AUCKLAND.
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AUCKLAND.
IN the town of Auckland is at present the seat of government. We say at present, because the great bone of contention in the ensuing session will be an attempt to remove the same--Wellington and Nelson being the chief contentionists. We predict not only the failure of both, but likewise the usual waste of public time by the antagonists, and the natural result of the dispute--that the speakers, like the seat of government, will be just in the same position at the end as they were at the beginning of the debate.
In a commercial point of view, Auckland is at present the most important town in New Zealand; but whether or not she will long maintain that supremacy is a question rather for time than for us to determine. She is now indebted to traffic with the natives for the greater portion of her trade; and as the natives are gradually on the decrease, and as land in the province of Auckland, either in extent or fertility, will not bear com-
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parison with that in the southern provinces, it appears to be a matter of considerable doubt-- when some of the other districts have the benefit of an increased population, and additional steam communication, &c. --whether Auckland will still retain the position she now holds.
The military, government officers, and a few families excepted, the quality of society in Auckland, if such a term be applicable, is inferior to that in any other province in New Zealand. The majority of merchants and tradesmen here are exceedingly coarse both in manner and education, many of them being the dregs or sweepings of Sydney. This fact may justify the use of the doubtful term, as in the southern hemisphere there is no doubt whatever respecting the refuse of Sydney society.
Monthly steam communication with Australia-- which is in course of formation, but not yet established by some of the other provinces--gives Auckland a great advantage over her neighbors, as it insures a periodical traffic between that port and New South Wales, although, as we before observed, some of the live stock from the last-named colony--cattle excepted--add to the quantity rather than to the quality of the inhabitants.
Making allowance for a natural leaning in favor of the province of Auckland, the reader will gather a tolerably correct idea of the town, district, climate, &c, of the northern settlement in the
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following graphic sketch, from the pen (as we are informed) of a well-known and talented officer attached to the government of New Zealand. The want of a Government House, alluded to by the writer, will no longer be felt, as a very handsome building is now nearly if not quite complete, and will greatly surpass that which was destroyed by fire:--
"The Town of Auckland is built on the Northern side of the Isthmus which divides the Waitemata from the Manukau, and is bounded on the North by the shores of the former harbor. The site of the Town, as laid down on the Official Plan, has a frontage on the water of about a mile and a half, and extends inland to the distance of about a mile. At present, the greater number of the houses have been built near the water, in the bays and on the headlands with which it is indented. These bays are backed by small valleys which run inland to the distance of about half a mile, terminating in narrow gullies, and are separated from each other by spurs which run in the harbor and terminate in low headlands. The lower parts of the Town being thus separated, the roads which connect them with each other are somewhat steep and inconvenient.
"Seen from the Harbor, the Town makes a considerable appearance, and suggests the idea of expansiveness. St. Paul's Church, with its neat spire, occupying a prominent position on the centre headland is an ornamental feature. The Barracks, the Scotch Church, the Colonial Hospital, the Wesleyan Institution, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Windmill on the hill, with Mount Eden in the back ground are the most prominent objects. Approaching the shore, Official Bay, commanded by St. Paul's Church, and with its detached cottage-like houses built on a sheltered slope, each
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snugly nestled in the luxuriant shrubbery of its surrounding garden, looks pretty and picturesque. Commercial Bay, seen from the water, presents the appearance of a large Town, having a mass of houses closely packed together. Mechanics' Bay is as yet but little built upon; a large rope-walk, a ship-builder's yard, a native hostelry, and a few small shops are the only buildings. This Bay is the principal place of encampment for the natives visiting Auckland in their canoes; here they land their native produce, in fine weather bivouacing in the open air, or under their sail-made tents; and, in bad weather, seeking shelter in the neighbouring hostelry. Freeman's Bay, to the westward of Commercial Bay, is occupied chiefly by saw-pits, brick-kilns, and boat-builders' yards.
"The principal streets are Princes Street, Shortland Crescent, Queen Street, and Wakefield Street. The first is a broad, straight, spacious, well-made street, on a gentle slope; St. Paul's Church, the Treasury and the Bank, and the Masonic Hotel are its principal buildings. Shortland Crescent, which connects Princes Street with Queen Street, is built on rather a steep ascent. It is less broad than Princes Street, but much longer. On one side it is almost wholly built upon; shops and stores are here to be found of every description, and of various forms and style. No attempt at uniformity has been made; every one has built according to his means, fancy, or the size and shape of his ground. The only approach to uniformity is in the material--with a few exceptions, all are of wood. The roadway of the street is an even Mc'Adamized surface; but no attempt has yet been made to form footpaths on a general level. Some of the shops would not disgrace a small provincial town in England; but taken altogether as a street, Shortland Crescent is irregular and unfinished. Queen Street is the least built upon, but in other respects it is the best and most considerable street in Auckland. It is about
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half a mile long, nearly level, and almost straight, and terminates at its northern extremity in a pier or quay, which runs into the Harbor, and alongside of which small craft can land, on this stage, their cargoes. At its southern extremity it is overlooked by the Wesleyan Seminary, or Boarding-school for the education of the children of the missionaries in these seas--a spacious brick-built and substantial structure. The Gaol is badly situated, and is by no means a conspicuous building; but by a diligent search it may be found on the west side of Queen Street, partly screened from view by the Court-house and Police-office, which abut immediately upon the street. Several shops of superior description, two and three stories high, have recently been erected, and Queen Street, as well as being the longest, is certainly just now one of the most improving streets in Auckland. Wakefield Street ascends from its southern extremity until it joins the Cemetery Road; and is the newest and most increasing street in the town. Many of the houses are built of brick, and it already bears a considerable resemblance to a new street in the outskirts of a modern English town.
"The want of a Government House is a serious drawback. Even beyond the circle of the visiting world, the destruction of the Old House has been, in every respect a public loss. Few men possess in their own persons qualities of an order so commanding as to fit them to represent Majesty without the aid of its outward trappings. The want of a suitable residence, operates injuriously on society in many respects: it is a loss to the public, a detriment to the place, and heavy blow and great discouragement "to that dignity which ought to hedge about" the Queen's Vicegerent. The grounds on which the Old House stood, is planted with English oaks and other trees, which already afford both shade and shelter; the lawn and walks are neatly kept; the situation is pretty and convenient, commanding a view of
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the Flag-staff, and of the entrance into the Harbor; it is close to the Town, too, without being of the town; and it excites in all who take an interest in the place a feeling of regret that it has not yet been restored to its legitimate purpose.
"The most considerable public buildings are the Britomart and Albert Barracks, having together accommodation for nearly 1000 men. The former are built on the extremity of the headland dividing Official from Commercial Bay, and form a conspicuous, but by no means an ornamental feature. The buildings are solid and substantial, mostly of scoria-- a dark, grey, sombre colored stone--square, heavy-looking and unsightly. The Albert Barracks, the larger of the two, are built upon the same ridge, but about a quarter of a mile inland. The Stores, Hospital, Magazine, and Commissariat Offices are built of scoria. The rest of the buildings are of wood, plain in style, and of a sombre color. The various buildings, together with the parade-ground, occupy several acres, the whole of which is surrounded by a strong scoria wall, about ten or twelve feet high, loop-holed, and with flanking angles. The position of the Albert Barracks is healthy and cheerful, overlooking the Town and Harbor, and commanding an extensive view of the surrounding country; but being commanded by a rising ground within a few hundred yards, and being within view from ships in the Harbor, and within range of their shot and shell, the site, in a military point of view, is not happily chosen, Although much more extensive than those at Wellington, the Auckland Barracks have by no means the same neat, cheerful, and compact appearance. It is not probable however that so large a portion of almost level ground will for many years be allowed to be taken from the site of a town having too generally a broken and uneven surface.
"Seen from the neighbourhood of St. Paul's Church, the Harbor presents the appearance of a land-locked, lake-like,
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sheet of water: the Flag-staff Hill, and North Head of mound-like form, hound it on the left. Over the low neck of land which connects them appears the rugged volcanic island of Rangitoto, with its triple peaks; in front are the islands of Motukoria and Waiheki, forming the middle distance, with the range of high land which divides the Gulf of the Thames from the open sea, and which terminates in Cape Colville, forming the back ground. On the right, the outline is broken by numerous little bays, and the low headlands which divide them; the Sentinel Rock forming at all times a conspicuous object,
"On the shore of the Harbor on which the Town is built, the water is shoal, and its several bays, at low water, are left uncovered. Except at high-water the landing generally along the shore is inconvenient. For several years, Auckland, in this respect, enjoyed a bad pre-eminence; but the reproach has at length been removed by the erection of a neat wooden jetty, five hundred feet in length, which affords a convenient boat landing-place at nearly all times of the tide. It also forms an ornamental feature in Official Bay, and affords to the public an agreeable promenade. At a short distance from the foot of the pier is a brick-built tank, supplied by a spring of excellent water. Pipes are laid on to the tank, and run along to the extremity of the pier, where water-casks can be filled and taken off to the shipping at all times of the tide. A quay or landing-place is also in course of construction in Commercial Bay, alongside of which vessels in the coasting trade will be able to land and to take in their cargoes. On the North Shore--across the harbor, opposite the town, distant somewhat less than a mile--the water deepens rapidly, the landing is good, and the shore is a dry, clear, shelly beach.
"There are no port charges, harbor dues, or taxes levied on shipping; and the harbor is open to all the world to enter and depart free of any charge. There is a pilot, but
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it is optional with masters of vessels to employ him. If not employed, no pilotage is chargeable. The port is supplied with almost everything necessary for refitting and refreshing vessels--and both ships' stores and provisions can be obtained at a moderate price.
"The Suburban District comprises the rising ground by which the town is sheltered. Many of the choicest spots are already occupied by neat-looking private houses. Overlooking the town and the harbor--and commanding a view of the Gulf, with the "Great Barrier" and "Little Barrier" Islands in the far distance, and the nearer islands which give shelter to the Waitemata--these rising grounds possess numerous pretty sites. But generally speaking the scenery in this district is neither bold nor picturesque; and is altogether unlike the general character of New Zealand scenery --comparatively bare of trees, and distinguished only by the number of its volcanic hills. The surrounding country is open, undulating--intersected in all directions by the numerous creeks of the Waitemata and the Manukau, and easily available for agricultural purposes; but it presents few of the characteristics of a New Zealand landscape, and it has nothing to mark it as a foreign country. Nor should the scenery of New Zealand be hastily judged: for no comparison can properly be made of the scenery of countries occupying the opposite extremes of cultivation, except as to natural features. It would be unreasonable, for instance, to compare the jungle forests, the fern clad hills, and the swampy plains of a new and unsettled country, with the rich pastures, the green meadows, the forest glades, and the highly cultivated features of an English landscape. But in beauty of natural scenery I think New Zealand will bear comparison with England in most of its principal features-mountain, river, coast and harbor. There is nothing in England, for instance, to equal the snow-clad, silvery-peaked Mount Egmont---or the Alpine ranges of the South-
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ern Island. The lower part of the Waikato River--the upper reaches of the Thames--the scenery about the narrow pass of the Manawatu--and the wild grandeur of the Wanganui, fully equal in their natural beauty, any of the river scenery of England. The scenery of the West Coast, between Waikato and Mokou, and that of the Southern Island, in the neighbourhood of Milford Haven, will bear comparison with the finest views of the British Coast; while Monganui, the Bay of Islands, Port Nicholson, Queen Charlotte's Sound, and Akaroa, are unequalled in their natural features by the harbors of Great Britain. But in lake scenery, New Zealand must yield the palm. True, indeed, there are some pretty gem-like lakes in the district of Roturua, but there is nothing in New Zealand to equal the lake scenery of Westmoreland and Cumberland, combining so exquisitely as it does, the beauties of nature and art. It may be too much to say that the same degree of beauty will never be found in any part of this country: but at present, in its natural uncultivated state, New Zealand contains no such views as Grassmere, seen from Butter Crags, or Loughrigg Fell--Rydal, from Rydal Park--and the thousand beauties of Derwentwater, Barrowdale, and Langdale.
"Strangers, however, are frequently very unreasonably disappointed with the natural beauties of New Zealand. They are landed at some port which possesses, perhaps, no great natural beauty--they never travel twenty miles from home, and they conclude that the accounts which have been written of the country--so far, at least, as beauty of scenery is concerned--have been written in a spirit of gross exaggeration. A foreigner having heard much of English scenery, put down in Lincolnshire or Suffolk, and, not travelling beyond the borders of the county, would be equally disappointed, and with as much reason.
"The country in the neighbourhood of the town--com-
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prising the isthmus which divides the two harbors, is much of it cultivated. Not a stump of a tree is left in the ground. Solid stone walls and quick-set hedges are generally taking the place of temporary wooden fences of posts and rails. The greater part of the land is laid down in permanent pasture. At Epsom, distant about two and a half-miles from the town, and in the Tamaki district, distant six miles, there are grass and clover paddocks, as large, as rich, as well laid down, and as substantially fenced as any grass land in England. Owing to the neat and uncolonial style of cultivation, and to the absence of trees having a foreign appearance, the country around Auckland presents the appearance of a home-like English landscape. One half of the road across the isthmus, from Auckland to Onehunga, has been MacAdamised, and the remaining half is good during the greater part of the year. With scarcely any exception, the whole of the land on each side of the road is already fenced and cultivated; and the traveller, as he passes along, is never out of sight of a house.
"The town and suburbs of Auckland extend across the isthmus for the greater part of a mile; and the Tillage of Onehunga, on the other side, spreads itself inland for nearly an equal distance: almost adjoining the suburbs of Auckland, too, is the Village of Newmarket, and the remainder of the road is studded here and there by wayside houses. At no very distant period there can be little doubt but that the opposite coasts of New Zealand will thus be connected by one continued line of street.
"Upwards of forty thousand acres of land within the Borough of Auckland are the property of private individuals, held under grants from the Crown. About ten thousand acres have been cultivated, of which the greater part is substantially fenced. The most noticeable feature of the country is the large quantity of cattle to be seen grazing in the district. Nearly five thousand head, besides horses and sheep are depastured on the isthmus alone.
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"Immediately adjoining the boundary of the Borough, to the south-east, is the Papakura district, extending along the eastern shores by the Manukau Harbor for a distance of ten or twelve miles: this district is bounded on the west by the waters of the Manukau, which deeply indent it in various directions, with its numerous creeks. The centre of the district comprises a plain or flat valley, running inland, in an easterly direction, from the Papakura Pah, for many miles, until it reaches the Wairoa River. About one-half of this plain is densely timbered--the remaining portion being clear and open, but agreeably diversified with clumps and belts, which give it a park-like appearance. These belts and clumps consist of a rich variety of wood; the graceful tree-fern, and the deep-green, glittering-leafed karaka, clustering, in unusual profusion, around the tall stems of the statelier forest trees. Surrounded by these ornamental woods, melodious with the song of birds, are here and there clear open spots of ground of various size, sheltered from every wind--choice sites for homestead, park, or garden. The soil of the plain is of various character-- a considerable portion, consisting of a light dry vegetable soil, well adapted for clover paddocks, or for the growth of barley; about an equal quantity is dark-colored, good, strong flax land, suitable for wheat and potatoes, the remainder being rich swampy land, for the most part, capable of drainage. On the north and on the south, the plain is bounded by rugged ridges, densely covered with kauri and other timber--and it is watered by a small, but never-failing, stream of excellent water. The plain of Papakura is best seen from the highest point of the southern ridge, about four miles to the south-east of the site of the old Pah. There may be seen on a bright sunny day, a panoramic view, than which, in the whole of New Zealand, there are few mere beautiful.
"The general salubrity of the climate of New Zealand has
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now been established by the experience of years. For persons of delicate constitution, pre-disposed to disease of the lungs, it is unequalled, save by Madeira. Compared with that of Nice, one of the most celebrated continental climates, the climate of Auckland is more temperate in summer-- milder in the winter--equally mild in the spring--but a little colder in the autumn:--with this advantage, too, over all the boasted continental climates, that it is not so liable to the very great variations of temperature common to them all from sudden shifts of wind. The climate of New Zealand is doubtless less charming and delightful than that of Italy and the South of France, but it is certainly more salubrious, and probably better suited to the English constitution, generally, than even the climate of Madeira. For although it has its share of wind, rain, and broken weather, it has the advantage over Italy and France, in being more limited in range of temperature--embracing a less oppressive summer heat, and less sudden changes of temperature during the twenty-four hours, and a more gradual change of temperature from month to month.
"Many of the Continental and Mediterranean climates are, during certain seasons of the year, finer, steadier, more agreeable than, and equally salubrious as, that of New Zealand, but their summer heat is in some cases too great; their autumn weather frequently unhealthy--winter, too cold--and spring objectionable from being liable to gusts of cold and chilling winds. By moving constantly about throughout the year--traversing continents and seas, it would no doubt be possible to be always in a fine and salubrious climate. But, as a fixed and permanent residence, there are probably few places to be found, in all respects, more suitable to the English constitution than New Zealand; and if that be so, then, few more suitable for persons of delicate chest or lungs; the true theory being, that for preventing the development of diseases of the chest, that is
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the best climate which will admit of the greatest and most constant exposure to the open air, and which is at the same time best calculated to promote the general health; a tendency to disease of any kind being best warded off by keeping the bodily system in a vigorous tone of health.
"Compared with Great Britain, New Zealand, so far as its general salubrity can be ascertained, possesses a marked superiority. From the results of observations made by Dr. Thomson, of the 58th Regiment, for a period of two years, from April 1848, to April 1850, when the strength of the troops stationed in the colony amounted to nearly two thousand men, it appears from the following valuable Tables compiled by him, that, taking diseases generally, out of every thousand men, twice as many were admitted into hospital in England as were admitted into hospital in New Zealand. And the mortality, amongst equal numbers treated was about 8 1/2 in New Zealand to 14 in England.
"Cases of fever in New Zealand are rare. From the same Returns, it appears there are six cases of fever in Great Britain for one in New Zealand; and out of forty-seven cases in New Zealand there was but one death. Of diseases of the lungs, three cases were admitted into hospital in Great Britain to one in New Zealand; and out of an equal number treated, seven terminated fatally in Great Britain, and but four in New Zealand. Diseases of the stomach and bowels are more prevalent by half in Great Britain than in New Zealand. Diseases of the liver and brain are nearly the same in the two countries. The only class of cases in which the comparison is unfavorable to New Zealand are complaints of the eye, which are more than twice as numerous here as they are in Great Britain. Small-pox and measles are as yet unknown in New Zealand.
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Classes of Disease.
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"Comparing New Zealand with the healthiest Foreign stations of the British army, it will appear from the following Table, compiled by the same authority, taking into account all classes of disease receiving hospital treatment, that the comparison is greatly in favor of this country. And with reference to pulmonary disease, there are in Malta two cases for one in New Zealand. In the Ionian Islands there are three cases to two in this country. At the Cape of Good Hope there are ten cases for six in New Zealand. In the Mauritius there are the fewest number of cases treated after New Zealand--the proportion being about eight in the Mauritius to six in New Zealand; but the mortality from pulmonary disease is twice as great in the Mauritius as it is in New Zealand. While in Australia there are twice as many cases of pectoral disease as in New Zealand, and the disease being, at the same time, twice as fatal:--
"In cases of Fever, there are at least five in Malta, the Cape, and in Australia, to one in New Zealand.
"Of Complaints of the Liver, there are two cases in the above-mentioned places to one in New Zealand.
"And of diseases of the Stomach and Bowels, there are more than two cases at each of the above-mentioned places for one in this country.
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TABLE showing the Annual Ratio of Admissions and Deaths among 1000 Troops at the following Stations from the undermentioned Classes of Disease:--
* From seven years observation, ending March 1850, kindly furnished by Staff-Surgeon Shanks, Principal Medical Officer, New South Wales.
"But assuming the above Returns to show correctly the comparative healthiness of our troops in Great Britain, and at the various Foreign Stations, it does not necessarily follow that they correctly exhibit the comparative salubrity of the climates of the countries to which they relate, so far at least as regards the community at large--and for this reason, that our troops are for the most part lodged in barracks; and that the health of the men is influenced by the manner in which they are lodged, as well as by the climate of the country in which they may be stationed; and that barracks vary considerably in the several important particulars of size, ventilation, construction, and position. This result, therefore, might easily follow--that men stationed in a bad climate but lodged in barracks erected on a well chosen site, spacious, dry, well ventilated, well drained, and supplied with good water, may have fewer hospital cases and less mortality, than men stationed in a good climate,
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but lodged in. barracks in a bad situation, close confined, ill drained, and badly constructed. But, making allowance for all such disturbing causes, there can be no doubt that the foregoing Tables afford satisfactory proof of the general salubrity of the country.
"Compared with an English summer, that of Auckland is but little warmer, though much longer. But the nights in New Zealand are always cool and refreshing, and rest is never lost from the warmth and closeness of the night. It is also much warmer here both in the spring and autumn; and the winter weather of England, from the middle of November to the middle of March, with its parching easterly winds, cold, fog, and snow, altogether unknown. Snow, indeed, is never seen here; ice, very thin and very rarely; and hail is neither common nor destructive. The winter, however, is very wet, but not colder than an English April or October. There is a greater prevalence of high winds, too, than is personally agreeable: but with less wind the climate would not be more healthy. There is most wind in the spring and autumn; rather less in the summer; and least of all in winter."
The European Population in the province of Auckland in 1853 was 11,033, and, so far as can he gathered from the imperfect returns recently made, the population of the entire province is at present about 13,000, or probably rather over than under that number. In 1851 the Revenue of the entire colony of New Zealand was only £78,495 8s. 8d. In 1854 the Revenue was £226,901 16s. 6d., and has since been, and still continues, rapidly on the increase, although the Government, owing to the difficulty (they say) of getting the
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returns from the distant provinces cannot supply us with the figures for 1855. While it is our intention as we proceed to furnish the number of inhabitants residing in each province, as nearly as that number can be ascertained, at a rough calculation, we believe the European Population of the entire colony to be about 50,000. The number of the Aboriginal Tribes, we have heard variously computed, but we imagine it does not now exceed 40,000, and the number is rapidly decreasing.
The native flax of New Zealand is an article which ere long will be extensively cultivated, and exported from the colony in large quantities. Mr. Whytlaw, a most enterprising and intelligent gentleman, who favored us with the following explanatory letter, has devoted his time, talent, and capital to the subject for several years; and he is now, we believe, on the eve of being amply rewarded for his labor, by the complete success of his experiments. We personally inspected his numerous buildings and extensive domain, distant about thirty miles from Auckland, in the Matakana district. The beautiful machinery for the preparation of the flax prior to its exportation, which was completed after Mr. Whytlaw's design, is declared to be an excellent invention, and one in every way adapted for the completion of the designer's purpose on an extended scale. Other gentlemen are waiting the result of the experiment, in order (if successful) to take advantage of
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the originator's plans, and embark in a similar undertaking. No less for the future interests of the colony than as a just return for the talented exertions of one of her spirited and upright citizens, we wish every success to Mr. Whytlaw and his noble enterprise:--
"The native flax of New Zealand (Phormium Tenax) of which there are several varieties, has always attracted much attention from those who have visited the country, as an article which ought to form a valuable colonial export. The beautiful samples which have frequently been prepared by the manipulation of the natives, show the great degree of fineness to which the fibre can be reduced, and its strength has been long considered as much greater than that of European flax.
"The chief, if not the only reason why it has not been more extensively used in British manufactures is, that the supplies of the raw material, as prepared by the natives, have been extremely limited and uncertain; affording no encouragement to the parties at home disposed to use it, to alter and adapt their machinery to the peculiar character of the article.
"The mode of preparing the flax by the natives, which has been often described, is very tedious, an expert hand not being able to produce, on an average, more than 10lbs. weight per day. The work is chiefly done by the women. A simple and efficient method of dressing the flax by machinery has, therefore, been long felt a desideratum, and numerous have been the efforts to supply this. Hitherto, none of these attempts have been productive of more than mere samples. With the stronger inducements of mercantile and agricultural pursuits to realize speedier returns for capital, few have had the courage to persevere in their
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attempts to accomplish the important object. Of late, however, as the war in Europe has raised the value of flax so much, there is now the greatest encouragement to establish a trade in this article; and I am glad to say that one gentleman who has for many years past, devoted his attention to the subject, has recently brought out from England the materiel of a large factory, which is in process of erection at a short distance from this; and that his method of preparing the flax by machinery of his own invention, on an entirely novel principle, appears to be of the simplest and most efficient description. He expects to have his produce in the market in about a year from this date; a short time therefore, will prove whether his anticipations will be realized. If this establishment succeeds, doubtless many will follow the same course; and I do not despair of seeing this interesting and delightful country possessing in a short time, an export that may ultimately rival some of the most valuable of those of the neighbouring colonies.
"M. WHYTLAW.
"Auckland, 14th Nov., 1855."
CENSUS RETURN FOR THE PROVINCE OF AUCKLAND,
MARCH 31. 1855.
| Males.
|
Females.
|
Total.
|
Children between 5 and 15.
|
In Day Schools.
|
In
Sunday Schools.
|
In Day and Sunday Schools.
|
| 6701
|
5218
|
11,919
|
1776
|
979
|
216
|
459
|
Two-thirds, or probably more, of the native or Maori race of the entire colony of New Zealand are to be found in this and the adjoining province
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of Taranaki. In the province of Wellington there is a moderate number; in Nelson less; in Canterbury still less; and in Otago only about 500.
For the information of intending emigrants we will, as nearly as we can, give the relative distances (by water) between the respective provinces, commencing in the north, at Auckland, and proceeding southward in the order in which the settlements are described. But emigrants should endeavour, if possible, to secure their passage in a ship bound direct to a province in which they intend to settle; otherwise they will find the delay great, the opportunities few, and the expense considerable, in getting from one settlement to another.
Distance from Auckland to Taranaki, about 130 miles; Taranaki to Nelson, 160 miles; Nelson to Wellington, 120 miles; Wellington to Canterbury, 160 miles; Canterbury to Otago, 170 miles; Otago to the Bluff, or the newly-opened southern port of Invercargill, 120 miles.
With regard to vegetation in New Zealand, the remarks of those whose evidence is founded on considerable personal experience require from us but little in the way of confirmation. We will merely observe that whatever is grown in England may be grown in an equal, if not in a greater degree of perfection in the colony--where may be seen in full bloom flowers and plants which in any part of the United Kingdom would require from
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the florist or botanist the most sedulous care, together with the artificial warmth of a hot-house.
Good fish is something that neither of the Australian settlements can boast of. True, the harbors and rivers both of Australia and New Zealand abound with fish of various sorts; but, with one or two exceptions, these sorts are either dry, insipid, or tasteless. There is nothing to compensate for the want of salmon, turbot, sole, cod, &c. Indeed, the best fish on the Australian or New Zealand coast is not equal, either in flavor or quality to the most inferior description peculiar to the British Isles. Of sharks there may be found an extraordinary quantity; and so daring and so plentiful are these monsters, that sea bathing is not unattended with considerable danger. On two occasions we have been near a bathing spot at a period when human life was sacrificed by the sea vipers.
