CHAPTER II
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CHAPTER II.
CHARACTER OF THE NATIVES---FORBEARANCE OF THE NATIVES---CONSIDERATION OF THE NATIVES---NATIVES NOT AGGRESSORS---BARQUE HARRIET---RUTHERFORD'S NARRATIVE---SUPPOSED ACTS ON ENGLISH COAST---RECENT INSTANCES OF AGGRESSION BY EUROPEANS---FORBEARANCE AND JUDICIOUS CONDUCT OF THE NATIVES.
In forming an opinion of the character of the New Zealanders, the undoubted fact of Cannibalism, being formerly a constant practice among them, excites in the mind an impression that they are, naturally, ferocious and cruel. The numerous instances of their attacks, on ships and crews, on their coasts, as related in various publications, would also tend to confirm such belief.
But dispassionate inquiry and reflection on their customs, however revolting and barbarous, which have been handed down to them from their ancestors, with some reference to analogous circumstances, as regards their conduct towards vessels and crews, if occurring among civilized nations, will place the character of the New Zealand untutored savage in a different light.
Cannibalism formerly, among them, was partly a religious rite,---an expiatory sacrifice of their enemies, to the manes of their relatives, for former wrongs and injuries. Their internal feuds descended, from generation to generation, and a son
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would never rest until his revenge was satisfied, for some insult or injury, real or supposed, done to his parent. In partaking, likewise, of the bodies of their enemies, they conceived they inherited their personal courage and talents for war.
Much as the custom is to be deplored and deprecated, it must be remembered, that it was their education and religion. Their true natural character and disposition, therefore, should rather be considered and appreciated by their conduct, since they have been informed of the cruelty and wickedness of such practices; and, how far, they may have opposed, or acceded to, the humane precepts and moral obligations, enjoined by the Christian Religion, and endeavoured to be inculcated upon them, by the Missionaries.
Much has been said by the Missionaries, themselves, of the barbarous cruel character of the natives, when they first settled among them; but the very circumstance, that since the first formation of the Mission, in 1814, to the present time, (twenty-eight years,) there has not been one person, belonging to the Mission, cruelly treated, or killed, by the Natives,---this very fact, if it is evidence at all, is decidedly in favour of the Aborigines,---for, at any and at all times, the Missionaries, individually and collectively, were completely in their power, and at their mercy. The Natives have never opposed the interference of the Missionaries, nor disregarded their endeavours, to prevent war and consequent crimes,---far otherwise, and the happy result has been
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that by the persuasion and entreaties of about twelve Englishmen, from time to time, in the course of a few years, an end has been put, not only to cannibalism, but to wars also.
There have been, within these four years past, some few battles, among the native tribes, on the North Island, but they were quite on a minor scale, in comparison with former periods, and after these actions, the dead were buried, and the prisoners saved from immolation.
Captain Hobson, when at the Bay of Islands, in H. M. sloop Rattlesnake, in 1837, thus writes to Sir Richard Bourke: ---
"It affords me great satisfaction, to assure your Excellency, that the European settlers, at the Bay of Islands, repose the most entire confidence in the friendly disposition of the natives, notwithstanding the existence of war, between the two tribes settled in their immediate neighbourhood.
"The war between the Bay of Islands tribes, under Pomare and Titore, is the only one now prevailing in New Zealand: notwithstanding that many auxiliaries enlisted, have come from considerable distance, in every direction; but this does not appear to disturb the harmony of those who remain behind in their Pas, although the nearest neighbours are engaged on opposite sides.
"Reverting to the position, in which our countrymen stand, in regard to these factions, it is a remarkable fact, and worthy of imitation by more civilized powers, that the hostile forces have repeatedly passed
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through the very inclosures of the Missionaries, at Pahia, on their way to, and from, the field of battle, without molesting a single article belonging to the whites; and, in one instance, the two parties, by mutual consent, removed the scene of action to a greater distance, from our settlements, lest a white man should, by accident, be injured; how long this feeling may continue, it is impossible to say. I only know, that those who have every thing at stake, their lives, their families, and their properties, entertain not the slightest apprehension of any change."
In a subsequent passage of his despatch, Captain Hobson adds---
"In reporting to your Excellency, my view and observations on the social condition of the New Zealanders, I cannot repress a feeling of deep regret, that so fine and intelligent a race of human beings should, in the present state of general civilization, be found in barbarism; for there is not, on earth, a people more susceptible of high intellectual attainments, or more capable of becoming an useful and industrious race, under a wise Government."
Cannibalism has now entirely ceased, throughout the islands of New Zealand, and although a life may be, occasionally, sacrificed, among the natives; yet, it is for some great and heinous offence, for which they conceive death alone to be just retribution, according to their laws and customs.
These facts redound greatly to the credit of the Missionaries, but, at the same time, they no less prove, that the natural character of the New Zea-
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lander, is not so ferocious as has been imagined, and that it is, also, widely different from many other races of savages.
In reference to the many accounts of their attacks of vessels and massacre of crews, it must be remembered, that the statements of the origin and cause of such lamentable events, are for the most part, if not all, ex parte. If opportunity had been offered, for the natives to have given their account, of each of these transactions, it is very probable that, in most cases, the Europeans were the aggressors, by some act of cruelty, robbery, or gross violation of native customs.
It would be too tedious to enter into detail, in order to controvert the numerous alleged instances of unprovoked barbarity of the New Zealanders. The Report of the Committee of the House of Commons, on Aborigines in British settlements, most ably refutes such assertions; and, more especially, in the instance of the Alligator frigate, Captain Lambert, sent to rescue Mrs. Guard and some seamen of the barque Harriet, of which Mr. Guard was master. It is well known, in the Colony, that the suspicious and doubtful view, taken of that case, by the Committee, was perfectly correct, and much more might be adduced, to prove that the natives were the first treacherously deceived and wronged, and the only party really injured. It is very much to be lamented, that a king's ship should have performed such a service, on an ex parte statement.
Allusion will be made here, only to one other alleged instance of cruelty on the part of the natives,
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on account of its source. In the volume, entitled "The New Zealanders," published some years since, the adventures of a man, named Rutherford, occupy a considerable portion. These adventures are, for the most part, fabulous, for it is well known, by some of the present European residents, who have been in New Zealand for many years, that he came from New South Wales, and when he reached New Zealand, he deserted his ship, and went into the bush, of his own accord: therefore, whatever truth may be attached to his narrative of the habits of the natives, their character, as regards the massacre of Rutherford's companions, is entirely free from stain.
Before ascribing to the natives of New Zealand such barbarous passions and inhuman feelings, which these incidents, if perfectly true, and practised without provocation, would certainly prove, we should pause, and, in justice, presume Englishmen placed in similar circumstances.
Suppose, for instance, a foreign vessel, some years since, in piratical times, had come on the coast of one of the English counties; the crew had landed at some isolated village,--- the male inhabitants of which were absent, pursuing their avocations of fishing or agriculture. The strangers take advantage of the unprotected women, not omitting perhaps the family of the squire, or chief; rob the gardens, and carry off pigs, poultry, &c. The vessel puts to sea; in a few days, contrary winds embay her near the same place; she is descried and recognised, by the people on shore, and the boats are perceived
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again approaching to repeat their visit. The villagers summon their neighbouring friends, and, to insure revenge, allow the strangers to land and proceed, until they have them completely in their power, and then follows just retribution.
In such, a case, what, would Englishmen say? Would an English jury convict their fellow countrymen, for murder, under such circumstances?
Such have been the aggressions in former years, towards the New Zealanders, only, it must be allowed, that, in some cases, they have, unfortunately, mistaken the vessel, on her supposed second visit, and not punished the right, or real offending party.
In later years, many facts have been ascertained, and doubtless very many more have been practised, that never will be known, of robbery and aggression by Englishmen.
At the Bay of Islands, a small schooner arrived, commanded by a person named King, who began trading with the chief, Pomare, who sent on board quantities of timber, flax, and potatoes; for which King was to return muskets, powder, and tobacco. But King, who was a runaway convict from New South Wales, sold the produce, immediately, to different masters of vessels, alongside of his schooner, and sold her, also, to some resident at the Bay, and then decamped, without making Pomare any payment whatever. Subsequently, Pomare, ascertaining that the schooner was in the neighbourhood, had her seized, by his natives, and kept possession. Representation was made at Sydney, that the natives
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unlawfully had seized and kept the vessel, in consequence of which, the Alligator frigate was ordered to interfere, and obtain restitution; but Pomare was resolute. The Missionaries interfered, and then Captain Lambert was convinced that Pomare had just claim on her, for the property of which he had been so grossly cheated, for which full payment was made him, and then he immediately gave up the vessel.
So recently as 1840, a gross act of robbery and injustice was committed towards a celebrated chief, who, fortunately for the other European residents at the settlement, is very intelligent, and exceedingly well disposed to all Europeans. An Englishman, named McGregor, escaped some years since from Van Diemen's Land to Long Island in Foveaux's Straits, where the renowned chief Tooiaki and his tribe dwell. This man, who had been residing there for years, seized on a small craft, took some of the chief's women and slaves, and went away altogether. According to native custom, in former times, the destruction of the remaining Europeans, and seizure of their property, would have been deemed, by the chief, nothing but his just compensation and revenge.
Many anecdotes and examples, could be adduced, to prove where Europeans,---either from ignorance of the language and customs,---from obstinacy, or from the ridiculous opinion, too prevalent with new settlers, that a few of them are able to cope with many natives,---have placed themselves in situ-
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ations, in which, if forbearance and coolness had not been judiciously maintained by the natives, the most lamentable results would have ensued. Against regular disciplined troops, a body of natives, disorganized, and unaccustomed as they are to discipline, could not contend, unless of overwhelming numbers; ---but, in comparison with the ordinary settler, the New Zealand fighting man may be considered on perfect equality, as to personal innate courage, and, as neither have been accustomed to regular tactics, the advantage, if any, especially in the bush, would be with the native.
An instance, strikingly illustrative of the previous observations, as to the falsehood of statements,--- the first aggression or provocation,---the bad and violent conduct of Europeans,---and the forbearance of the natives, occurred, not long since, at the Bay of Islands.
The fact is so important, from its unquestionable authority, that it is worthy of publicity and record, in justice to the natives.
Copy of a despatch from Lieutenant-Governor Hobson, to His Excellency, Governor Sir George Gipps.
"Government House, Russell,
15th June, 1641. "Sir,---I have the honour to acquaint you, that on the night of the 4th June, a report was conveyed to me, that a desperate disturbance had taken place,
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between some seamen and the people of Pomare's tribe at the "Pa," about three quarters of a mile from this, on the banks of the Kowa Kowa.
"My informant was the mate of the ship Achilles, who told me that a sailor had escaped to his ship, badly wounded, who stated, that he and other seamen on shore had been attacked by Pomare and his tribe; that ten or twelve men had been killed, that two masters of American ships had been detained as prisoners; and their boats had been dragged to the top of the hill.
"This alarming account, being in some measure confirmed by the report of fire-arms at the Pa, induced me to request Captain Lockhart to send forward a small detachment of troops, with directions to the officer in command, to fire a rocket, if a reinforcement should be required. It appears by Captain Lockhart's report, a copy of which I have now the honour to enclose, that appearances induced the officer to make the concerted signal; that a reinforcement was sent; that, on the arrival of the troops, the natives retired, and immediately consented to give up the boats,---and that the report of men having been killed, and two shipmasters being made prisoners, was a mere fabrication. An affray certainly took place, in which the seaman, who fled to the Achilles, was the principal instigator, and was the only white man who received any injury: one native was slightly hurt.
"Referring your Excellency to Captain Lockhart's
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letter for the proceedings of the military, I shall confine my narrative to the subsequent proceedings and result of the affair.
"At daylight, on the morning of the 5th, I despatched a letter to Pomare, to desire his attendance here. In obedience to my summons, he made his appearance, at ten o'clock. It may be necessary to inform your Excellency, that Pomare is one of the most powerful and influential chiefs in New Zealand. He is connected with Rupera, in the south, and with many high chiefs, in the Thames and at Kaipara; and any misunderstanding, with him, might involve us with them all. Feeling that we had been placed in the wrong by the violence and misconduct of the seamen, and by the unsteadiness of a few of the soldiers, as reported by Captain Lockhart, it gave me no small satisfaction to find, that Pomare was only desirous to exonerate himself of all blame, on the occurrences of the preceding night, stating, as his excuse for seizing the boats, the provocation he had received, which was sufficiently gross to have occasioned, with less enlightened natives, or at another period of New Zealand history, a scene of bloodshed and destruction: and so far from feeling resentment, at the firing of the soldiers, which he was well aware had happened without orders, that he expressed himself thankful at their interference, saying, that they were the means of saving many lives, by preventing the sailors from burning down the Pa, which had in fact been threatened, and would have been attempted, had not
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Captain Lockhart restrained the infuriated mob (of Europeans), by whom he was surrounded.
"In consequence of exaggerated reports, a number of chiefs collected at the Pa. I availed myself of the opportunity of assembling them, and holding a meeting, at which I mentioned, that Pomare might have avoided any collision with the sailors, if he had, in the first instance, informed me of their riotous behaviour, and I explained that my object in employing military, was to preserve peace and order, by restraining the refractory, whether Native or European. The temper of the meeting was in a spirit that I could have wished: all seemed thankful for the measures I had adopted, and sufficiently overawed by the promptitude with which they were executed. Pomare has since applied to me for some soldiers to preserve the peace, and promised, if I would keep the white men in order, he would answer for the Natives. I have, on two occasions since, employed the mounted police at the Pa. Pomare gave them lodging and fed them liberally.
"The effect of this termination will be felt both here, and all over the country. Pomare has shewn that he has a proper respect for our power, and the fact of his expressing no resentment at our interference, will satisfy the Natives that he was the aggressor.
"I have been thus particular in detailing this affair, to show your Excellency and Her Majesty's Government, the very frail tenure, by which peace is maintained with the native population.
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"A mere drunken brawl might have involved us in a war with half the country. I know it was a dangerous experiment to send military amongst them in the night time, but it is equally necessary to be firm and prompt, as it is to be courteous and forbearing, and if my information had been true, inertitude would have been criminal. As this matter has terminated, I feel convinced that it will greatly tend to strengthen the influence of Government.
"The inference, to be drawn from these occurrences, is, that an augmentation of the military is absolutely necessary; it must never be overlooked, that the Native population are a warlike race, well armed, and ever ready to use those arms, on the slightest provocation.
I have, &c.
(Signed) W. HOBSON,
Governor ."
