[TITLE VERSO]
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Hocken Library Facsimile No. 7
This copy of the original edition is published
by the Hocken Library, University of Otago,
Dunedin, New Zealand, 1968.
LONDON :
PRINTED BY STEWART AND MURRAY OLD BAILEY.
Printed Itek-offset in New Zealand
by John Mclndoe Ltd., Dunedin.
[CONTENTS PAGE]
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Arrival of the Preliminary Expedition--Appearance of the Coast--Port Nicholson selected for site of principal Settlement--Proceedings of Missionaries--Northern parts of the North Island ..... page 1
CHAPTER II.
Early progress of the Settlement--Difficulties from insecurity of title--Conduct of the Colonial Secretary--Proposal to remove the Settlement to Chili--Deputation to Sydney--Expedition to the Northward--Hostility of Captain Hobson--His visit to Wellington, and proceedings relative to the Nelson Settlement . . . . . .8
CHAPTER III.
Climate--High winds--Influence on health--Soil--Hilly nature of the country--Recent geological formation--Effects of volcanic agency--Resemblance to Scotland--Minerals--Character of the soil--Evidences of its fertility--Capabilities for grazing--Phormium Tenax . . . .22
CHAPTER IV.
Whale fisheries--Necessity for their protection--Natural productions--Timber--Varieties of woods--Pitoku oil--Kauri gum --Indigenous fruits--Plants--Birds--Fishes . . 38
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CHAPTER V.
Progress of civilization among the Natives--Influence of the Missionaries--Results of their intercourse with the Natives-- Native character--Scene on the Wanganui river--Native wars--Security of Settlers--False alarm at Wellington--Usefulness of the Natives--Their wealth--Land Reserves--Population in and around Port Nicholson . . . page 50
CHAPTER VI.
Description of Wellington--Selection of site--Lambton Harbour--Shipping--Houses, stores, &c.--Trades--Cultivation--Roads--Valley of the Hutt--Value of town and country land--Land Associations--Villages--Population--Land in the vicinity of Wellington, and adjacent district--Coal fields--Stone--Manewatu district . . . .68
CHAPTER VII.
Description of Wanganui--Source of river--Character of land--Formation of town of Petre--Expence of clearing--Natives Site of the town--Account of New Plymouth--Character of country--Evidence of volcanic agency--Want of harbour--Necessity for a breakwater ... . .90
CHAPTER VIII.
Description of Nelson--Singular geographical formation of New Zealand--Rivers Mota Aka and Waimea--Nelson Haven--Site of town--Coal--Character of the country--Climate . 100
CHAPTER IX.
Parts of New Zealand best adapted for Colonization--Thames--Manukao and Waitemata--Kafia--Middle Island--Chatham Islands ...... 109
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CHAPTER X.
Unpopularity of the Governor--Auckland--Missionaries--Concluding remarks.... page 112
APPENDIX (A)--Observations on the Chatham Islands as a field for Colonization . . . . . 117
APPENDIX (B)--Spirit of the latest intelligence 133
APPENDIX (C)--New Zealand Tariff . . . 142
[ERRATA]
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ERRATA.
Page 10 line 27, insert comma after "however."
-- 20 -- 32, for "adduce," read "conduce."
-- 24 -- 13, for "partly the moisture," read "partly through the moisture."
-- 32 -- 1, insert comma offer "common."
-- 43 -- 27, for "Jervis," read "Jewess."
-- 43 -- 5, for " Ruva-ruva," read "Rewa-rewa."
-- 45 -- 15, for "Tawara or Astilia," read "Tawara an Astilia."
-- 45 -- 28, for " camellia," read "Camilla."
-- 46 -- 22, for "Kara," read "Kava."
[PREFACE]
[Image of page vii] PREFACE.
RETURNING to England after a residence for a considerable period in New Zealand, during which have occurred events of no less moment in the colony than its regular settlement by Europeans, and erection into a dependency of the English Crown; and finding that many contradictory reports and ideas have been circulated concerning its prosperity, in which so many are interested; I have been induced, at the request of a considerable number of persons, both here and in the colony, to write a brief account of the present state of the settlements in that country, and of their apparent prospects.
From the circumstance of my having been in the service of the Company by whom the colony was founded, it may be imagined that I am interested in upholding its principles, and am now writing by its dictation. This, however, is not the case; and although I must own, that from having witnessed the successful working of the Company's plans, I am
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PREFACE.
inclined to think that its system of colonization is the best, and am predisposed in its favour, I must disclaim any participation or interference of it in my writings.
In publishing a work of even this unpretending nature, many attendant difficulties present themselves to a person wholly unused to writing, and who has been preceded by many others of far greater ability and experience, on a subject which has so often been considered. But believing that the information contained in the following pages will interest, and be acceptable to many connected with New Zealand affairs, I am assured that a work, almost wholly descriptive, will not meet with illiberal criticism.
C. H.
