CHAPTER IV. ANXIOUS DAYS
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CHAPTER IV.
ANXIOUS DAYS
Lord's Day, January 11th, 1863.
It seems I have had no time, as I would have wished, to make any remarks at the commencement of the new year; and here the 11th of the month has actually arrived without my writing anything. In regard to health, we are all well. In regard to prospects, I suppose they are middling. And now, for want of rain, everything is dried up as I do not remember to have seen it dried up before. For some days there has been the appearance of rain -- westerly breezes have been blowing, but the rain comes not. How acceptable it would be. How the earth -- so dry and parched -- would drink it up!
Lord's Day, January 18th, 1863.
No rain yet. Friday a meeting was held in regard to the establishment of a school. Presbyterians thought as a matter of course it would belong to them, and they would so far forego their principals as to admit me to be superintendent and secretary of the school. Of course, we stuck out for a non-sectarian school. 1
Lord's Day, March 1st, 1863.
Last month has been a month of fire and smoke. For some days Pukekohe was enveloped in smoke, appearing something like a London fog. Being such a remarkably dry season the fire ran terribly. I lost a stack of hay but fortunately saved a few oats that I had. What fences I had put up last year to keep in the pigs all went in the general conflagration. Such a season has not been known for years. The paddocks have been dried up fearfully, so that the cattle have fed wholly in the bush. Rain has thus been much, very much wanted. And often, too, expected. Clouds have gathered, and we thought it was coming -- but no. We had a little rain certainly one day, but it did scarcely any good. Friday evening, however, a strong northerly wind was blowing and since then have had more or less rain.
(At the end of March, William Morgan spent a week in Auckland. While there he wrote to the "Weekly Review", London, giving a summary of conditions in New Zealand at that time. Part of this article now follows):--
"Auckland, New Zealand, March, 1863. Prosperity appears to abound in this city. Buildings of various kinds are going up rapidly, and its dimensions are being gradually extended on all sides. The great fire that took place a month or two ago, destroying property and merchandise to the amount of between £50,000 and £60,000, has created sites for more useful and permanent erections; and shops and stores are now being built on the block that this city may indeed boast of, not of wood, of which the large majority of houses and shops are built, but of brick and stone. Consequently, carpenters, bricklayers, plasterers,
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and masons are busy enough. I think these tradespeople are getting 9s. and 10s. per day. We have now two daily papers 2 in Auckland, and I believe another weekly is about to be commenced. There is talk of forming a railway, 3 to be some thirty miles in length; and there is not the least doubt that in the course of a year or so we shall have both gas and waterworks.
"Governor Grey is now at Taranaki. It is to be hoped that through his visit the settlers will be reinstated on their lands, which, at the commencement of the Maori war, they had to leave. That war has been ruination to many of them, and it will take a long time to make Taranaki what it was two or three years ago. The natives used to be great producers -- wheat, maize, potatoes and pork they formerly supplied to the European population; but now they seem to have hardly enough for themselves. In fact, this year it is not known what they will do for provisions, for they have been paying more attention to soldiering than to the cultivation of the soil.
"The diggings in New Zealand, more particularly at Otago, are yielding abundance of gold. It is said that some parts of the Otago gold fields are as rich as were the Bendigo and other diggings in Australia. The Coromandel reefs, near to Auckland, are paying well. As machinery is brought to bear upon the quartz, it is found to yield considerable gold. These diggings are mostly worked by companies. As there is little or no alluvial or surface diggings, single individuals have no chance of success; but the shareholders of the various companies will, no doubt, ultimately have some rich profits divided amongst them......"
(Morgan continues his Journal):--
April 3rd, 1863.
This is Good Friday. Last week I was in town, and stayed all the week. The Maories very unsettled again. I wonder what will be the end of the affair. Have got two letters from home.
Saturday, April 11th, 1863.
This week I have ventured to purchase a horse -- an article I have needed for a very long time. I think I have been fortunate in getting a quiet animal -- he is about 6 years old and seems strong and active. Horse, saddle and bridle cost me £12.
Saturday, April 18th, 1863.
Have been busy logging and scattering ashes all the week. It has been a somewhat blowy week -- westerly breezes -- first rate for fires. Have become for this district, "Correspondent for the New Zealander", 4 and sent last week a short report of the soiree and this week a report of the cases of Road rates tried at Papakura.
Lord's Day, April 26th, 1863.
The weather now is beautiful and the grass is growing well. Troubles of various kinds are accumulating upon me. In the first place, the horse that I bought the other day appears to have an owner in town, at least it answers to the description, the colour and the brand. This is a serious affair, for I expect I shall
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lose both money and horse. Then for the last four days a heifer in milk has been away, and the mystery is where she has got to. It seems unlikely that she should get entangled in the bush without being able to extricate herself. And when last at home she seemed well enough. It is to be hoped that she will turn up somewhere.
I have also lately lost a sow, and I suppose I shall never see her again. Thus, it is that when one begins to get on their feet a little, and matters seem cheery and somewhat bright, that disappointments come. These things, as well as other things of greater magnitude, have their lessons, and it is for us to reap the instruction and benefit that may be received.
Lord's Day, May 3rd. 1863.
Last week received a letter from Uncle E. and also his likeness. And a letter from Mary Ann came also containing the likeness of her and her husband. My uncle seems wonderfully altered in ten years, and now appears to be a stout, oldish gent. Mary Ann, too, seems much older. What else can I expect? Are not the years rolling away?
Lord's Day, May 10th, 1863.
Posted letters to Uncle E. and Canterbury last week when I was in town. Missionaries and settlers have been driven from the Waikato district, a poll tax having been demanded of them, and an order given to curse the Queen. News came on Friday that eight people -- officers and soldiers -- had been murdered at Taranaki. 5 Consequently war has been declared -- the land belonging to the tribes that committed the murder has been confiscated. More troops have been sent for, and it is to be hoped we are on the eve of better things.
Lord's Day, May 24th, 1863.
This month is rapidly gliding over, and most of it I have spent in town. In the first place, I have had to go in regard to my house, which I have had put to rights, and have let it. Then I have had to see about the horse that I bought, which last Saturday was taken by its owner. I have lost both horse and money. It is evident the horse had been stolen, and I have been taken in. Monday last, in falling from a horse, Tom dislocated his arm. I endeavoured to set it, but to be sure took him to Drury to be examined by a military doctor. Did not see one till Tuesday morning. The arm being much swollen, the doctor could not be positive whether or not it was right, but thought it was. Advised me to see another doctor. Dr. Will examined the arm on Wednesday, but as it was still swollen, could not be sure that it was right. Brought Tom home on Friday -- the arm still much swelled.
Today is the anniversary of my arrival in Auckland, I have now been in this country ten years. That is a goodly portion of a man's life. Here I am then, after ten years sojourn in New Zealand, surrounded by a wife and five children, having about 13 head of cattle, pigs etc. and enjoying tolerable health, though in trouble on account of various things. And in regard to the country -- to the natives, things look dark and gloomy, and people are full of anxiety and fear. Since I came here matters have never looked worse. What is to be the order of the day -- whether or not we shall be involved in a general war -- who can tell? Since Waitara has been given up, a strong feeling exists against Gov. Grey, and a spirit of war seems to be abroad.
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As Tom's arm seemed no better, we thought he had better go to town. Jane accordingly took him yesterday. Last night finished a letter to the "Weekly Review" on New Zealand, and more especially in regard to the Natives.
The letter 6 reads):--
"Auckland, New Zealand, May, 1863. Events of tremendous importance are, one after another, crowding upon the people of this country. Clouds of portentous import are gathering thickly over us, and the inquiry is often put, What next? The native question, so far from being settled, becomes every day more perplexing, presenting insuperable difficulties in regard to its solution. The natives themselves are becoming more daring and impudent, performing acts with impunity which, perhaps, in no other country would be allowed. Sir George Grey -- whose policy was to work wonders, whose very name was to have a mighty influence, of whom it was said that he would be as good as ten thousand men in New Zealand -- is rapidly losing what popularity he might have possessed, and it is seriously thought that a public meeting ought to be held in Auckland, and from that meeting a petition sent home, praying that Governor Grey may be removed.
"A few facts which have occurred within the past few weeks will give some idea of the state of things in this country, and particularly of the state of feelings and the disposition of the natives. The Government had resolved to erect a native institution 7 on the Waikato. This building was, I believe, to consist of a Court-house and other offices. The timber was laid on the spot, and the contractor commenced his work. But the affair did not accord with the notions of the Maoris. They, therefore, floated away a great portion of the timber, and forbade the contractor to carry on with the work. The work was at once stopped; and there the matter rests, and has rested for weeks.
"Mr. Gorst was some time last year sent to the Waikato as magistrate. He was there making himself very useful amongst the natives, and after a while he commenced a printing office, and issued a Maori periodical. 8 One day the office was ransacked by natives, and the press and types taken away, as well as the mail bag and some money. No steps have been taken to seize and punish the offenders. What is still worse, the missionaries, who have laboured in the cause of religion and civilization for such a number of years, have been ordered away. A poll-tax was demanded from them, and an order given to curse the Queen, or they were to leave the district. Accordingly, the missionaries, both Wesleyan and Church of England, have been compelled to go to Auckland.
"The Governor has been for some weeks at Taranaki, endeavouring, but without avail, to reinstate the settlers on their respective farms. Some, we believe, took possession, but were speedily ordered away by the Maoris. An ambush was laid, but, fortunately, timely warning being given, no injury occurred. The natives however, were bent on mischief, and were determined either to provoke the Governor to go to war, or to frighten him into their own plans and purposes. Hence a most fearful and horrible tragedy occurred at Taranaki. 'On the 4th of May the murderous work of Paoutaka was accomplished. One party of soldiers consisting of five men, escorting carts with provisions for the soldiers at Tataraimaka, left the Poutoko on that morning. Another party left Tataraimaka
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at the same time, early on the Monday morning, with carts coming into Poutoko. When the Poutoko party got near to Oakura, they heard a volly fired from an ambuscade. At that moment the Tataraimaka party, as they were coming along the beach, had been fired into by an ambuscade, and eight men were murdered and a ninth wounded. The ninth man returned. Among the murdered men were two officers and two sergeants. Their bodies were brought to town and buried.
The officers were stripped of their clothing; the carts were taken up by the murderers to a pa on the range.'
"Of course, this murder caused great excitement. The Governor immediately sent despatches for more troops; and in the course of a short time we shall, no doubt, have a strong force here, including two regiments of Sikhs 9 from India. At Taranaki the Militia and Volunteers were at once mustered, and every precaution taken to protect the town in case of an attack.
"The Governor, by a special messenger, then sent a letter to the Native King and to the tribes in general of the Waikato, relating this horrible murder, and cautioning them in regard to any sympathy they might show, or support they might give to the perpetrators of the deed. The messenger of the Governor was not admitted into the august presence of his serene Majesty the King, but had to deliver his message to the Prime Minister, or Servant-in-Waiting -- the answer being, that the letter would be considered after they got, by the mail, the Maori version of the story.
"In a few days after this event, a proclamation was issued to the effect that Waitara was abandoned by the Governor, and delivered over to the natives. This Waitara -- a block of land which had been purchased by the Government -- and was, in the first place, the origin of the war -- a war which has cost I don't know how many thousands of pounds and how many precious lives. The act of the Governor has been very galling to the great bulk of the people in this province, and they cannot understand the meaning of it. Paori, a native, says, "that as Waitara was the cause of the murder, they shall join their friends the Taranakis if the Governor attacks them." He says, 'that although they had sill along asked for Waitara to be given up to them, it was only when the Governor heard of the murder that his heart stood still, and he said, Ah! I must give up Waitara.' The Governor is therefore blamed by the natives for these murders. The property of the murderers has been confiscated, but I am not aware of any steps having been taken to arrest them.
"Whatever the policy of Governor Grey may be, it is at all events a very silent policy. It is not known what he intends to do. Of course, we have two parties in existence -- the-peace-at-any-price party and the war-at-any-price party. It is thought that the Governor belongs to the first of these parties. Others, again, affirm that he is only waiting for more troops, and that then, if necessary, he would give the Maoris an effectual thrashing. But once a war in commenced, it may be one of general character. It may be a continuous war, and it may take years to thoroughly subdue the natives and bring them under proper restraint.
"Such being the state of things, of course the country is suffering. The natives are neglecting cultivation, the settlers are very unsettled, business and every other thing is more or less affected, and there is no doubt that in such a
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critical position emigration will be much hindered. Indeed, we cannot expect the people will come to a country where their prospects may be blighted, their security disturbed, and their peace ruffled by a lot of uncivilized Maoris.
"Were this native difficulty settled, the country would go ahead with amazing strides, and would rapidly increase in population, in wealth, and importance. With its rich goldfields, with its capabilities for grazing sheep and producing an immense quantity of wool, combined with its glorious climate, it would soon outvie and surpass other colonies."
(The Journal continues):--
Lord's Day, May 31st, 1863.
Yesterday Jane returned. Tom's arm worse than anticipated. Part of the bone fractured. May never get completely well. May, in fact. be a stiff arm all his life. 10 A most serious affair.
Nothing yet from Taranaki. A great many reports about, but they appear to be unfounded. The past week has been fine for young grass, and the rain has given it a good start.
Lord's Day, June 7th, 1863.
News arrived that the natives have been attacked in one of their redoubts, and have been put to rout, some 20 or 30 having been killed. 11 It seems an immense pity that in no other way they can be taught subjection to British authority and rule. It is evident, however, that their impudence wants to be taken from them. It is to be hoped that they will learn not to depreciate the prowess of the British, but have some respect for it.
Tuesday, June 9th, 1863.
Weather rather dull, and appearance of rain, which is needed. This evening wrote on one or two matters to the "New Zealander".
Lord's Day, June 14th, 1863.
Last few days abundance of rain. Tom's arm improving. Grafted some fruit trees the other day.
Ambassador sent from Waikato to Governor. Used somewhat rebellious language. Ordered to leave town in the course of an hour, or suffer imprisonment.
This morning beautiful weather, the sun shining gloriously. I am disposed to think we shall have a fine winter, as is often the case after a very dry summer.
Lord's Day, July 5th, 1863.
Most of the past week I have been turning up new ground for potatoes, and I find it exceedingly laborious work. I am often led to ask myself, "Is it not possible to obtain a livelihood in some other way?" But having put my hand to this sort of work -- having adopted this manner of life, I must not despair nor turn back. Wrote a letter by last mail for the "Weekly Review", and last week one for the "New Zealander".
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(Part of Morgan's article 12 to the "Weekly Review", London, now follows):--
"Auckland, New Zealand, June, 1863. .....The native question is still absorbing the attention of the people of this colony. It is not improbable that a war may break out in the district of Auckland. Volunteers are drilling, the Militia are called out, and Auckland is to be put into a proper state of defence. One of the natives that ransacked the Government printing office on the Waikato has been taken, and now lies in goal, waiting for the sitting of the Supreme Court. A fight took place at Taranaki on the 4th of this month, when a redoubt, built by the Maories was taken, and about thirty of them were killed, our loss being one or two. They are now building a stronger fortification, and it is expected that in a short time our troops will attack them, if the weather is at all favourable. General Cameron is much thought of, and generally liked. Governor Grey seems now determined to trifle with the natives no longer. The present state of things cannot last long, and a vigorous course of action will soon be taken, which, it is to be hoped, will bring the natives to their senses.
"Things are dull in this part of the world, and a good many people are out of work. Provisions are very high, meat being 10d per lb. There is to be a public holiday next week, to celebrate the marriage of the Prince of Wales, when, I suppose, we shall have bonfires, 13 illuminations, reviews, and other etceteras.
"In this province there are a goodly number of Scotch settlers, and, consequently, the Presbyterians are a rather numerous body. They have their churches and schools scattered up and down the country, and in and about Auckland there are some six or eight ministers fully employed. I believe they want a lot of ministers for Otago, and it is to be hoped that suitable persons will be obtained.
The Baptists are enlarging their chapel -- their pastor, the Rev. P. H. Cornford, attracting crowded congregations. The hall and library belonging to the Young Men's Christian Association were burnt down a little while back; but another site has been purchased, and suitable buildings are about to be erected. The good ladies of Auckland, or some of them, are about to hold a bazaar for the benefit of this association. A Rechabite Society has recently been established, and seems to be doing well.
"Altogether this is a very critical time for New Zealand, and how she will emerge from her present difficulties it is hard to tell. We can only hope for the best. Next mail I trust to have better news to send."
(The last entry for July that Morgan wrote in his main Journal section reads):--
Lord's Day, July 12th, 1863.
A beautiful day. This last week has glided swiftly over, and there have been fears and misgivings in regard to the Natives. Various reports have been in circulation, and some settlers have been much agitated. The Governor certainly has something in view now, having ordered all belligerent natives to leave town, and he has also warned the various Maories living this side of the Waikato either to swear an oath of allegiance, or to retire to the front. Consequently, there has been a great movement on the part of the Natives. A great many have left town. I expect Tuakau is depopulated.
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Have put in a quantity of potatoes. It is rather early, but as they were growing so much, thought I had better put them in the ground.
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