1853 - New Zealand and its Six Colonies Historically and Geographically Described. - Chapter VII, p 56-60

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CHAPTER VII.

We have thus described the six settlements, or colonies, of New Zealand; and the reader will be enabled to judge which possesses the greatest advantages for the emigrant. In whichever he fixes his residence, he will not find that facility of communication with the others, which he has been accustomed to between the different districts of Great Britain. "Overland communication between the settlements," we are told by Mr. Fox, and Sir John Pakington urged the fact in the House of Commons, when introducing the New Zealand Government Bill, in 1852, "by made roads, is entirely wanting." There is also an absence of proper ferries across the rivers in the settlements them-

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selves. Those that exist, are in the hands of natives, who earn a few shillings by ferrying over travellers or goods, and "will not allow the government to establish regular ferries in charge of European ferrymen." The right to establish ferries, however, is one which the government should insist upon the natives surrendering into its hands. Considerable sums have been expended in road-making, in Wellington and Auckland--as much as 80,000l. The best of these roads is one thirty miles in length, which connects Wellington with a fine sea beach, forming the natural highway to Wanganui and the districts between. The communication between the settlements is chiefly kept up by sea; and a government brig visits them occasionally. An overland mail from Auckland to the southern settlements, carried by a native, is sometimes three weeks on its journey. As the settlers increase, more roads are forming--we have mentioned some of the recently constructed ones; and the introduction of steamboats will enable the intercourse by water to be kept up with much more regularity than heretofore.

In the first chapter, we have given an account of the natives of New Zealand, as they existed at the time of Cap-Cook. They are much less numerous now than they were when that celebrated circumnavigator visited the island. Some of the tribes have been almost annihilated by their own internal wars; and the race is gradually, but surely, disappearing before the superior influence of the white man. In 1850, their number was estimated, by a well-informed Wesleyan missionary, at 70,000; i. e., 59,000 in the northern, and 11,000 in the southern province. Calculations of the numbers in 1849 and 1850, show a decrease of 4 per cent. They chiefly live in pahs, or villages, under their own chiefs, professedly; but the ancient control which they had over the tribes, is nearly lost. A chief pathetically complained of this to Governor Grey, in 1848. "The slaves of my village," he says, "will not obey me; when I ask them to work, they will not regard me. The result of this conduct is theft and adultery." "Is it right for a servant to be insolent and disobey his master? It is my wish to protect my slaves, and to protect them, I wish them to respect me in return. If my slaves do evil, their sin will affect myself; when my people do well, my heart rejoices." He

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asks that a law may be made for the natives, that their slaves may obey them. But, of course, our government could only subject them to British law. There is an officer in New Zealand, called the Protector of the natives. It is his business to see that they are not oppressed and imposed upon in the purchase of lands, &c. Three hospitals have also been established, chiefly for their use; one at Auckland, one at New Plymouth, and one at Wellington. Ordinances have been passed for the recovery of small debts, and the administration of summary justice amongst themselves; and 500 or 6OO of them are employed on the public roads. At present, there is little appearance of any amalgamation of the races. Except among the old whalers, and the "beachcombing population," marriages with native women seldom take place: and the influence exercised upon the natives, either by government, or the European inhabitants, is inconsiderable.

Very different accounts are given of the present condition and disposition of the natives. Mr. Fox says, -- "With the exception of an inconsiderable number, the natives continue to reside in wretched hovels, go clothed in blankets full of vermin, help themselves to food with their fingers out of a common dish, indulge in conversations such as no civilized person would listen to, have no fixed laws or institutions, no books but testaments and hymns, [Mr. Fox, like many settlers, seem to think very lightly of the missionary exertions, we trust unjustly;] and, in short, retain all the principles, and many of the most disagreeable features, of the savage character." Mr. Adams gives a more pleasing account of them. He visited a Maori pah at Kaiapoi, about five miles from Rangiora, and twenty-five from Christchurch, the only remaining village of any extent in the Canterbury settlement belonging to the natives. It contained about 800 inhabitants, who lived in small huts, each possessing a piece of enclosed ground; or garden; and they lived principally upon vegetables and wild pork. "The race," says Mr. Adams, "is rapidly wearing out, and will, in a few years, become extinct. This is a painful reflection, for they are a noble race of men. They are for the most part tall and well proportioned. Their skin is of a rich dusky copper colour, and the tattooing with which they are covered, though at first sight unwelcome to an European

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eye, is often executed with considerable taste and skill, and is far from displeasing. They are harmless and friendly; they never meet you without a passing 'tenaqui,' [how d'ye do?] and are delighted when an opportunity offers of shaking hands with an Englishman. They are a faithful and affectionate race, and notwithstanding their intercourse with white men, their honesty is still proverbial. Undoubtedly we have taught them to drive bargains, and European cunning, grafted upon their own shrewd and intelligent nature, has rendered them difficult to deal with, but a bargain once concluded, they will scrupulously fulfil it at any sacrifice." * * * * * "They have a considerable appreciation of fun and drollery. Their deep devotion to the apostle of modern days, Bishop Selwyn, is not the least noble trait in their character. It is impossible to speak too strongly of the attachment and submission of the Maories to him, or of the wonderful manner ia which he exercises the power he has so deservedly attained. In the middle island the natives have almost universally embraced the Christian faith, and now indignantly deny the imputation of cannibalism." Whichever account approaches nearest to the truth--Mr. Fox's or Mr. Adams'--or whether they may not both be true of natives in different parts of the island--this much is certain: --the colonists have now nothing to apprehend from the Maories, who have the greatest wish to remain on terms of friendship with their European neighbours.

The original Government of this colony was in a governor-in-chief, residing at Auckland; a lieutenant-governor, residing at Wellington, and a legislative council of six or more members, appointed by the governor, who was empowered from time to time to constitute fresh provincial divisions, and municipal districts in each province. On the 6th of April, 1853, however, a new constitution was put in force, in accordance with an act of parliament, introduced by Sir John Pakington, when he was colonial secretary, and passed in 1852. Of the principal provisions of the act the following is a correct outline:--

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It will be seen that the general government is formed upon the model of that of the British empire; whilst those of the provinces resemble our provincial town-councils.