1908 - McNab, R. Historical Records of New Zealand, Volume I - [Pages 600-649, 1823-1826]

[Image of page 600]

whole length of both islands, with little variation of distance from their western shores, ensures such a constant succession of moisture, even thro' the summer months, as gives the climate of this country a decided advantage over that of New South Wales (where sometimes there is no rain for ten months together), and the occasional soft and genial showers in summer prevent the heat from being inconveniently felt by Europeans, altho' the rays of the sun fall almost vertically.

Clothed in many parts with forests of the finest timber, and watered by numberless rivers, this favored country produces to an apparently unbounded extent a plant called the Phormium tenax, or flax plant. Of this flax, prepared by a very simple process, cordage and sail-cloth of an excellent quality have been manufactured, equal (if not superior) to those articles made from the produce of any other country. The soil, which varies in quality, is represented by persons of unquestionable authority to be admirably adapted to the growth of grain, and in a few instances where European missionaries have planted some of the garden vegetables known to us, they have attained to a degree of perfection fully equal to those in our English gardens; in short, from the best authenticated accounts, there is no country on earth more favorably circumstanced for the operations of agriculture than New Zealand, which already abounds in the common and sweet potato, without other cultivation than that bestowed upon it by the rude efforts of the natives, unassisted by iron tools.

European cattle and poultry thrive and multiply abundantly, whilst the seas surrounding the island, and the rivers which intersect it, afford the finest fish of every species. Demonstrations of iron-ore brought down by the currents of fresh water were discovered by Captain Cook at the mouth of every little stream or rivulet, which warrants the belief that other metallic substances would be found in the more mountainous parts of the country. The New Zealanders are represented as a brave and warlike race of men, with the important addition to their characters of being as affectionate, intelligent, and industrious as they are hardy, active, and ingenious, possessing minds capable of receiving, and profiting by instruction, and hearts that bear a grateful sense of any kindness they receive. It must however be acknowledged that great odium attaches to them in consequence of the abhorrent custom of eating their war victims, and of the commission of other acts of cruelty, practiced on the crews of some of the European ships which have occasionly touched on their coasts; but your memorialist is confident that the plan which he is about to propose for the colonization of this island would (by removing the causes of these evils) entirely put a stop to such ferocious acts.

[Image of page 601]

Your memorialist having thus, in the briefest manner he is able, submitted to Your Lordship a sketch of the country, and character of the people, whom he is desirous of being the humble means of rendering less savage and more happy, will now take the liberty of presenting for Your Lordship's consideration the plan which appears to him best calculated to secure the most beneficial results, and for the adoption of which he feels assured he can offer unanswerable reasons.

Your memorialist, believing (for reasons to be hereafter stated) that the most thriving colonies are those founded on military principles, proposes, --

1st. That a corps shall be raised of strong, composed wholly, or as far as may be, of pensioners.

2ndly. That Government shall find a passage for these men, together with their families, and supply them with provisions and clothing for the space of one year, also with a proportion of live-stock, seeds, agricultural and other instruments.

3rdly. That Government shall allot to each private 100 acres of land, 50 for his wife and 25 for each child, with a similar proportion, according to their rank, for each officer, non-commissioned officer, their wives and families, the land to be obtained by Government in the manner hereafter specified.

4thly. That the said colony shall, for a certain time, be governed by military law, the extent of which time is to be determined by the local circumstances of the settlement.

5thly. That the colony shall agree to repay to Government, in raw materials the produce of New Zealand, all the expence incurred at its commencement as soon as shall be possible after its establishment.

Your memorialist will now proceed to lay before Your Lordship the reasons which have induced him to believe that a colony founded at its commencement on military principles is best adapted to promote the interests, both of the settlers and the Mother-country. The success which has uniformly attended military settlements formed by the Russians on their Georgian, the Persian, and Turkish frontiers have particularly attracted the attention of your memorialist, and confirmed the opinion, which his experience had led him to form, as to the decided advantages possessed by such an establishment.

At the commencement of a colony it is most essential that the efforts of all the individuals composing it should be exclusively directed to the promotion of the general good--the evils which have arisen in most infant colonies from the clashing of private interests are too well known to require repetition-- strifes have invariably sprung up; in all instances injurious, and not unfrequently fatal, to their well-being. The discipline of a

[Image of page 602]

military settlement would effectually cut off this fruitful source of misfortunes; the members of it, trained in long habits of submissive obedience to one competent authority, and guided by one mind earnestly bent on promoting the welfare of all, would find difficulties vanish before their united strength, which individually encountered must be insurmountable.

A military establishment, whilst it tended to promote the good of the settlers, would also be best calculated to benefit the uncivilized natives of New Zealand. The furious struggles amongst the chiefs for the maintenance of their imagined rights, and the consequent destruction of human life, would be speedily terminated by the presence of such a force. Many of their leaders have expressed an ardent desire to retire from their predatory mode of life, but have at the same time lamented the utter impossibility of doing so whilst some of the more powerful and ambitious chiefs remain unsubdued or unawed by a regular military power, which in the event of its becoming necessary might compel their agreement to such pacific terms as should best serve the general interest.

The aspiring ambition of one very warlike chief called Shungi has already caused the most calamitous events; he is at the head of two thousand followers, who are in possession of one thousand musquets, and altho' the combined power of the chiefs in opposition to this warrior would be greatly superior in point of numbers to his adherents, yet these parties, being nearly destitute of firearms, and dreading his ferocious disposition, have been reluctantly compelled to join his standard; thus his power is daily augmenting, whilst the cultivation of the soil and the civilization of the natives, so wisely promoted by the resident missionaries of that excellent institution the Church Missionary Society in London, is hourly declining.

In the choice of pensioners to form the proposed colony, your memorialist has been guided by a belief that the expence of forming the establishment would be quickly diminished by this measure, as their active services would thereby be secured to the State without adding to its burthen. It also appears expedient that a large proportion of this body should consist of disbanded seamen and marines of sound constitutions, as they are, in general, more used to work hard, and more ready in availing themselves of presented resources, than troops of the line. For the same reasons a preference should be given to marine artillery men, whom frequent occasions may call forth into harbours, along the coast or in the rivers. Used to the oar, they would not deem this employment too laborious, and your memorialist has ever found these men a most useful description of troops. This corps of pensioners might be

[Image of page 603]

officered from the half-pay list, or by such as choose to volunteer from serving corps.

It has been too commonly the practice for settlers from this country, either forcibly to dispossess the natives of those lands which have devolved to them from their forefathers, or to obtain the peaceful resignation of them on certain stipulations which they afterwards deemed it unnecessary to fulfil. This violence in the first or breach of faith in the latter instance has been productive of the worst consequences to the settlers themselves, by provoking a just tho' savage retaliation, and has equally injured the natives by affording them an example and excuse for their ferocious acts.

During the last year, in the midst of an Indian population as wild and sanguinary as the natives of New Zealand, your memorialist learned the absolute necessity of adhearing to the strictest rules of equity in all his transactions with them. Their experience of the perfect justice of his dealings induced an equal return of good faith on their part, and he had the happiness by this means of producing amongst them much civilization, and an abandonment of many of their barbarous customs. It is therefore essentially necessary to the success of this plan of colonization that Government should obtain from the natives of New Zealand by fair barter a sufficient portion of land to locate the settlers. This may be accomplished by giving in exchange iron tools or implements of husbandry, and at a much smaller expence than that usually incurred in the purchase of those presents so lavishly bestowed by Europeans in their dealings with savage nations. Of the pernicious effects of those gratuitous distributions, your memorialist has had such strong reasons to be convinced that, altho' furnished with upwards of twenty thousand pounds' worth of presents for the Indians in Florida, he bestowed them exclusively as payment for services performed, and the Indians were made happy by the rewards which their own exertions alone had enabled them to obtain, whereas, had he acted otherwise he might have entreated but would not have commanded their services.

From the nature of the indigenous productions of New Zealand, peculiar facilities would be afforded to the settlers for the repayment of the expence incurred at the commencement of the colony. To this country exclusively belongs the production of flax without cultivation, and requiring little manual labour to fit it for immediate use. This material would supply exports of such value to the parent State as in a short period completely to liquidate the debt due by the establishment for its outfit. (See Note No. 1.)

[Image of page 604]

Note 1. --Your memorialist further begs leave most respectfully to impress on the mind of Your Lordship that however great may be the advantages derivable from the power of machinery combined with the abilities and adroitness of superintendants and competent capital employed in any species of manufacture, he has reasonable ground to believe that the primary consideration of the manufacturer is the price at which the raw material can be obtained, and that on this alone depends the successful competition of British fabricks in foreign markets. A cheap and certain supply of the Phormium tenax from New Zealand in substitution of hemp and flax from the Baltic and other European sources would not only in a rational point of view render the country independant of other States for all national stores connected with these articles, but would in a commercial light give to the British manufacturers of hemp and flax a decided superiority in the excellence and cheapness of their goods, which by no possibility could be met with in the foreign market.

Your memorialist takes the liberty of submitting that at no future period could the colony possibly become a burthen to the Mother-country for the subsistence of the emigrated inhabitants, it being, from the excellence of its climate and prolific nature of the soil, together with the quantity of fish furnished by the sea shores and rivers, amply supplied with food and the other requisites of human life. To our traders engaged in the South Sea commerce the greatest advantages would be afforded by the safe and commodious harbours of this island--its timber for the repair of their ships, and abundant provisions for the refreshment of their crews; and your memorialist is humbly of opinion that a colony thus favourably situated, and organized according to the before-mentioned plan, must soon become one of the most important foreign establishments belonging to the British Empire.

Those useful and gallant emigrants from the northern counties of Ireland and Scotland who are daily flocking to the shores of the United States of America would soon be tempted to seek an asylum in New Zealand; their abilities and industry, which at present are worse than lost to the parent State by strengthening the hands of a formidable rival, would then become of the highest value to their native country, and the knowledge possessed by these individuals from their early experience in the rearing and dressing of flax would fit them in a peculiar manner for bringing the staple comodity of this island to perfection; whilst they would carry the practices of their youth to a profitable market in the preparation of the indigenous flax for all the British manufactures in which hemp or flax is employed.

Your memorialist, impressed with a conviction of the accuracy of these his views on the subject of colonization, begs leave to state that it is his anxious wish to be considered by Your

[Image of page 605]

Lordship as eligible and competent to be intrusted with the colonization of New Zealand. Should the proposed plan be favored with Your Lordship's approbation, he hopes and believes that the exhibition alone without the exercise of whatever force His Majesty's Government may think fit to place under his command, would be sufficient to put a stop to the sanguinary quarrels amongst the native chiefs, whilst it should be his constant endeavour, by every means of conciliation in his power, to promote a spirit of mutual kindness and confidence between them and the settlers.

Your memorialist trusts that 30 years' services will be a sufficient warrant for his future zeal and activity in promoting any undertaking which may conduce to the welfare of his country.

EDWARD NICOLLS, Lt.-Col., R. M.
Woolwich, Nov. the 8th, 1823.

[Enclosure No. 1.]

Estimate of the Expence for the Outfit, Victualling, and Transport of 350 Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and Privates of a Military Colony to be established in New Zealand.

[Image of page 606]

Should the above men be sent out in three 400 ton ships, with 100 convicts, as far as New South Wales, and from thence go on to New Zealand with the colonists, such plan would be attended with less expence and more advantage, for the following reasons: The transport of the convicts would pay the difference between the tonnage of a large ship of 600 tons and the three small ships of 1,200; three ships would be safer and a more convenient method than one, and when the colonists were landed one or two of the ships must be detached for cattle, &c.; by the time they came back the ship that remained would have been detached Home with a cargo of large spars for line of battle ships' topmasts (the most difficult spars to procure and the most expensive), together with 150 tons of the phormium, the value of which would be as follows:--

EDWARD NICOLLS, Lt.-Col., R. M.
Woolwich, 14th Novr., 1823.

[Enclosure No. 2.]

Woolwich Royal Rope Yard, 30th July, 1823.

SIR,--

In answer to the letter which you have done me the honor to address to me respecting New Zealand flax, I beg leave to say

[Image of page 607]

to you that what I have seen of it has been fit for use, either as cordage, or for lines, and also for twine.

About two years ago some flax of the kind in question was sent to this department to be made into rope for trial. A trial was made accordingly, and in conjunction with the other officers of the Dock-yard, we reported thus:--

The above is an extract from the official letter written to the Navy Board on trials of other ropes also, at that time.

The following is a copy of a private memorandum I made at the time for the purpose of referring to in case there should at any future period arise a question on the flax of New Zealand growth, and the hemps mentioned in the said report:--

Now, sir, these observations were made eighteen months ago, and I have since had no reason to alter them. Your letter on the subject has recalled them to my mind, and now seeing the small lines which have been made from the parcel of flax you gave me for that purpose I still hold as good my former opinion-- that the New Zealand flax is fit for all cordage. The lines now made (to-day) will, I so imagine, speak very favorably for the quality of the flax.

I have, &c,
JOHN PEAKE.

I should beg leave to premise, if such flax is in contemplation to be sent to England from New Zealand, care should be taken to clean it, so as to insure its reception here.

Lieut.-Col. Nicholls.

[Image of page 608]

[Enclosure No. 3.]

[New South Wales--Vol. 147.

SIR,-- London, 16 Sept., 1823.

We have great pleasure in answering your letter, and in giving you our opinion of the very great advantages which we think those shipowners who send ships to fish for whales off the coast of New Zealand will gain by the establishment of settlements on that island.

We feel the fullest confidence from all the accounts we have received from the masters of our whaling ships that the soil and climate of New Zealand, with the articles of flax, timber, masts, which are the natural productions of the island, and all descriptions of vegetables growing most luxuriantly there, that New Zealand will afford everything which a ship and crew in distress or sickly can require.

Many British ships fish for whales, which are found in great numbers off the coast of New Zealand, but the weather on the coast is at all times very rugged, and even in their summer months heavy gales of wind are very frequently by which the ships and crews suffer so much that they require a near friendly port to resort to for repairing their damages and to restore the health of the crew after encountering such bad weather and having been long at sea.

The settlements on the coast of New Holland are at a considerable distance from the eastern coast of New Zealand, where our ships fish. If a ship meets with damage, or her crew become sickly, to run to New Holland takes up considerable time, with some risk of loss of ship or deaths of crew. The greatest evil we experience, and which we dread from our ships going to the settlements in New Holland, is that the convict women so demoralize the crews as to make them in a short time, from the best of sailors, become extremely mutinous, and we scarcely know an instance of any of our ships going there without greatly altering the conduct of the crew, many of whom desert, which is attended with serious evil to a whaling ship, and more particularly so when the fishermen desert, which is very common.

The intercourse at present between the natives of New Zealand and the crews of ships is attended with some risk, from many individuals having been killed. If it is considered as good policy by our Government to attempt the colonizing New Zealand with the consent of the native chiefs we feel confident that we shall soon have great numbers of the natives who will be very glad to be taken on board our ships and in a very short time become most valuable seamen, being very powerful, brave, and with strong natural abilities. There are a very few New

[Image of page 609]

Zealanders at this time in British whalers, and their conduct is such as to merit the best treatment. If New Zealand falls into the hands of any other power with whom we should be at war the natives will be found a most powerful ally for our enemy and a bad neighbour to New Holland.

If the natives of New Zealand will allow of British settlements it is not improbable but many of the most respectable settlers in New Holland will remove there, as they have some fine rivers, which run into the sea from the interior of the island.

The expence of colonizing New Zealand will be very inconsiderable compared with that of any other place, as they will be able to obtain all they stand in need of, such as every kind of cattle, poultry, corn, and all descriptions of fruits, vegetables, &c., which have been imported from every part of the world, and which are now seasoned to the climate of New Holland, which is in the same latitudes as New Zealand.

We are, &c,
SAML. ENDERBY & SON.
WILLM. MELLISH.
DANL. BENNETT & SON.
To Coll. Nicolls, Royal Marines.

[Enclosure No. 4.]

SIR, -- Greenwich Ropery, 12th Nov., 1823.

In reply to your letter of the 11th inst., I can have no difficulty in giving you my opinion of the Phormium tenax or flax plant of New Zealand, of which I have seen several specimens; and, as a rope-maker, I can say, with much truth, that it appears to me to be infinitely superior to the best Baltic hemp; its strength is much greater, and from the readiness with which its fibres may be minutely divided, I am of opinion, as a sail-maker, also, that it would answer admirably well for canvas and other strong cloths, provided it could be afforded at such a price as to allow it to compete with the different kinds of flax now used for that purpose.

I have, &c,
PETER YOUNG, Jr.
To Lieut. -Coll. Nicoll, &c, &c.

[Enclosure No. 5.]

SIR,-- London, 14th November, 1823.

In reply to your letter of the 11th instant, requiring my opinion of the Phormium tenax or flax plant of New Zealand, from the various specimens of this plant which I have seen and particularly tried and examined, I can with confidence pro-

[Image of page 610]

nounce it a valuable material for the manufacture of ropes and sail-cloth, and for either of these purposes much superior to any Baltic hemp and flax that I have seen. In my opinion, its advantages over them are these: It is stronger, and from containing less colouring-matter (which when abundant encourages rot and putrefaction), this superior strength will be longer maintained; from its silky nature its fibres can be readily and minutely divided, which is a great advantage, as it can be equally well applied to the largest cable and the finest kind of twine, and also for making sail-canvas and other cloths that require strength and resistance to mildew.

I can be no judge at what price this useful plant could be afforded, but if it could be imported at the average rate of the hemp and flax now in use, I have no doubt that it would be generally preferred.

I remain, &c,
CATHCART DEMPSTER.
Patentee for the Sail Cloth known in the Navy by the name of Dempster Patent Canvas.
Lieut. Colonel Nicoll, Royal Marines.

[Church Missionary House.

REV. S. MARSDEN TO REV. J. PRATT.

REVD. SIR, -- Kiddee Kiddee, November 10th, 1823.

I wrote to you in September last, in hopes that some vessel might touch at New Zealand for Europe, but none has done so yet. As I am now just on the point of embarking this morning I have thought proper to add a few more lines. Several circumstances have occurred since the loss of the Brampton which could not be foreseen at that time. A small brig has come in to the harbour, on her way to Otaheite, which the master of the Brampton, in conjunction with myself, have taken up to convey us to New S. Wales. I must return to my public duty as soon as possible, as my leave of absence has expired some time. Mr. Kendall gave me reason to believe that he would accompany me to Port Jackson, as I did not take up the brig until he informed me that he would follow my direction, when I applied to him to know what his intentions were. After I had engaged a passage for him and his family, he then informed me he was determined to remain in N. Zealand. I am therefore constrained to leave him. Several circumstances have happened which have rendered the Rev. J. Butler's removal necessary. I shall communicate the particulars to you on my arrival in N. S. Wales. Mr. B. accompanies me as well as his son....

[Image of page 611]

I am happy to say the natives behave well: there is nothing to be apprehended from them: they are very attentive to the missionaries, and there never was a fairer prospect of usefulness than there is at present amongst this extraordinary nation. Their minds are enlarging very fast; and very great alteration is made in their manners and general conduct. They are most urgent to introduce themselves into civil society. The Society's labours have already been an infinite blessing to this people. ... Cultivation has been greatly increased. In Wymattee, Shunghee's principal district, there is at this time more, it is said by Mr. Shepherd (who constantly visits this settlement), than two hundred acres in sweet potatoes. In every district there is more than 40 acres to one in cultivation from what there were before tools of agriculture were introduced amongst them, in those places where the influence of the Society's benevolence has been felt....

I remain, &c,
SAMUEL MARSDEN.
Rev. J. Pratt.

[New South Wales, Vol. 147.

LlEUT.-COLONEL NlCOLLS TO UNDER-SECRETARY HORTON.

SIR,-- Woolwich, 20th Nov., 1823.

Herewith I have the honor to enclose for your information a tender made by Wm. Law Ogilvy Esqre. for the transport of the proposed military colony to New Zealand. Mr. Ogilvy has authorised me to say that no difficulty will exist as to the procuration of the sum contained in my estimate No. 5, and he will do himself the honor of waiting on you and giving you personal assurance thereof when you are at leisure to receive him. I have also to acquaint you that I am ordered to proceed to Portsmouth and embark in H. M. ship Victor for a passage to my command at Ascension. I must be there on Wednesday next. I shall have the honor of calling at the office in Downing St. on Monday to await any further orders you may have to give, but Mr. Ogilvy and myself will be ready at your call at any period between this and Monday.

I have, &c,
EDWARD NICOLLS, Lt.-Col.

[Enclosure.]

[New South Wales, Vol. 147.

SIR, -- London, 18th November, 1823.

In reply to your letter requiring a tender of 3 ships about 300 tons each to convey 100 soldiers and 100 convicts each to

[Image of page 612]

New South Wales, and from thence to New Zealand to load spars, &c., home to England, I am prepared to tender you the ships, to be approved by the Government agent, at 20/- p. ton p. month, and to take my payment from the sale of the return cargoes. Altho' the nett proceeds may far exceed my demand for frt., yet as Government will have at your credit the charge for conveyance of 300 convicts you will give me their guarantee for any deficiency.

On the ships' arrival at New South Wales, should you wish to detach one or two of them for supplies of cattle, &c, while you with the others proceeded to the settlement to prepare their cargoes, of course anny on monthly charter are at your command.

Yours. &c,
For JOHN MOORE,
WM. L. OGILVY.
To Lt.-Col. Nicolls.

[New South Wales, Vol. 147.

NOTE BY UNDER-SECRETARY HORTON.

This is an examination of a man which I made with reference to Colonel Nichol's proposal. R. W. H.

Q. When did you go out to New Zealand, and in what capacity?

A. I was sent out in October, 1819, from Woolwich Dockyard, as purveyor, principally for the purpose of selecting a cargo of masts.

Q. How long did you reside in New Zealand?

A. Rather more than eleven months--from June till May.

Q. In what part of the island did you reside?

A. In the vicinity of the River Thames, towards the northern part of the Northern Island.

Q. Under what circumstances is that country placed, as to the probability of aggression on the part of the natives in case a settlement should be formed there?

A. That part of the country in which I resided is populous: whether the natives there would make any aggression I do not know; but I believe they are desirous that some settlement should be formed, which might protect them from the aggressions of those who reside at the Bay of Islands, where the people are more numerous, and in possession of fire-arms. The chiefs from whom we obtained our cargoes have been cut off since we left the country, principally, as we suppose, in consequence of the articles which we gave them, and of the introduction of the fire-arms at the Bay of Islands.

[Image of page 613]

Col. Nicholl here stated that the fire-arms introduced into New Zealand, and particularly into that part of the country called the Bay of Islands (which is at the northern extremity of the Northern Island, and 100 miles to the north of the River Thames), were conveyed thither by a missionary named Kendall, who contrived to introduce them as cases of leather, and who has since been dismissed by the Church Missionary Society for that reason.

Q. Have you an opportunity of understanding precisely the nature of the establishment proposed by Colonel Nicholl?

A. Yes.

Q. Do you think that the establishment would be sufficiently strong to resist any aggression on the part of the natives?

A. I think it would, if carried to the extent which I understand Col. Nicholl to propose, namely, 300 men at first, with a progressive augmentation.

Q. Do you feel convinced that your local knowledge enables you to state conclusively that flax grows there indigenously in such quantities as to justify the expectation that such a settlement would be able to procure any quantity that might be demanded by the Mother-country?

A. To so great an extent I am not prepared to state. My own observation has been confined to the River Thames, but from what I have heard from other persons, who have visited other parts of the country, and who represent flax to be growing there in great abundance, I should presume that a very great supply might be afforded.

Q. Am I to understand that the flax, if taken from the ground there, will be reproduced without any process of cultivation?

A. If it is cut it will reproduce itself; if torn up by the roots the process of reproduction might not be so rapid; but the cultivation may be carried on to an indefinite extent.

Q. In what manner do you anticipate that the trade in flax would be carried on? For example, what British or other production do you propose to barter with the natives for the flax?

A. The only things necessary for that purpose would be shoes, axes, and other iron tools, and blankets and cloth. The outer and inner cloaks now worn by the chiefs (specimens of which are in the Colonial Depart't) require an incredible length of time to prepare them, and the time so employed, if applied to the production of flax, to be exchanged for English cloth (which would equally satisfy the demands of the natives) would furnish a considerable quantity.

Q. Can you state what quantity of flax, in your opinion, might be exported from New Zealand at the end of the first

[Image of page 614]

and second years after the establishment of the settlement proposed by Col. Nicholl?

A. I cannot undertake to state what quantity might be exported, though I know it is very abundant.

Col. Nicholl: I think almost any quantity that might be required.

Q. What kind of trees applicable for the purpose of naval timber grow in New Zealand?

A. There are two sorts of the cowree and the kakaiterre. There is more difficulty in obtaining the cowree than the other.

Q. When the spars are estimated at £190 each, in the paper drawn up by Col. Nicholl, are these of the cowrie?

A. They must be. The others are not nearly so valuable.

Q. If dependence is to be placed on Mr. Cruise's account, the cowrie is very difficult to obtain?

A. It is; but the crews of the Dromedary and the Coromandel stayed in the country a very short time, and were unacquainted with the natives; and therefore had not that assistance from them which was necessary to enable them to procure those trees.

Q. You have no doubt that 300 would be sufficient?

A. I have no doubt that they would.

Q. (Col. Nicholl): What are the books to which you would refer as confirmatory of the views that you entertain respecting New Zealand?

A. Mr. Nicholas's "Voyage to New Zealand, performed in 1814 and 1815 in Company with the Revd. Saml. Marsden," printed in 1817, Vol. 2, pages 119 and 135; "Some Account of New Zealand, particularly the Bay of Islands," by John Savage, Esq., surgeon and corresponding member of the Royal Zennerian Society; the Missionary Register for 1817, pages 71, 345, 427, 518, 521, and 535; "Proceedings of the Church Missionary Society for 1818," pages 73 and 93; do. for 1818 and 1819, Vol. 7. pages 195 and 345; do. for 1820, pages 221 and 305; do. for 1821 and 1822, Vol. 10, pages 193 and 347.

[New South Wales, Vol. 147.

BARON DE THIERRY TO EARL BATHURST.

THE Baron Charles de Thierry has the honour to present his respects to the Right Honourable the Earl Bathurst, and having purchased a considerable tract of land in the Island of New Zealand, to which a number of persons are desirous to proceed for the purpose of colonization, he begs to submit the following questions to His Lordship, and will feel particularly obliged by his early notice of them:--

[Image of page 615]

1. Will His Majesty's Government grant to British subjects in New Zealand the same protection as it grants to settlers in New South Wales, who have gone there of their own free will?

2. Will land purchased from the natives be considered the property of the purchaser in case the island is taken possession of by the British Government; and in case such lands are again sold, will the sale of them be considered lawful and binding?

3. Will the children of English settlers (or having an English father or mother) be considered as British subjects?

4. Will the raw or manufactured produce of such British subjects be allowed to be imported into England on the same footing as the produce of other British colonies?

5. Should settlers in New Zealand have trading vessels, will they be allowed to carry the British flag, and receive the same protection as is extended to ships of other British colonies?

Upon a favourable answer being received to these important questions, a number of colonists will venture upon their speculations in the New World, and their industry may prove a source of considerable wealth to this country, particularly after the working of the rich gold and silver mines which are known to exist in New Zealand, and from which pieces of fine ore have been received as specimens.

New Zealand flax and hemp are infinitely superior to any grown in England, and indeed H. M.'s Government will find that the field which is so unexpectedly opened to the British revenue deserves every protection, and the Baron C. de Thierry has no doubt but that he will receive from the Earl Bathurst unequivocal assurance of its being granted.

Read's Hotel, 75 Lower Grosvenor Street, 2 Decr., 1823.

UNDER-SECRETARY HORTON TO BARON CHARLES DE THIERRY.

SIR, -- Downing Street, 10th December, 1823.

I am directed by Earl Bathurst to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd inst., and to acquaint you, in reply, that as the questions which you have proposed to His Lordship respecting the Island of New Zealand are founded upon the assumption that that island is considered as a possession of the Crown, it seems necessary to apprise you that you have been misinformed on the subject.

I am, &c,
R. WILMOT HORTON.

[Image of page 616]

[Church Missionary House.

REV. S. MARSDEN TO REV. J. PRATT.

REVD. SIR, -- Parramatta, Jany. 13th, 1824.

I have this day suspended the Revd. J. Butler from all connexion with the C. M. Society until the pleasure of the Committee is known at Home. It was my intention to have sent him to England if I could have prevailed upon him to have gone, as I did not know what step to take with him excepting this. When I received your letters on the 10th inst. I was much relieved. I then saw my way clear. I had an interview with Mr. Butler this morning, after I had written my letter to suspend him, a copy of which I have forwarded to you. I have determined upon purchasing a small estate immediately, about 34 miles from Port Jackson, in the interior. On this I shall establish the seminary for the general instruction of the New Zealand youths, and in which also the children of the missionaries may be maintained and educated together. I have no doubt but the allowance granted for the support and education of the missionaries' children will be sufficient to meet all the expenses. Judge Field will explain all my views on that subject.... I informed Mr. Butler... that as he was now suspended from all connexion with the Society he was at liberty to act as he thought proper until his case was laid before the parent Committee; that I would hire him myself if he would quietly retire into the interior, and put the New Zealanders under his care. He consented to my terms.

I may here remark that the last year has been a year of toil, dangers, and anxieties both by sea and land, at home and abroad--continual fighting without and fears within. In the beginning of the year I spent near three months in Van Dieman's Land, where I travelled across the island from sea to sea, 160 miles, and in different directions thro' the land. We met with storms at sea both going and returning. I had many vexations when at home from the Magistrates at Parramatta; was brought before the Bench, convicted without information or evidence, fined, and an execution put into my house, and my property sold to the amount of the fine, merely to degrade me. Tho' these are matters of trifling importance, yet they serve to vex and annoy. They are amongst the all things which work for the Christian's good, The Magistrates convicted me of a flagrant breach of the Colonial Regulations when I had done no wrong--violated no regulation. I appealed to Caesar, and obtained redress. As Judge Field can tell you, I was about 20 weeks absent on my voyage to New Zealand. Here I had both pleasure and pain, as my journal will shew. I am not a little surprised that my strength should be equal to my day,

[Image of page 617]

that I have gone thro' so much fatigue of body and anxiety of mind, and am still alive and well. God is still good to Israel. His care over me has been very great. I was weak and weary when I embarked for N. Zealand, but returned strong and healthy. I may say with the Psalmist "Of judgments and of mercies unto Thee O Lord will I sing."

I remain, &c,
SAMUEL MARSDEN.
Revd. J. Pratt, &c, &c.

BARON C. DE THIERRY TO EARL BATHURST.

THE Baron Charles de Thierry, late of the 23rd Lancers, has the honor to present his respects to the Right Honourable the Earl Bathurst, and take the liberty to address His Lordship upon an affair of very considerable importance, which he has already on a former occasion submitted to him in a different shape.

The Baron Charles de Thierry has an estate of 40,000 acres in New Zealand, with the means of adding considerably to its extent, and is desirous of sending off a colony of a large number of useful persons who are anxious of going to settle there with their families, under the directions of his brothers, one of whom is at present a half-pay officer of the Royal Marines, and another who was for eight years midshipman in the Royal Navy. The Baron has been informed that the Government gives £500 to each person going to settle in New South Wales, and, upon the great encouragement which they receive, he begs to submit a request to His Lordship's consideration, which, if granted, will secure the fortunes and happiness of a large body of persons who are now unemployed, will open a new source of wealth to this country, and will afford the Royal Navy the means of obtaining large spars of the cowrie tree and the native flax, which are allowed to surpass any other in the world.

The Baron C. de Thierry solicits His Majesty's Government to grant him an advance of eight to ten thousand pounds to enable him to put into immediate execution the object which he has in view, of sending off a colony to New Zealand. This money would be repaid Government within three years, by means of spars from 74 to 84 feet long, and from 21 to 23 inches in diameter, or larger if required. And as a security for the due performance of the contract, the deeds of the estate, executed by the native chiefs and witnessed by the resident British Magistrate and missionary Mr. Kendall, and other British subjects at the Bay of Islands, would be left in custody of H. M.'s Government.

The Baron Charles de Thierry intends proceeding with his family to New Zealand after the arrival of his brothers; he hopes that the assistance which is so liberally bestowed upon

[Image of page 618]

British subjects wishing to colonize in New South Wales will be extended to him, and that the immense advantages which the colonization of New Zealand by British subjects promises to the Mother-country he will experience that bounty which is so much wanted in order to realize the desired objects.

75 Lower Grosvenor Street, Grosvenor Square, 16th Jany., 1824.

[Wesleyan Mission House.

REV. S. MARSDEN TO REV. J. BUTTERWORTH.

DEAR SIR, -- Parramatta, January 29th, 1824.

I cannot deny myself the pleasure of writing a few lines to you by our mutual friend Mr. Justice Field, whose return to England I most sincerely regret. I know he has been a very powerful check upon many public evils, and a protector of the characters and property of the injured and oppressed in his official situation. He will continue to be esteemed by the purest and best part of society in these settlements while the rememberance of his upright conduct as a judge remains.

I am very sorry to inform you that the health of the Revd. Samuel Leigh is declining very fast. On my arrival in New Zealand in August last he intreated me to visit him at Wangaroa, where he was stationed, as he was very ill. Wangaroa lays about 50 miles to the north of the Bay of Islands. I complied with his wishes. When I arrived I found him very ill. It was the opinion of his colleagues that he should be removed as soon as possible from Wangaroa, as he could neither get medical assistance nor any other comfort that his case required. I perfectly agreed with his colleagues, and took him back with me to the Bay of Islands, where every attention was paid to him that was in our power. He still continued to grow worse, and it was before resolved that he should return with me to Port Jackson to see what a change of situation, with medical advice, would do for him. We embarked together, but were shipwrecked, tho' no lives were lost. When an opportunity offered, we returned to N. S. Wales. Mr. Leigh still continues to decline, and I have no hopes of his recovery myself. He is a worthy man --has laboured hard in this part of the world, and has been a very faithful missionary. He is very much attached to the natives of N. Zealand, and is anxious to return if it was possible. Mr. Leigh has had much anxiety upon his mind. The young men who are preachers have acted very contrary to his wishes, and have not been so frugal as they ought, but have followed their own wishes, contrary to his advice, which has brought on a heavy expence to the Society, which he was always anxious to avoid. I know well what young men who are missionaries

[Image of page 619]

generally are; I have had five-and-twenty years' experience of them, and I have always found them very difficult to govern-- many I have seen, and have had to do with, who put little value upon the public money--never thought that it was collected from the widow's mite and the schoolboy's penny. There is a turn in most young men to be extravagant and free from all restraint. I need not make these observations, because I am sure the Wesleyan Committee will know this from the bills that must be drawn upon them. Missionaries will do wrong at such a distance, whatever the society may be to which they belong. I have much trouble with many who are connected with the C. M. Society. Notwithstanding all the evils that exist amongst them, the work of the Lord will go on. If one man will not do what is right, the Lord will find another, that the cause must not be relinquished. With respect to the C. M. Society, I, as agent, have been compelled to suspend some, to dismiss others, and severely to censure others. The same happened to the missionaries belonging to the London M. S. in the Society Islands: some behaved well, and some very bad. I always love to see a missionary careful of the public property. When he is careless about his expenses it is a bad sign. Every article of food is very cheap here--bread, meat, &c, &c. --so that a missionary may now live much more comfortably upon a small sum than what he could a few years ago. I should be glad to see some of your missionaries manifest a different spirit; but I fear there are some who never will. They have not been sufficiently careful of the society they formed in this colony, and this, I fear, will do them no good in the end. I think it would be well if you should have a little conversation with Mr. Justice Field on this subject. You may converse with him freely and confidentially on any subject you wish to gain information upon. He will, from his local knowledge, be able to satisfy your inquiries. I know, from long experience in this colony, that little is to be expected from any association with men who have been convicts but fraud and imposition, and this is an error into which some have fallen. I have not entered into particulars, as Mr. Justice Field, to whom I refer, will see you in London.

I have, &c,
SAMUEL MARSDEN.

Jan. 81.

[Wesleyan Mission House.

REV. N. TURNER TO SECRETARIES, WESLEYAN SOCIETY.

Wesley Dale, Wanga-roa, New Zealand, January 31st, 1824.

REVD. AND DEAR FATHERS,--

In addition to the six sheets of extracts from my journal I send you the following particulars, which chiefly relate to our expenditure of trade with the natives, &c, &c.

[Image of page 620]

According to our instructions for this station, I know that the Committee require that we keep a regular account of all articles of expenditure, stock in hand, what is wanting, &c, and transmit the same to them in order; but hitherto this hath not been altogether attended to, nor am I able by this opportunity to send you so regular an account as I could wish.

Previous to Mr. Leigh's leaving us, which was three days after my arrival, no regular account of expenditure had been kept from the time of their leaving Rangahoo, nor had it scarcely been possible. A few days after Mr. Leigh's departure we endeavoured to overhale our stores to take an account of the stock in hand, but such was their lumbering state that it was impossible for us to look at every thing for want of room (nor are we any better yet, but hope to be soon), but were able to take some account of the principal articles, and from the 23rd of August have kept an account of the expenditure of the same.

When Bro. White left us on the 5th of November to accompany Mr. Leigh to the colony, he took with him all particulars for Mr. L. and him to submit to you jointly, and I am sorry to say he has not left me a copy, nor am I able to overhale the stores on purpose, and therefore I cannot send you an account of the stock in hand, but am certain it is very trifling (excepting small trade and old lumber which we shall scarcely be able to barter away at all), nor indeed any at all if our debts were paid, for we have had to borrow much from our brethren at the Bay of Islands.

The following is an account of the principle articles of expenditure from August 23rd to the 31st of December, 1823:--

[Image of page 621]

In addition to the above there have been many old articles and much small trade, as knives, scissors, buttons, and fishhooks in an abundance disposed of, of which no regular account has nor could very well be kept. These have been disposed of principally for the following purposes: Carrying fencing timber up from the river to the land we have enclosed; carry or fetching water, which for these last three months we have had to fetch from a considerable distance; seeking after the cow in the bush, which since the rivers and swamps have dried up has rambled many miles away; carrying us over the river from time to time, which they will never do without pay, and we have no bridges to walk over. These with a variety of other incidental occurrences have taken away much of our small trade, and will continue so to do.

With respect to the articles we are wanting, it is needless for me to say much, for I suppose my brethren will have written you jointly on the subject before now, but I will just say we are badly in want of the following articles: Axes, hatchets, spades, hoes (large and small), middle sized iron pots, chissels; tin pots of different sizes would be good trade, as well for our own use; we brought a good many with us from the colony, but they have stolen nearly the whole. Saws, drawing knives, and several other articles that we have on hand they will not barter for at all at present. We are also much in want of slops, particularly duck frocks and trowsers and check shirts for men and something dark and very strong to make up into dresses for native girls.

For the use of the mission we are wanting strong linnen for sheeting, huckaback for table cloths and towels. We also want several very large iron pots for the use of the mission. Several bales of common blankets should also be sent for bartering with.

In writing to my friends by this conveyance, I have written to Mr. Benjamin White, of Nantwich, to send me a box of shoes and other articles for my own use, and directed him to commit the same to the care of the Resident Secretary at the Mission House, and to draw upon him for the amount, the same to be placed to my account; and by kindly attending to which, and sending the box by the first conveyance, will be doing me an essential service, as we shall soon be very much in want of shoes.

Revd. and dear fathers, submitting the above to your notice,

I remain, &c,
NATH. TURNER.
To the Secretaries of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, 77 Hatton Garden, London.

[Image of page 622]

[Wesleyan Mission House

REV. G. ERSKINE TO REV. R. WATSON.

Sidney, February 13th, 1824.

REVEREND AND DEAR SIR. --

A few days ago I wrote you by the ship Competitor. A copy of our D. minutes not having been then ready, it is forwarded by this opportunity. I enclose for the Committee's satisfaction a certificate from Dr. Bland, who attends on Mr. Leigh in his illness. I am happy to say that in the course of the few last days there appears a manifest change in Mr. Leigh, which promises recovery. I have drawn a bill order of Messrs. Carvosso, Lawry, and Mansfield, £300, towards the liquidation of the debt on Macquarie Street chapel. This will reduce the £1,000 kindly lent us by the Committee to £700.... which sum in due time we hope to pay.

By this opportunity you will receive a clear account of the various articles taken by Mr. White to the New Zealand mission. This supply is for a full year. Mr. Leigh authorizes me to inform the Committee that the New Zealand mission cannot be carried on with that energy likely to secure success for less than £500... pr. annum. I hope the Committee will approve of the way in which the breth'n on this mission are stationed. We have done what we could, and acted for the best.

Revolutions among the preachers here, to avoid expence, should not without good cause be more frequent than two years, particularly with respect to Hobart Town. I wish for a word from the Committee as my authority against unnecessary changes.

Thank God we are well, and, I may venture to say, in a general way doing well. A revival in the Sidney Ct. I trust is near. O help us by your prayers. With my dutiful respects to the Committee.

I remain, &c.
GEO. ERSKINE.
The Revd. R. Watson.

[Church Missionary Society.

REV. S. MARSDEN TO REV. J. PRATT.

REVD. AND DEAR SIR, -- Parramatta, Feby. 21st, 1824.

I have taken the liberty to forward to you a plan of the seminary I propose to build at Parramatta for the instruction of the New Zealand youths and the missionaries' children. When I wrote to you I mentioned in a former letter that I purposed to purchase a piece of land in the interior, and to erect a seminary upon it. Since that time I have considered the subject more maturely, which has induced me to alter my views. I have no person at present to take charge of the institution in

[Image of page 623]

whom I can place confidence. For that reason the seminary would be too far from my observation. The children could not attend upon the public ordinance of religion on the Sabbath. In time of sickness there would be no medical aid near. The Governor was kind enough, when I spoke to His Excellency on the subject, to offer me an acre of ground near my own house to build upon. I thought that might answer, but upon further consideration there were serious objections to this situation. The land was bad, there was no water near, and some other objections. I have fixed upon a situation where the land is good, water in great plenty, and other local advantages. I purchased this land some years ago; it is in sight of my own house, a little distance from the town. When the seminary is built, if it is found to answer I will make over to the Society as many acres as may be deemed necessary, so that the whole may become the property of the Society should the Committee approve of it hereafter. I have little doubt but it will answer. I purpose to have the New Zealand youths taught shoe-making, tayloring, weaving, flax-dressing, and spinning, with gardening and farming, &c, &c. The buildings will be of free stone. I have not planed large and extensive buildings: these will be sufficient to make a trial with. Should any unforeseen circumstances prevent the accomplishment of the object in view, the loss to the Society will not be much. The buildings will be valuable, and the land will always be worth what it is now, and the Society need not pay for it until the institution is finally established. If the chiefs' sons are educated in this seminary along with the children of the missionaries they will form attachments, and the work of the mission will be much promoted thereby. I have not got the estimate of the expense of these buildings; but I should apprehend £400 will go very far towards completing them, tho' labour is high in the colony. I shall consider myself responsible for all expenses until approved by the Committee. I hope to have the whole completed before I hear again from you upon this subject. The workmen are now at work, and will continue until it is finished. I have six New Zealanders with me now who are much rejoiced to see the foundation marked out. They are all young men of family. The Revd. J. Butler has the charge of them, under my directions.

I remain, &.,
SAMUEL MARSDEN.
Revd. J. Pratt.

BARON C. DE THIERRY TO EARL BATHURST.

30 Budge Row, Cannon Street, March 2, 1824.

THE Baron Charles de Thierry has the honor to present his respects to Earl Bathurst, and would be extremely obliged if

[Image of page 624]

His Lordship would have the goodness to inform him whether labouring persons emigrating to New Zealand must be provided with a passport to enable them to proceed, and if any permission is necessary, that they may take out their tools. Should any formality be requisite Earl Bathurst will particularly oblige the Baron C. de Thierry by allowing it to be pointed out to him and also the means by which the difficulty may be obviated.

[New South Wales, Vol. 157.

BARON C. DE THIERRY TO EARL BATHURST.

75 Lower Grosvenor Street, Grosvenor Square, 9 March, 1824.

THE Baron Charles de Thierry has the honor to present his compliments to Mr. Horton, and having noticed in the Times paper of the 4th inst. Mr. Hume's extraordinary amalgamation of "Poyais" with "New Zealand" (as if they belonged to each other), he takes the liberty to send him such papers as will give him every information on the subject of the colony now raising, in addition to the letters which he has from time to time had the honour to address to Earl Bathurst. The Baron C. de Thierry will court every opportunity of affording His Majesty's Govt, any further information which may be desired, and he sincerely hopes that if the subject is again started in the House of Commons Mr. Horton will do him at least the justice to state that the Baron C. de Thierry made known his views and intentions to Government long before he took upon himself to make them public.

The Right Honourable Mr. Horton, Under-Secy, of State for the Colnl. Dept., &c, &c.

[New South Wales, 13/3/24, Vol. 157.

BARON C. DE THIERRY TO UNDER-SECRETARY HORTON.

THE Baron Charles de Thierry has the honor to present his compliments to Mr. Horton, and having been informed that some persons under Government have expressed fears that the convicts from New South Wales and Van Dieman's Land will be induced to escape to his colony at New Zealand, he begs to assure Mr. Horton and His M.'s Governt. that so far from allowing it, he will instantly cause such convicts to be placed in safety and sent back by the first ship going to either of the above places.

[Image of page 625]

This assurance the Baron C. de Thierry hopes will set at rest any doubts on the subject.

30 Budge Row, City, March 13, 1824.

[Wesleyan Mission House.

THE REV. W. WHITE AND REV. N. TURNER TO SECRETARIES, WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

Wesley Dale, Wangaroa, New Zealand, April 2, 1824.

REV. AND DEAR FATHERS, --

* * * *

Before you will have received these communications of Brother Leigh's and Brother White's visit to the colony and of Brother White's return to New Zealand. He arrived here on Sunday, 22 February, after an absence of 15 weeks and two days. Brother Leigh remained in the colony, and was very ill when Brother White left, so that we do not expect that he will ever return to New Zealand. Indeed, it is the opinion of all who know Mr. L. and who know New Zealand that Brother Leigh is not at all fitted for usefulness in this land, and we therefore most earnestly intreat you to send us a zealous, active, experienced, and prudent superintendent, and if possible a person will acquainted with the principles of language, and not forgetting his constitution....

W. WHITE.
N. TURNER.
Addressed to the Secretaries of the Wesleyan Missionary Society.

[New South Wales, Vol. 157.

BARON C. DE THIERRY TO EARL BATHURST.

MY LORD,-- 30 Budge Row, 21st April, 1824.

After the nature of the answers to the letters which I have had the honour at various times to address to Your Lordship, I would not again intrude upon your time respecting the Islands of New Zealand if it were not that I claim an act of justice from His Majesty's Government, to obtain which I cannot better address myself than to Your Lordship, whose impartiality and justice are so well known.

The act of justice which I plead for is, that should any privileges be granted to any individual in New Zealand that His Majesty's Government will bear in mind that I was the first to seek their assistance, and the first to set on foot the colonization of New Zealand. I should not therefore be the last to be listened to with a favourable ear.

[Image of page 626]

A Captain Stewart, of the whale trade, is to wait upon Your Lordship to request that Government will grant him the island which bears his name, on the southern extremity of New Zealand. I will not enter into any length on the hostile tendency of the step towards myself, and will confine myself to two facts--the one, that he deserted from His Majesty's Royal Navy, and only dared return to England on the general pardon some years back; and the other, that he has deserted me, who had employed him, not knowing his former offence.

I write not to you, my Lord, as an informer, but simply that Your Lordship may be enabled to draw a line between an aspirant who deserted the service of his King and a claimant who has served him faithfully and will ever be at his disposal.

I have, &c,
C. DE THIERRY.

P. S. After deserting H. M.'s service Mr. Stewart was prize-master on board a privateer.

[Church Missionary House.

(The Missionary Register for April, 1824.)

LINES ON NEW ZEALAND, BY WINTHROP MACKWORTH PRAED, ESQ., OF TRINITY COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE.

* * * *

The poet pays a just tribute in the following beautiful lines to that unwearied friend of New Zealand whose benevolent visits to its shores we have repeatedly recorded:--

[Image of page 627]

* * * *

[Church Missionary House.

REV. S. MARSDEN TO REV. J. PRATT.

DEAR SIR, -- Parramatta, June 4th, 1824.

In reply to your request for my opinion relative to the formation of a colony by Col Nicholls in New Zealand, there will be some difficulties to meet, according to my judgment, of a serious nature. The greatest obstacle will be the government of the Europeans. By what authority can they be kept in subordination there? If the Europeans commit any act of violence, such as violating the wives of the natives, striking the natives, taking any of their property by force, fireing upon them with muskets, if only with powder, or any other wanton act, such conduct might prove fatal to the whole of the Europeans. If a body of good men were to sit down as colonists, at the River Thames, or perhaps more to the southward, they would prove a great blessing to the island. I am at a loss to know what kind of effective government they can have in New Zealand. They cannot establish a colony there without penal and civil laws. Crimes will be committed, both by the Europeans and the natives,

[Image of page 628]

and if these crimes cannot be punished the colony would be soon overturned. As a missionary alone I could live in great safety, but a colony would not be safe unless established under some regular form of government. From the errors and misconduct of some in the mission, I have often been astonished that the missionaries have not been murdered. The natives have shewn great forbearance on many occasions, and if a few missionaries cannot be kept in subjection without a Government, it will be difficult to manage a greater number of different characters. At the mouth of the fresh water of the River Thames, about 20 miles perhaps from the sea, there is a very fine situation for a colony--could be easily fortified, and would be a very commanding post. I have little doubt but the ground might be purchased. The New Zealanders themselves are very sensible of the want of a protecting Government, and would rejoice if anything could be done to prevent the strong from crushing the weak. The New Zealanders want a head. I had many conversations with the chiefs on this subject when I was in the island last year. They told me no chief would be willing to give up his authority to another, and they could not agree amongst themself to nominate any one chief as king. I am afraid this desirable object will never be effected by persuasive means. If it is done, it most probably will be done by force. Shunghee has conquered many tribes, to the extent of more than two hundred miles, but he has no means of retaining his conquests. Shunghee was wont to tell me the conquered tribes would behave very well while he was in their districts, but when he left them they respected him no longer. He had not the means of leaving a force to keep them in subjection. If the chiefs could be brought to act together, under some regular Government, much might be done. They would sometimes say, if King George would send them a king they would attend to him. Shunghee had impressed the natives with a very great idea of the power of King George--he used to tell the chiefs that if King George was to go to war with them there would be only one battle, and New Zealand would be conquered. Many of the chiefs are very proud men, and afraid of parting with any of their consequence. The late Act of Parliament, authorizing the Courts of justice in N. S. Wales to punish offences committed in New Zealand, would be favourable to the establishment of a colony, as the natives would know that they would obtain protection from the Government here. If an effective Government can be established in New Zealand to punish crime, a colony may be established, and benefit the natives, but if an effective Government cannot be established, neither can a colony, in my judgment, without much danger. Before any colony is attempted, the island

[Image of page 629]

should be more surveyed. We know little of it yet, and there may he many situations more suitable for a colony than any we have seen. As I am wholly ignorant of the views of Lieut.-Col. N., and upon what plan he proposes to form his colony, I cannot say more upon the subject. It had been communicated to me that Lieut.-Col. N. had such an intention before I received your letter, but nothing more stated.

I remain, &c,
SAMUEL MARSDEN
Revd. J. Pratt.

[New South Wales, Vol. 153.

UNDER-SECRETARY CROKER TO UNDER-SECRETARY HORTON.

SIR,-- Admiralty Office, 24th July, 1824.

My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having referred your letter of the 19th instant, with its enclosures (relative to an enquiry which took place in the month of December, 1823, in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, as to the cause of the death of Thomas Perryman, a seaman belonging to the ship Rochester, Worth, master), to Mr. Bicknell, their Lordship's solicitor, I have it in command to send, you herewith a copy of Mr. Bicknell's report on this case, and to request that you will lay the same before Earl Bathurst for His Lordship's information.

I am, &c,
J. W. CROKER.
R. Wilmot Horton, Esq., Downing Street.

[Wesleyan Mission House.

REV. N. TURNER TO REV. J. ETCHELLS.

Wesley Dale, Wangaroa, New Zealand,

REV. AND DR. SIR, -- Sep. 30th, 1824.

* * * *

On the 30th April, 1823, we left Hobart Town for Port Jackson, where we waited about eight weeks before we could obtain a passage for the place of our destination, and after much difficulty, expence, and exercise, on the 15th August, '23, we arrived safe at our destination, where we found our brethren Leigh and White, and when we saw them "we thanked God and took courage." Our brethren had been here about 8 weeks, and had just got a rush hut built into which to receive us....

Deplorable indeed is the condition of this people in every sense of the word. The words of the Apostle, "without God and without hope in the world," were never more applicable to any people than to the New Zealanders. Of the one true and living God they have not the most distant idea; but of imaginary deities they have numbers--of birds, reptiles, and fishes. But

[Image of page 630]

their greatest deities are the souls of their departed relations, of whom they feel the most superstitious dread. To them they always pray before they go to war, and entreat them to impart their anger to them, to enable them to fight and conquer their enemies. Those that fall in war are roasted and eaten by the victorious party; the captured are taken for slaves, and it is no uncommon thing for these to be butchered and eaten, to gratify the diabolical passions of their ungodly masters, or to appease the anger of some departed relative, who they fear will come and destroy them, if his anger be not appeased. They that have eaten human flesh are considered as deities even while they are alive, and by the name of Atua (god) they are often addressed, and even the body itself, when the spirit is fled, is called a [torn out] Atua, so that according to their view they are themselves deified body and soul, dead and alive. When any are afflicted among them, they say, the Atua has got within and is eating them. And in this way, according to their view, all their affliction and death is brought about. When they die they tell us that their left eye becomes a star. The bright ones are those of their great men, the dim ones those of their slaves. They have an idea of a future state, but not of rewards and punishments for moral actions; they tell us they all go to one place called Raing or Po, there to feast on sweet potatoes, &c, &c. Of pure spiritual pleasures they have no conception; their heaven is all in carnal delights. Their moral character is such as might naturally be expected from a mind so dark and polluted. I may venture to affirm there is no crime of which they are capable of which they are not guilty. Reason is completely dethroned, and the reins of government are given up to the passions altogether, and by these they are carried to the greatest extremes. Their temporal condition is equally bad; they are filthy in the extreme, never wash themselves, but as often as they can besmear themselves with red ochre and oil, which in the hot weather makes them very offensive. Many of them literally swarm with vermin. Their huts in general are nothing better than poor people's pigsties in England--are much the same heighth and size, and into them they creep through a little hole at one end. They have neither furniture nor cooking utensils, and the poor filthy mats that serve them for cloths by day serve them for bedding by night. Their food in winter consists chiefly of fish and fern root; in summer they have potatoes, sweet and common. They have many pigs among them, but they are principally reserved to trade with whalers, for muskets and powder, things of great value to them....

I remain, &c,
NATHL. TURNER.
To the Rev. J. Etchells.

[Image of page 631]

[Church. Missionary House.

REV. S. MARSDEN TO REV. J. PRATT.

[Extracts.]

REV. AND DEAR SIR, -- Sydney, 4th Nov., 1824.

I have drawn upon you for supplies sent to New Zealand to the amount of £406 12s. 6d. sterg. At the end of December you shall have a complete statement of the accounts up to that period. You will have seen Barron Field, Esq., who arrived in England 20th of June, and from him you would receive all my documents and other information. I have little doubt but things will go on much better in New Zealand, and that the mission will succeed in the end. I am getting on with the seminary very fast; I have 6 youths with me at present, who improve well, and behave well. I had ten, but four are returned to New Zealand. In about one month or less I shall have the N. Zealanders in the new building, as there will be enough to accommodate them, with the schoolmaster. A man and his wife who is a weaver, and can instruct them in all the branches of the flax business, is now living in the school untill the other parts of the building are completed. When I went to New Zealand I took over 1 horse and 2 mares; all young: one mare got into swamp and died. The entire horse and mare were very fine. I directed Mr. Davis to take charge of them for the Society, and use them in agriculture. The sum I charge for them is £80, if the Society take them.

I am, &c,
SAML. MARSDEN.

I have written my letter in great haste. You perhaps will not understand what I have said about the horse and mare. I wish them now to become the Society's property. The value of them at this time in the colony would be £100 or upwards. The one that unfortunately died I must bear the loss of; the two that are living I charge £80 for, should the Society take them; if not, they will remain there my property. Having stated the above, you will understand what I mean.

Rev. J. Pratt,

[Wesleyan Mission House.

REV. D. TYERMAN, ETC., TO REV. G. ERSKINE AND REV. S. LEIGH.

Sydney, Novr. 5th, 1824.

DEAR AND ESTEEMED XTIAN FRIENDS AND BRETHREN,--

When we had the pleasure of seeing our mutual friends your worthy missionary brethren at New Zealand, we intimated our intention to write to the Secretary of your Society at Home, hoping that it might afford some gratification to him and the

[Image of page 632]

Society to have our views of that interesting mission. But as you are in immediate communication with your own Society, we have thought it preferable to write a few lines to you, leaving you at full liberty to make what use of them you think proper.

Though the time we spent with your friends at Wangaroa was short, it was to ourselves truly pleasant and highly interesting, and animated us with the lively hope that God is about to do some great things for the people among whom they dwell. We formed a high opinion of the piety, the good sense, and the missionary talents of the Rev. Mr. Turner and his coadjutor in office the Rev. Mr. White, and also of Mrs. Turner. They appeared to us well chosen for such an undertaking. We also think highly of their two young friends and fellow-labourers, Messrs. Hobbs and Stack, who seem to be pious and diligent young men of ingenious minds, and well adapted to great usefulness in various ways, and it is our opinion that it is highly advisable that they be recommended to marry; and should they make choice of women of piety and appropriate talents, that they should be fully identified with the mission as preachers of the Gospel. We are also fully convinced that Mr. White should be advised to marry as soon as possible, persuaded to no young man should be sent into the missionary field single, nor suffered to remain there without a wife. The ages of all these young men are also appropriate, for the difficulties of acquiring a foreign language so as to preach with acceptance are so great that they are seldom conquered after the age of three or four and twenty. All our societies have fallen into the error of sending men to missionary work too far advanced in life; but we hope that past experience will teach them all useful lessons to guide their future operations. We think it much better, should not persons be at hand of suitable talents, and age, and connexions, to defer the commencement of a mission, or sending it fresh supplies of labourers, rather than risk its success by employing unsuitable persons.

Most of your friends were doing well at the language, and appeared to us to have made considerable progress; and we doubt not that they wall soon acquire it so as to preach to the New Zealanders in their own tongue the wonderful work of God. We presented them with several books in the Tahitian language, with the hope that they would find them of essential service, as the New Zealand language is radically the same.

Your worthy friends had built themselves a comfortable house, which possesses those characters of neatness and good style which are desirable among a heathen people; and its surrounding accompanyments of a good garden, outhouses, &c, are all highly appropriate. They have erected two school-

[Image of page 633]

houses also which answer the purposes of chapels, in different parts of the settlement, and they appear to be possessed of the esteem and confidence of the natives among whom they dwell, and from whom they had no apprehension of danger. They appear to have established themselves in their good opinion, and to have made some progress in removing their pagan superstitions, and gaining their attention to the truths of the Gospel. We confidently anticipate their ultimate success.

In the Bay of Wangaroa there is an island which contains a numerous tribe, who, we believe, are desirous of having missionaries, and it appears to us most highly important that some of your friends should be placed there. This island is, in fact, the key of the harbour; and while the desire of the chief and people to have missionaries among them will justify the hope of both their security and of their success in preaching the Gospel, their residence on this island would prevent the recurrence of those misunderstandings with foreigners when they come into the harbour, to one of which we ourselves had nearly fallen a sacrifice. We have already written to your friends to advise them that so soon as their confidence of their full security in their present situation will justify it, two of their party should remain, and the others to go and to settle on this island. But if they cannot separate, we think it very advisable that the Society at Home should send out two other young men with their wives to occupy this very interesting spot, where we think missionaries may reside in full security.

The kind and friendly attentions of all your friends at Wangaroa to us excite in our minds the liveliest feelings of gratitude and esteem; and it is our fervent prayer that the Great Head of the Church may constantly preserve and greatly bless them, and give them soon to see the pleasure of the Lord prospering in their hands.

We are, &c,
DANIEL TYERMAN.
GEORGE BENNET.

P. S. --Were some of your pious and worthy friends in England to send to your good missionaries in New Zealand some cotton prints of lively and attractive colours they would be very useful both for the purchasing of such things as they want and also as presents to the chiefs. This might excite among them a desire for better and more decent clothing, and secure to your friends the greater influence. We offer an apology for presuming to give our advice in a case where it is not immediately our duty; but feeling the cause in which you have embarked and our own to be the same, we are happy to offer any hint that may be useful; and should we have taken a liberty, we rely on your kindness to be forgiven.

[Image of page 634]

[New South Wales, Vol. 167.

EARL BATHURST TO E. LITTLETON.

Stanhope Street, 29th March, 1825.

DEAR MR. LITTLETON,--

On thinking over what passed yesterday, when I had the honor of seeing you and Mr. Lambton, I think it desirable to enter into an explanation with regard to some particulars. I understood you to say that your intentions were purely commercial--that you disclaimed military occupation and projects of conquest; but afterwards one of you (if I recollect right Mr. Lambton) observed that the interests of New South Wales might possibly be compromised by a demand being made upon the Government for military assistance in the event of the natives not allowing you peaceable possession. Now if all which you meant by this is that should the natives not allow you to carry on your commercial concerns you will apply to the military to enable you to withdraw in safety, I see no objection to the troops being so employed; but if you consider the Government pledged to protect you against the natives, and to employ the military to enforce your occupation of the territory, it appears to me that the character of your enterprise will be changed--at any rate, I ought to apprise you that I am by no means prepared to give you assurances of military support for such objects, and I should be very sorry to have encouraged you in this undertaking by such a misapprehension of what passed yesterday.

I have, &c,
BATHURST.

[New South Wales, Vol 167.

E. J. LITTLETON TO EARL BATHURST.

MY DEAR LORD, -- Portman Square, 30th March, 1825.

I have shewn your letter to Mr. Lambton. He concurs with me in begging to assure Your Lordship that we disclaim all projects of conquest in New Zealand, our intentions being purely commercial. And we fully admit the reason and propriety of all the remarks contained in Your Lordship's letter.

I have, &c,
E. J. LITTLETON.
The Earl Bathurst, &c, &c.

[Wesleyan Mission House.

REV. N. TURNER TO SECRETARY, WESLEYAN SOCIETY.

Kiddie Kiddie, New Zealand, April 5th, 1825.

REV. AND DEAR FATHERS,--

Our brethren of the Church Missionary Society, who have just held their quarterly meeting here, at which meeting

[Image of page 635]

I read them the account transmitted to you in my letter of March the 25th, the contents of which they approve, but think that the case of the death of George's father ought to be more fully explained, in order that the subject may appear in its proper light. He was not killed in the act of taking the Boyd, as might be supposed from the manner in which I have stated the subject. After the vessel was taken, and the captain and crew murdered, the natives got the powder-casks up into the cabin, and having exposed the powder, they began to try the musketts over the same, when it took fire, and blew up eight of them, amongst whom was Pepe, the father of George, and in this way be came by his death, when no European was near him. And for this circumstance in connection with the death of George (in case of his death), his will is that our property, if not our lives, are to fall into the hands of the natives.

From a serious review of the whole affair, it still remains the unanimous opinion of our friends that we ought not to remain at Wangaroa.

Things are now again wearing a more gloomy aspect, and I fear we shall all have to quit our post, and that very soon. In great haste.

I remain, &c,
NATHL. TURNER.
To the Secretaries of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, 77 Hatton Garden, London.

CAPTAIN REYNOLDS TO EARL BATHURST.

New Zealanders.

MY LORD, -- Liverpool, April 18th, 1825.

The purport of this is to inform you more particularly about Tippahe Cupa, a chief of New Zealand who came to England in the Urania, under my command, from that country. As I was passing through Cooks Streights on the 26th February, 1821. I was becalmed about 5 or 6 miles from the land, when I perceived three canoes, full of savages, coming towards the ship. I then prepared the ship ready for action. The grand war-canoe then came within hale, and by motions I made them understand to keep off. This chief (Tippahe Cupa) shewed every sign of peace, and I perceived shortly after they were all peaceably inclined.

This chief in his great war-canoe, came close alongside, which I could not prevent unless I had fired into them; and if I had, a great deal of mischief might have been done. The man jumped on board naked (except a matt over his body,

[Image of page 636]

leaving the remainder of his dress in the canoe), and made signs for arms, and I gave him to understand that I had none to give him, and then he gave me to understand that he would stay on board, and go to Europe, and see King George, which words he pronounced plain enough to be understood. I then ordered him to go into his canoe again, but he had ordered her off, and would not allow her to come near the ship. I attempted to heave him overboard, so as the canoes might pick him up. But he, perceiving my design, put it out of my power. A breeze at that time springing up, he ordered all the canoes to leave the ship and return to the shore, and told them he was going to Europe, and that he would soon return again (as he hath told me since). The next day I attempted to put him on shore near the eastern mouth of Cooks Streights, and in so doing I only just escaped loosing the ship; therefore I was obliged, much against my inclination, but to his satisfaction, to make sail and leave the island for my port of destination, Lima. I might perhaps have kept the canoes off if I had fired into them, but I did not wish to commence hostilities, for the good of England at large, having a desire that England might stand high in their ideas, and likewise that English ships hereafter might find protection in case of distress in some of the fine harbours that lye open to receive ships of any size sailing in these seas. And I am certain that if this man gets out again safe (as he is the first chief from the south end of the Island of New Zealand that ever came to England), and get supplied with all the necessary articles that he wants, it will be the saving of many men's lives should they ever visit these parts, or caught in a gale of wind and be obliged to run for a harbour in that part of the island. This man, when he came on board, was a complete savage; but I have taken a great deal of pains with him to civilize him, for when I was in Lima he lived with me on shore, where ever I went he went with me, he lived on shore with me at Monte Vedio and Buenos Ayres, and all the time he was on board he lived at my table, and I cloathed him, and hath kept him cloathed in European fashion ever since he came under my care. He has been a very heavy expence to me these last 13 months, and I could not help myself in no way, but by firing into their canoes, which I would not do, for the good of others who might sail in those seas. The man is now cevelized, and is become quite tractable, and his partiality for me is great. I told him the other day that Mr. Huskinson had wrote to G. B. Brown, Esq., residing here, to take care of him, and he said that if he was seperated from me before he got a passage out again he would put an end to his existance, which I verily believe he would. His affection for me is very great. Since I arrived in England

[Image of page 637]

His New Zealand Majesty hath been very ill. I have had doctors attending him, and I have had him vaccined for the cow-pox, for fear of his catching that dreadful complaint the small poc. He is now perfectly recovered, and in a good state of health, and living with me. I therefore hope, under all these circumstances, that Government will remunerate me for the very heavy expence that I have unavoidably been at since he came under my care, and as he is so much attatched to me, and I feeling an affectionate regard for him during his stay in this country, which would contribute much to his happiness and comfort, for I have learnt a little of his language, and without me he would be destitute and miserable, and as I have before said, I could not be answerable for the consequences of his being seperated from me at this time. But there would be no difficulty in our seperation on his going on shipboard and finally leaving me for his own country. He can therefore live with me until an opportunity offers, of getting him a passage from hence, or if an opportunity offers sooner from London I can come up with him and see him take his departure from thence. He has made no progress in the English language, altho' when he first came on board he distinctly mentioned King George and Europe. The district where he presides as chief is on the south end of the North Island of New Zealand, near Entry Island, Cooks Streights.

I am, &c,
R. K. REYNOLDS,
Commander Ship Urania,
Care of G. B. Brown, Esq., Merchant, Water Street, Liverpool.

UNDER-SECRETARY HORTON TO SECRETARY HARRISON.

SIR,-- Downing Street, 6th May, 1825.

I am directed by Earl Bathurst to transmit to you, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, the enclosed copy of a letter from a person of the name of Reynolds, commanding the ship Urania, lately arrived from New Zealand, stating the circumstances under which he had brought to England a chief of that island; and I am to request that you will submit to their Lordships Lord Bathurst's recommendation that, as Capt. Reynolds appears to have used every means in his power save that of absolute force to induce the chief to return on shore, he should receive an allowance for his maintenance at the rate of a sovereign a day from the date of the ship's arrival at Liverpool until a passage can be provided for

[Image of page 638]

him to his own country, which the Commissioners of the Navy have been directed to do by the earliest opportunity.

I am, &c,
R. W. HORTON.

[New South Wales, Vol. 165.

G. HARRISON, UNDER-SECRETARY, TO R. W. HORTON, ESQ.

SIR, -- Treasury Chambers, 30th May, 1825.

Having laid before the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury your letters of the 6th and 25th inst., relative to the payment of an allowance to Captain Reynolds, of the ship Urania, for the maintenance of a New Zealand chief whom he had brought with him to this country, I have it in command to acquaint you, for the information of Earl Bathurst, that my Lords have directed Mr. Hill to pay to Captain Reynolds the sum of one hundred pounds on account of such expences, as recommended.

I am, &c,
GEO. HARRISON.
R. Wilmot Horton, Esq., &c., &e,

[New South Wales, Vol. 165.

NAVY COMMISSIONERS TO UNDER-SECRETARY HORTON.

SIR,-- Navy Office, 14th June, 1825.

With reference to your letter of the 20th ultimo, and its enclosure, we acquaint you, for the information of Earl Bathurst, that Tippahee, a New Zealand chief, may embark on board the Henry Porcher, convict ship, at Deptford on the 25th instant for a passage to New South Wales, or he may join the ship on her arrival at Dublin if it be desired by His Lordship, respecting which we request to be favored with your answer.

We are, &c,
RT. SEPPING.
R. G. MIDDLETON.
J. BOWEN.
R. Wilmot Horton, Esq.

[Colonial Office--New South Wales Domestic, Vol. 14.

SECRETARY HORTON TO CAPTAIN R. H. REYNOLDS.

SIR,-- Downing Street, 18th June, 1825.

I am directed by Earl Bathurst to inform you that, by information received on the 14th instant from the Navy Office,

[Image of page 639]

a passage can be provided for Tippahee, the New Zealand chief, on board the Henry Porcher, convict ship, for New South Wales, if he is sufficiently recovered in health to undertake the voyage, of which I request you will be so good as to inform me.

The ship will be ready to receive passengers on the 25th instant, at Deptford.

I have, &c,
R. W. HORTON.
R. H. Reynolds. Water Street, Liverpool.

NOTE. --Captain Reynolds was master of the ship Urania, in which Tippahee was conveyed to England, and on board of which he remained from the date of her arrival at Liverpool (13th Feby., 1825).

CAPTAIN REYNOLDS TO UNDER-SECRETARY HORTON.

SIR,-- Liverpool, June 21st, 1825.

I here acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 18th inst., in which I notice what you say concerning the Henry Porcher being ready to receive passengers on the 25th inst, With respt. to Tippahe Cupa (the New Zealand chief), he is not yet recovered from the effects of his late illness to make it safe for him to travil. Since I was in London he has had a spitting of blood and the chicken poc, and is yet in a very weak state. The Doctor (Dr. Traill) has given him leave to walk out a little, and I hope now he will soon recover.

I have, &c,
R. K. REYNOLDS.
Wilmot Horton, Esqr.

[New South Wales, Vol 166.

JOHN GLADSTONE TO UNDER-SECRETARY HORTON.

MY DEAR SIR,-- Gloster, 30th June, 1825.

The object of this note is to introduce Captain Reynolds, with his protegee Tippahe Cupa, the New Zealand chief, with whose history you are already fully and well acquainted. One of his great objects and causes of an anxiety to visit England was to see His Majesty the King. I hope it may not be difficult to gratify him in this respect.

As the New Zealand Commercial Company are now preparing a ship to sail soon for New Zealand, I should suppose it would be a very favorable opportunity for sending the chief home, as he is desirous to return. I understand his part of the island abounds in flax and fine mast timbers, which may afford a further inducement to them. Perhaps you will take the trouble to send to Mr. Lyall, or mention the matter to him. If this plan

[Image of page 640]

should not be agreeable to them, and that you send him by the way of Port Jackson, I hope you will be good enough to instruct the Governor how he is to be forwarded from thence to New Zealand, as I am informed the opportunities are otherwise rare and uncertain.

Believe, &c,
JOHN GLADSTONE.
R. Wilmot Horton, Esq., &c, &c.

Captain Reynolds has been put to a heavy expence in various ways on the chief's account. I hope means may be found by the Government to indemnify him. How this may best be done you know much better than I do. --J. G.

[British Museum.

[Newspaper Extract. --Glasgow Herald, July 18th, 1825.]

SOUTH SEAS.

(From the Missionary Chronicle for July.)

Extract of a Letter from Messrs. Tyerman and Bennet, Deputation from the Society to the South Sea Islands, &c, containing a Narrative of their Voyage from the Islands to the Colony of New South Wales, dated Sydney, 12th Nov., 1824, addressed to the Secretary.

We left Bartonga on the evening of the 19th, and having completed our work in these seas, we stood for New Zealand. We had to encounter the most tempestuous and distressing weather and adverse winds; and did not make New Zealand till the 9th of July, off the Bay of Islands, into which we hoped to enter next morning; but a heavy gale blowing from that bay rendered it impossible to reach it, and the captain resolved to abandon the hope of reaching the shore, and to proceed on his voyage for the colony; but here the winds opposed us again, and after beating about off the northern extremity of that country for nearly a week, and finding we could make no head against contrary winds, and becoming short of water, fire-wood, vegetables, &c, we determined to put into some port in New Zealand, and reach the Harbour of Whangarooa on the 15th, where we came to an anchor with the intention of spending a week or ten days there. At the head of this beautiful and capacious bay the Wesleyans have established a mission, about twelve miles from the entrance of the harbour. Not knowing the perils which awaited us, we were apprehensive of no danger; having no means of defence, we took no precautions to guard against any attack. So soon as we came to an anchor several canoes came round, many natives came on board, and all behaved well, and left us at the setting of the sun. Early next

[Image of page 641]

morning a considerable number of canoes of great size, and containing multitudes of people surrounded us. Soon our main deck was crowded by men, women, and children, bringing with them various articles for sale; and we were busy buying their curiosities, &c, when a scene of almost unparalleled horror immediately occurred. The captain had been informed that they were stealing whatever they could reach, and had broken open a trunk of clothes, and had taken most of them off; he became indignant, and resolved to remove them all from the deck. In the confusion a native fell overboard into the sea, and the rest, supposing that he had been struck and injured, immediately fell upon us. Many of them had axes, and the rest armed themselves with billets of firewood; the whole were armed in a few seconds; the women and children were removed into the canoes, into which many of their men threw their mats, prepared for action, and commenced their war-songs, accompanying them with all their horrid gesticulations and grimaces. Their faces, rendered hideous by their totooings, became by anger more hideous, and the whole had more the appearance of infernals than men. Our crew fled to the rigging, while we waited our doom on the quarter-deck. They surrounded us, placing themselves behind us, with their weapons uplifted, ready, as soon as the signal was made, to strike; and we expected nothing else but to be killed, baked in their ovens, and eaten by these dreadful cannibals. They handled our persons, to see what sort of food we should be for them, and behaved in the most rude and insolent manner. At one moment the captain had four spears pointed at his breast. We used every effort to hide our fears, and prevent them from perceiving that we were apprehensive of danger. But this was impossible, for we were entirely in their hands. What aggravated our misery and apprehension was the recollection that the ship Boyd, Capt. Thompson, about fifteen years before, and in this very place where we were at anchor, had been cut off, the captain, crew, and passengers (in all nearly 100 persons) killed and eaten. The wreck of the vessel was within our view; but we cried to the Lord in our distress, and He heard and delivered us. They were restrained by an invisible hand, while we remained in this condition of indescribable horror for about an hour and a half. At length our boat, which had been sent up to the missionary settlement the night before, hove in sight at the distance of about a mile. This threw a ray of hope over our desponding minds: and we waited its arrival with the greatest anxiety, but expected to be despatched before it could possibly reach us. But God was better than our fears. At length the boat came alongside, and we found to our inexpressible joy that she had brought

[Image of page 642]

Mr. White, one of the missionaries, and George, a native chief of great power and influence here. It was the very chief who instigated the cutting off the Boyd, but he was sent by a kind Providence to be our deliverer. They immediately came on deck. So soon as they had learnt what had happened Mr. White addressed the people, and George became highly indignant with them, and spoke to them with great vehemence on the evil of their conduct. He soon cleared the deck; the people tied to their canoes, and a good understanding was restored.

A few days ago a vessel arrived in this colony whose captain, with a boat's crew of six men, in another part of New Zealand, had been cut off and killed soon after the affair happened in Whangarooa which we have described. It is but just to say that we do not believe the people had any bad designs when they came on board, and that what happened arose from the accident of the man's having fallen overboard. By various presents we succeeded in detaining this chief on board the vessel so long as we remained in the harbour, as the only means of her safety.

CAPTAIN REYNOLDS TO UNDER-SECRETARY HAY.

4 Exmouth Street, Commercial Road,

SIR,-- Octr. 10th, 1825.

I take the liberty of informing you (as also Earl Bathurst, per accompanying letter) that the New Zealand chief was taken on board His Majesty's hired ship The Thames on Thursday last, agreeable to directions forwarded me, and that he took with him a considerable quantity of wearing apparel, carpenters' tools, agricultural utensils, with sundry other articles necessary for his passage out and comfort when at New Zealand.

Since his arrival at Liverpool he has visited with me the principal manufactory's and public buildings in Liverpool, Birmingham, Gloucester, and London, and in so doing he took particular notice of the various scenes which claimed his attention.

I assure you the illness of the New Zealand chief and the expences I have been put to in attending him (independant of having necessarily been out of employ) have been very great.

Should you or His Lordship, therefore, think me worthy of any remuneration such will be thankfully received and acknowledged

By, sir, &c,
R. K. REYNOLDS.
W. H. Hay, Esq., Under-Secretary of State, &c, &c.

[Image of page 643]

[New South Wales, Vol. 168.

CAPTAIN REYNOLDS TO EARL BATHURST.

No. 4 Exmouth Street, Commercial Road, London, Octr. 10th, 1825.

MY LORD,--

I take the liberty of making known to Your Lordship that the New Zealand chief was taken on board His Majesty's hired ship The Thames on Thursday last, agreeable to directions forwarded me, and that he took with him a considerable quantity of wearing apparel, carpenters' tools, agricultural utensils, and sundry other articles necessary for his passage out, and which will be of the most essential service to him and his fellow countrymen at New Zealand, and will, I trust, tend much towards the cevelization of that numerous body of savages, particularly as I have endeavoured to instill in the mind of the chief the importance and comfort of living peaceably when he reaches his native shores, and I have taught him to the utmost of my power the use of the various implements which accompany him.

By reference to my letter of the 19th March last to Your Lordship, stating the various circumstances attending the unavoidable boarding of the chief in Cooks Streights, New Zealand, it will appear he has been under my protection from the 26th Febr., 1824, and during such time he has been the subject of much affliction, particularly during his stay at Liverpool, where I was induced to intrude upon Your Lordship's attention and make known such event, and to trust an allowance would be made for his support during the time he should be in England.

In answer to that application Your Lordship was kind enough (and for which I shall ever feel gratefull) to recommend to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury that a sovereign a day should be allowed for his maintenance from the date of the arrival of the ship Urania at Liverpool untill a passage should be provided for his reconveyance to his own country.

In order that Your Lordship may be aware of the manner in which the time of the chief and myself had been occupied. I beg leave to say we have visited the principal manufactory's and public buildings in Liverpool, Birmingham, Gloucester, and London, and in so doing the chief took particular notice, and was much pleased with the various scenes which claimed his attention.

I beg to forward the accompanying account, which includes the sum allowed for the chief's maintenance, as also various items for wearing apparel and other necessaries supplied to him

[Image of page 644]

prior to his departure, which I trust Your Lordship will deem expedient, and order the sums so expended to be re-embursed to

Yours; &c,
R. K. REYNOLDS.
To the Right Honorable Earl Bathurst, &c, &c.

SECRETARY HAY TO SECRETARY HARRISON.

SIR, -- Downing Street, 14th Oct., 1825.

With reference to Mr. Wilmot Horton's letter of the 6th May last, stating the arrangement which Lord Bathurst had recommended should be adopted for the purpose of remunerating Captain Reynolds for the expenses incurred by him in the support of the New Zealand chief during his residence in this country, I am directed by His Lordship to acquaint you that previously to his embarking for his native country the chief was supplied with various implements of husbandry, carpenters' tools, wearing apparel, and other articles which it was thought desirable that he should be provided with.

I am therefore to request that you will acquaint the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury that Lord Bathurst, in consideration of the advantages which may reasonably be expected to accrue from the liberal treatment which the chief has thus experienced, is induced to recommend that the sum of two hundred pounds should be paid to Captain Reynolds in reimbursement of the expenses which have been incurred by him on account of the chief, including a gratuity to the amount of £48 which His Lordship is of opinion should be given to Captain Reynolds in remuneration for the trouble to which he has been subjected in taking charge of that person.

I am, &c,
R. W. HAY.
G. Harrison, Esqr.

[Church Missionary House.

REV. S. MARSDEN TO REV. E. BICKERSTETH.

Parramatta, 2nd February, 1826.

REVD. AND DEAR SIR, --

I received the various dispatches by the Revd. Wm. Williams, to which I shall pay particular attention. I hope we shall new be able to form a corresponding committee with some success. After the last committee was constituted, a gentleman in the colony of great influence at that time solicited me to allow him to become a member. I declined to comply with his request in as delicate a manner as I could, from a conviction

[Image of page 645]

that both his principles and conduct rendered him an improper person to be admitted into such a situation. My refusal offended him exceedingly, but I hoped his anger would cool. I was not aware that he would have carried his resentment to the length he did at that time, and would have continued to do so ever since to the present period. I cannot doubt but that it was thro' his baneful influence that I was compelled to dissolve the committee: he had raised such a spirit of opposition secretly against me. Tho' he is still in the colony, his influence is not so great as it then was, and is never likely to be. He will never attempt again to become a member of the corresponding committee. I have never thought it prudent to mention this circumstance before. I may do it now, as I have nothing, neither has the Society anything, to apprehend from that quarter. I considered it very unfortunate to be compelled to dissolve the corresponding committee without daring to state my secret reasons. It requires great wisdom and caution in acting with men in power whose vindictive feelings are secretly burning and ready to burst into a flame on the smallest occasion. If I had not dissolved the committee at that very time circumstances afterwards soon occurred which would have obliged me to have done so. The seminary is now occupied by Messrs. Shepherd and Hamblin, with their families. Mr. Williams resides with the Revd. Mr. Wilkinson, a former acquaintance.... With respect to the seminary at Parramatta, I beg to observe that it is now ready, and has been some time occupied by the New Zealanders and the family of Mr. Shepherd. Mr. Shepherd will now return to his duty, as his eye is better. Some of the New Zealanders will return who have resided at Parramatta now more than two years, as they returned with me from New Zealand. I have not drawn upon the Society for any part of the expenses attending its erection. Before the Society are put to that expense I should wish sufficient time to be given to ascertain how far it will answer the purpose intended. If on trial it is found to answer I will then give the Society a legal title to it, with the necessary ground for a suitable garden. If on the other hand any circumstance should occur to render such a building unnecessary I take the expense upon myself, the Society paying me legal interest while it appropriate to the service of the mission for the money I have expended. I am satisfied that all the female children of the missionaries at the age of five years should be removed from New Zealand. The scenes which they must daily behold amongst the natives will naturally tend to destroy female delicacy, which is the strongest guardian to female virtue. I have seen with much pain the effects of young females been exposed to indelicate scenes in the

[Image of page 646]

Society Islands. The same may be expected to take place in New Zealand while the inhabitants remain in their present state of degradation.... Should the missionaries in New Zealand wish to have their children preserved from the unavoidable effects of living amongst savages, they must have them educated for some time to come in New South Wales. The children also of the chiefs might be instructed here. I think one young man who lives with me (named Shaw) will have made so much improvement as to be able to render much assistance to the Revd. Wm. Williams. I have suggested the above hints to you for the consideration of the committee. In time the missionaries' children may be instructed in New Zealand; at present this cannot be unless their parents devote a great part of their time to their instruction.... When the missionaries who are here arrive at New Zealand I purpose to fix them in the following stations: Messrs. Kemp and Clarke will remain at Kiddee Kiddee; Mr. King, where he is at Rangheehoo; the Revd. H. Williams will remain at Pyhea; the Revd. Wm. Williams I purpose to fix him on the bank of the main river leading up from Motoroa to Kiddee Kiddee with Mr. Hamlin-- they will be about three miles from Kiddee Kiddee, at a place called Towhee's Point; Mr. Shepherd, with the two Mr. Davises, will be fixed at Kowakowa, about 14 miles up the river above the Revd. Henry Williams. On the west end of the Island Motoroa I purpose a small house to be built, as it is the common resort for the natives of different tribes passing to and from the southward, as well as to the shipping. The house will be convenient for all the missionaries to hold their meetings in occasionally, being by water five miles from the Revd. Wm. Williams's station, 6 from his brother, 5 from Rangheehoo, 8 from Kiddee Kiddee. It will be particularly convenient for the natives to come to at appointed times for medical assistance. On this point of land the Revd. Wm. Williams may have his hospital for the natives, as they can all come by water, and he can visit them by water. In stormy weather the missionaries can always put up there for the night when on their passage from different settlements, instead of lying exposed upon the sea-beach, which has often been the case with myself when I was there. I am persuaded Mr. W. Williams will gain the affections and confidence of all the natives far and near, from the mildness of his manners, and his medical knowledge. The last time I took my leave of the natives they begged I would not send them an angry man. In Mr. Williams they will have got the man they wished for. It gives me much satisfaction that the Society are sending out persons qualified for their work. You will find things go on well. We may look with confidence for the Divine blessing....

[Image of page 647]

Before I conclude this letter I beg just to mention that we have not been able to meet with a proper person for the aborigines. I think we shall raise funds in the colony so as to make the attempt. I have little hope of being able to render much assistance to them; they are so degraded. It is our duty to try what can be done; but the prospect is very dark as yet. I think they will gradually waste away, until few remain. I am happy to say that I have a brighter prospect before me as far as concerns my temporal peace. The Archdeacon and myself are upon good and I may add friendly terms. I shall be very comfortable with the Colonial Secretary. My enemies have greatly abated their fury since the arrival of the Archdeacon, and have turned shafts against him. I am apprehensive he will not remain long amongst us, unless he... [Remainder of letter missing].

[Addressed to] Revd. E. Bickersteth.

BOARD OF INQUIRY TO GOVERNOR DARLING.

Board Room, Bent Street, Sydney, 13th February, 1826.

The Board for General Purposes, having assembled in conformity with His Excellency the Governor's minute, dated the 8th inst., No. 25, to consider on the remuneration claimed by Mr. J. Busby, Mineral Surveyor, for services set forth in his memorial dated the 9th ultimo, and having taken into consideration the circumstances of Mr. Busby's volunteering on the occasions alluded to (a service totally unconnected with his official duties); considering also the length of time he was employed, the great danger and personal inconvenience to which he was exposed, together with the nature of the vessel and the stores he saved, after the failure of the officers and crew of His Majesty's ship Tees, and thus effecting the object which Government had in view, in fitting her out, the Board beg leave to recommend that Mr. Busby should receive a gratuity of three hundred pounds sterling (£300) in addition to his salary as Mineral Surveyor.

WILLIAM STEWART.
ALEX. MCLEAY.
H. DUMARESQ.
W. WEMYSS.
WM. LITHGOW.
Approved. --R. DARLING.

SIR, -- Pitt Street, Sydney, 20th January, 1826.

Returning to you the enclosed letter and memorial of Mr. John Busby, I have the honor of acquainting you, in reply

[Image of page 648]

to your inquiry of the 13th instant, that the object of the last voyage of the brig Elizabeth-Henrietta to New Zealand was to promote the civilization of the inhabitants of that island, by supplying them with British manufactures in exchange for their flax.

I have, &c,
F. GOULBURN.
Honble. Alexander McLeay, Colonial Secretary.

Endorsement in Governor Darling's Handwriting on Back of foregoing Letter to Alex. McLeay.

WITHOUT entering into Mr. Busby's claims, as set forth in his memorial, he certainly appears entitled to some remuneration in addition to the allowance he receives from Government while employed, and which I conclude he received in this. How could the amount be fixed? I mean on what principle. --R. D.

Note in Alexander McLeay's Handwriting in Reply to above.

FROM the manner in which Mr. B. states his case, it appears to me that he looks for some percentage on the value saved, by way of salvage, but as an officer of the Govt, this cannot of course be granted to him. There is no doubt however that he is entitled or rather that he deserves to receive something beyond his pay in this case, and whatever it may be I submit that it should be by way of gratuity. In valuing the property saved Mr. B. includes an item of £1,000 as his estimate of the importance of saving the vessel and flax, independent of the actual value of both, but such an item cannot possibly be allowed. When this therefore is deducted, the actual value of the property saved by him, according to his own account, is about £16,000. Perhaps 5 per cent, on that sum would be a reasonable gratuity. £1,000 would be only 6 1/4 per cent.

CAPTAIN THOMAS COE TO GOVERNOR SIR T. BRISBANE.

His Majesty's ship Tees at Sydney Cove, 5th June, 1824.

SIR,--

I am sorry to inform Your Excellency that H. M. S. Tees has returned to this anchorage without having the good fortune to bring the Elizabeth Henrietta with her. On my arrival at Port William every assistance that could be given was sent from this ship, and on our first trial we had the pleasure of moving her about five feet, but it not being spring tides we

[Image of page 649]

stood fast, the officer which was with the party having represented to me that if the Tees could remain until the springs he had no hesitation in saying she might easily be got off. I therefore determined to wait for that period, but unfortunately a gale of wind came on about the 10th May, which drove the brig fifteen feet higher up than when we began. We did not then despair and made every preparation for the approaching springs, but the whole of our strength could not move her, and I was under the necessity of leaving her, having carried away every purchase I have.

I have thought it prudent, at the suggestion of Mr. Kent, her commander, to leave him and two men to take care of her stores and cargo (which is quite complete) until you have an opportunity of sending a vessel down to convey them to Sydney.

I must beg leave to recommend to Your Excellency's notice Mr. Kent, her commander, who I think is a young man deserving your patronage, although this unfortunate accident has taken place, which he assures me was in consequence of the brig not being supplied with sufficient ground tackle.

I also beg leave to inclose a list 1 of men belonging to the Wellington, brig, who, after they heard of the accident, immediately repaired to their assistance, and never left them, which appears to me the only reason the natives were kept from the Henrietta's crew, and, should the colonial service allow it, they deserve some remuneration, as an encouragement to other seamen to assist those in distress.

I have, &c,
THOMAS COE.
His Excellency Sir Thomas Brisbane, Governor in Chief, &c.

MR. J. BUSBY TO GOVERNOR SIR THOMAS BRISBANE.

SIR,-- Sydney, 19th June, 1-824.

Having accidentally learned the circumstances under which H. M. colonial brig Elizabeth Henrietta, now on shore at New Zealand, was about to be abandoned, and having had some experience in taking off stranded vessels, it occurred to me that the application of means with which I am acquainted might be successful in getting her off. I communicated my opinion to Major Ovens, by whom I was favoured with the perusal of Captain Coe's (of H. M. S. Tees) letter on the subject. I have also conversed with the officer who commanded the party em-