CHAPTER II. Climate of New Zealand.
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CHAPTER II.
Climate of New Zealand.
The comfort and prosperity of the emigrant are inseparably connected with the possession of health. The enquiry, therefore, is the climate of New Zealand conducive to the enjoyment of this invaluable blessing? is one in which he cannot but feel very deeply interested. In reply to this important question, I have no hesitation in saying, that in respect of climate, New Zealand may challenge a comparison with the most highly favoured countries in the world, a great many of which, the vicissitudes of my life have afforded me an opportunity of visiting. The climate is superior to that of Great Britain, and very much resembles that of the south of France. The thermometer (Fahrenheit) rarely falls below 40 deg. in winter. The heat in summer sometimes reaches to 80 deg., in those parts which lie nearest the equator; but its genera] temperature is from 60 to 75 deg.. The cold in winter is not so intense as that experienced in our own country. So mild, indeed, is winter, that the pasturage does not cease to grow during that season, in consequence of which a great saving of time, trouble, and expense will be effected to the agriculturist. How different is this agreeable and healthful temperature from that of Australia, where, during four months in the year, I have found the thermometer in the shade range from 96 deg. to 112 deg., and in the sun sometimes rise to 140 deg.. In spring, summer, and autumn, no weather can be more agreeable than that enjoyed in New Zealand, through three-fourths of which a chain of lofty mountains extends, attracting the moisture, and yielding a perpetual and abundant supply to the numerous and fertilising streams with which the more level parts are intersected. What a striking contrast between the soil under the influence of this salutary humidity, and that of Australia, where the heat, sometimes stronger than that of the tropics, dries up the scanty supply afforded by the rivulets, and where the wind, which sometimes blows violently, instead of moderating the overpowering warmth, is as hot as though it had been blown through a furnace.
The physical conformation of the natives of New Zealand attests the invigorating influences of their climate. "They are," as has been observed by an eloquent writer, "unquestionably the noblest specimen of savage men with which voyagers have made us acquainted." The generality of the males, when
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full grown, attain the height of between six and seven feet, and in strength and activity, are superior to the natives of every other island in the Pacific Ocean. The exemption too, of New Zealand from the epidemics, dysentery, measles, consumption, diarrhoea, &c, with which the colony of New Holland is afflicted, is a still further proof of the salubrity of its climate.
MINUTES OF EVIDENCE.
John Liddiard Nicholas, Esq.--Upon that occasion had you opportunities of forming any judgment as to the climate of the place? We were there in the middle of summer, and nothing could exceed the salubrity of the climate, nor the beauty of it.
Mr John Watkins.--What observation did you make upon the climate? The climate is very delightful. I was there in 1833, in March and April; in 1834, in the beginning of January, and again in May; the climate is very equable.
The Rev. Frederick Wilkinson--How is the climate? It is a beautiful climate; it is never so hot as New South Wales, nor is it so cold; it is more moist.
Mr John Flatt.--What is your opinion of the climate of the country? It is a very healthy climate; superior to England.
Captain R. Fitzroy, R. N.--Are you not of opinion, taking into consideration the position of that country, and the fertility of the soil, and the salubrity of the climate, that it must grow into great importance? Certainly; it corresponds in that hemisphere to Great Britain in this hemisphere; it must go on holding out temptations to settlers of all descriptions; it is quite impossible it should remain in its present state.
