SEMINARY FOR YOUNG NEW ZEALANDERS
[Image of page 387]
Foreign Intelligence
NEW ZEALAND.
CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
SEMINARY FOR NEW ZEALANDERS.
Mr Marsden having suggested the advantage of establishing a Seminary in New South Wales, for the education of some young New Zealanders, the Committee immediately acquiesced in the proposal, and stated their expectations from such a Seminary. The Clergymen in the Colony, at a Meeting held on the Society's Affairs, agreed to forward to the Committee their judgment on the plan.
We fully accord (they say) with the Society, that the civilization and general improvement of the New Zealanders would be greatly promoted, by forming a small Establishment in this Colony, for their instruction in some of the simple Arts; such as, spinning and weaving their native flax, manufacturing it into twine and cordage, and in blacksmith's work and agriculture.
Such an Establishment, independently of promoting the civilization of the New Zealanders, would afford a certain pledge for the safety of the Settlers at New Zealand; as the Natives, who would be instructed under the patronage of this Institution, would either be the sons of Chiefs, or their near relatives; and it would also accommodate such Chiefs as may, from time to time, visit Port Jackson in the Active, where they would be kindly treated, and protected from insult, during the time the vessel remains in the harbour. This would tend to enlarge their ideas, remove their prejudices, and excite in them a thirst for useful knowledge.
The annual expense of such an Establishment at present, for the hire of the necessary buildings, purchase of tools, Overseer's wages, the support of the Natives, and other contingencies, we estimate at 200l. per annum.
Under these impressions, we have resolved to form the Establishment immediately, on the Society's account; and to receive into it such New Zealanders as are at present in the Colony.
[Image of page 388]
The Establishment was accordingly formed, at Parramatta, with four young men; of whom Mr. Marsden says--
I have with me, now, four young men from New Zealand, improving very fast in all useful knowledge. I intend to keep them till they can spin twine, make rope, weave canvas, reap wheat, and perform other operations of agriculture. They are all connected with the principal families, in or near where the Settlers reside. One of them is the brother-in-law of my much esteemed, though departed friend, Duaterra. They are very attentive to their duty, and, I have no doubt but, in due time, will be able to manufacture their own flax into duck and canvas, such as will make their own clothing when they return to their country and friends. It will be of great importance to have a few of the Natives here at all times, as their improvement will be so very great among us.
