in every community; that monetary panics and commercial crises recur at increasingly proximate intervals; and that the condition and prospects of the great body of the people are becoming yearly a less soluble problem – without having the doubt suggested as to whether mere prudence and security are not consulted by removing one's self from European vicissitudes, and taking up the impregnable position of a freeholder in a new country and a fertile wilderness.

"The science of accumulation comes to some perfection among us – but the philosophy of distribution seems every day to become more retrogressive and confused. The few get richer, the many get poorer, and all are dependent, even for their existing position, upon such contingent circumstances and precarious conditions, that a grave thought crosses the mind of the possibility of England having reached its climacteric. A scanty population, on a fertile soil, and abundance of laud, can stand, a great deal of mislegislation and bad government; but when the population becomes dense, and the territory proportionately scanty, so that subsistence no longer depends on natural production, but is contingent upon artificial relations, every increase of population makes the management and support of such numbers more difficult; and any economical blunder, in the shape of an imperfect distribution of wealth, more fatal. A people who are all planted on their own land, in a fertile country, and themselves the producers of what they consume.

are independent of the contraction of issues at the bank, of unfavourable exchanges, of panics, and of reverses in trade. To people who have no rent, and only nominal taxes to pay, even the want of customers becomes little better than an imaginary hardship. To the man who grows and weaves the wool for his own coat, who fells his own fuel, builds his own house, kills his own mutton, bakes his own bread, makes his own soap, sugar, and candles, it is obvious that a dishonoured bill, or the refusal of credit at the bank, is scarcely to be regarded as a matter of substantial consequence. But the man who has to buy all these things, and who has rent to pay for his house and lands, is, without money or credit, the most destitute and helpless wretch of whom it is possible to conceive. – Place many such in this predicament, and there will be disorder and sedition; make it the case of a nation, and sooner or later it must produce a revolution. In our time, we have seen the whole of Europe scourged by the incarnate mischief of a great military dictator; more recently we have witnessed not only thrones, principalities, and powers, but whole classes of society, ruined and undone. We have seen such kingly vicissitudes as to persuade us that life was a romance, and stern realities stranger than the most improbable fiction, until the appalled heart and the sickened soul have sighed for the solitude and rude safety of the backwoods, or the security and certainty of the lonely prairie, where food and raiment, however rough and simple, were sure, and –

"'Where rumours of oppression and deceit.
Of unsuccessful and successful war,
Might never reach us more?'"

"Even where anxieties are imaginary, still they are anxieties. The competition of the competent among each other, the struggling jealousy, ambition, and rivalry of those, who in other regions would be friends all the more for being neighbours, the difficulties of setting up and getting off sons and daughters – the perpetual round of unnatural drudgery in the counting house with its risks, or the lawyer's chambers with their galley slave work, or the thousand offices which minister to the needs of society – do not they suggest the question, whether,

under the most favourable circumstances, such avocations can stand a comparison with the healthy and athletic activities of agriculture; the freedom and leisure of the settler, with his plough, his spade, his rifle, his horse, his salmon-spear, and canoe. Is not life in the crowded city lost in the struggle to live, – does not the faculty of enjoyment pass from us before we have leisure for its fruition, – has not existence rolled past before we have begun to study how it may be made happy – have we not put off retirement, until it has ceased to please?

"We greatly mistake if these considerations have not sunk deep into the public mind. The powers of steam, and the improvement in navigation, are yearly, or rather monthly, tempting better classes of men to quit what some think a sinking ship, and to venture their fortunes in the land of promise. America is within twelve days of us, the Cape within forty, Australia within one hundred; passage money has become very moderate, and the previous emigration has facilitated every thing necessary for the reception and settlement of after-comers. As families get settled, they can offer a home to which others may at once repair on arrival, and while their own experience gives them the authority of the most unexceptionable witnesses, they acquire money and remit it home to aid the emigration of their relatives. As colonies become more populous, they offer new inducements to colonise, and the tide is likely to set in and know no retiring ebb. At last, colonies become mighty kingdoms, and either sustain the greatness of the parent country, or become its rival; but in either case retain its language, habits, sympathies, and wants, and become its most valuable customers."

Since this little work went to press, a letter has come to hand from a gentleman in New Plymouth, an old practical settler, so singularly corroborative of my statements as to the merits of the natives, and their great and increasing value as labourers, that, at the risk of driving my respected Publishers to emigrate them-

selves; or, at least, of discomposing their "composing staff," I venture to have the following "extract" inserted here. I trust that the clear and forcible testimony which it bears, may tend to suppress the nonsense still occasionally talked as to the blessings of being without natives; and which aims at showing that the one, single, natural deficiency of Canterbury – its plains without a tree – is counter-balanced by the fact – that these plains are also without a native.

"* * * * There is now a Doctor, a Barrister, and an Attorney, besides an Architect, and a Civil Engineer, in Omata. 30 Newsham's section is occupied by a Mr. Greenwood, a gentleman of property who, by the bye, has two brothers, Lieutenant Colonels. A nephew of Lord Wharncliffe (a Mr. Corbett), has also settled in the district, whilst the Honourable Henry Petre will most probably locate only a little to the south; so you see, Omata will be rather an aristocratic quarter.

"Our labour market has been abundantly supplied during harvest. Our wheat growers have had their crops reaped entirely by natives at from 9s. to 10s. per acre. In fact, native labour has never been so abundant. Our Maori friends have been particularly well-behaved lately, and most anxious to get employment. They are cutting down forest, making roads, clearing fern land, reaping, &c. &c.; and in consequence of this, a great deal of land has lately been brought into cultivation.

"The new little Church at Omata is being fitted-up. * * * *"

FINIS.

30 Omata is one of the blocks or portions of New Plymouth settlement, purchased by the Crown from the native owners, and now in course of settlement and occupation by the fresh emigrants and new comers who are arriving.

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