Chapter III.

1844.

The governor^* appointed to succeed Captain Hobson arrived at Auckland in the last week of 1843, nearly a year and a half after his decease. During this long interval the colonial secretary^† had acted as governor.

Auckland has many advantages in point of situation, but it wants more wood and running water. A better position might perhaps have been selected, in the same part of the island, and one less exposed to wind and rain would have been more agreeable; though possibly not so capable of defence as that of Auckland might be made.^‡

The harbour is very good, the land around is not high:—and there is a spacious outer roadstead, land locked from prevailing or indeed from almost all winds, where fleets might anchor in safety. The adjoining coast is usually a weather shore with smooth water. Within the harbour, which is long but narrow, there are more than four square miles of good anchorage. Any ship may enter or depart under sail.

H. M. S. North Star^§ attended Captain Fitz-Roy, the newly appointed governor, from Sydney to Auckland, and thence conveyed him to Wellington and Nelson.

The stay of this ship having been limited^| to one month, caused more haste in visiting those settlements than was consistent with the deliberate proceedings which their extremely critical state required; but as Sir Everard Home's orders were not discretionary, the governor endeavoured to make the most

^* Captain Fitz-Roy.

^† Mr. Shortland.

^‡ If Auckland is not now in the best position for the capital, the only one superior is within twenty miles of that place.

^§ Commanded by Sir J. Everard Home, Bart, C. B.

^| By the Admiralty.

page 16 of this one month by immediately visiting the settlements then supposed to be in a precarious state,—not from the natives' natural ill will, but from the consequences of provocation given by the settlers.^*

At this time (1844) the New Zealand question was attracting general notice; and the insuperable impediments to colonizing that country peaceably, in the face of its native population—according to the "Wakefield theory"—were becoming evident. Colonization was stopped, and the capital already embarked was nearly expended without any adequate return, either realized or in prospect. Besides which the local government had neither money nor credit, and was in debt more than one year's revenue. There were no means of paying any salaries—however long in arrear: scarcely could the most pressing and ordinary payments on account of the colonial government be made. Various local laws, urgently required on account of frequent disputes which occurred between settlers and natives,—to whose condition English law is more or less unsuitable,—had been too long deferred; land claimants were suffering more and more from delay in deciding on their respective cases, and public affairs generally were very much in arrear.

At Auckland alone there was so much pressing business to be transacted by the government, that months of labour were required; nevertheless, the state of the southern settlements made it imperative on the governor to hasten thither, and before the end of January he landed at Wellington.^†

Words could not express the surprise and disappointment with which Port Nicholson and the town of Wellington were seen for the first time. The port is too large to be sheltered, even from prevailing winds; and it has a long narrow entrance from the open sea, between threatening and really dangerous rocks, making it almost a blind harbour. It is nearly surrounded by high hills covered with forests; and appears to have but little level, cultivable land in its immediate neighbourhood. The stormy climate, the straggling, exposed, and indefensible nature of the town, and the depressing prospect for the future in such a locality, during at least the present generation, might well cause sorrow that such a situation should have been chosen.

The principal objects of the governor's visit to Wellington and Nelson were to cheek and endeavour to allay the hostile feelings which were rapidly increasing between the white and coloured races; and to effect, if possible, an amicable settlement if the New Zealand Company's claims to land near Port Nicholson. It was quite obvious to unprejudiced persons that hostilities—especially on account of land, would prove fatally destructive to colonization; and that, therefore, the prosperity of the settlements depended on the maintenance of peace, mutual confidence, and good will. That sound policy dictated a pacific and conciliatory course, as plainly as right principle, cannot now be denied; but it was controverted at that time, and not a small number of the settlers were then so eager for hostile movements, that they scarcely seemed to have patience with the governor for refraining to adopt their suggestions. They would not believe that the natives could ever become formidable opponents, or that it would be useless to cultivate the soil if only under the protection of troops. They would not believe that no one could work in the interior while continually exposed to the rifle of the native; neither would they believe that no produce of the land could pay for cultivation at the point of the bayonet.

The destructive effects of measures tending to bring on hostilities between the two races, seemed almost entirely discredited at Wellington and Nelson, where the feeling of animosity against the natives was so very strong that the permanent interest of the settlers—especially the scattered outsettlers—was altogether disregarded. No one appeared disposed to give the natives credit for courage, or skill in warfare,—no one seemed to doubt that they would fly before a very small detachment of military;—the prevailing feeling appeared to be anxiety for a collision.

Designing persons encouraged this feeling; partly with the view of having more troops quartered in their neighbourhood, and consequently a better market for their produce,—partly with the hope that hostilities would drive away the natives and leave the settlers in undisputed possession of all the land round Port Nicholson.^* Where every storekeeper and farmer was interested in the presence of troops, it was hard to

^* These persons cared not for the general good of the settlement (which was much promoted by the vicinity of natives), they thought only of supplying the market with their own produce, at their own price, undisturbed by native competitors.

page 18 separate an occasional truth from the inventions and exaggerations with which interested persons were continually deluding others. Had their efforts to bring on a quarrel been successful, there cannot now be a doubt that Wellington would have suffered a fate worse than that of Kororareka. The hostile natives would have been more numerous—nearly all heathens, unimproved in their habits—and there would have been no place of refuge for women and children.

The governor endeavoured to check hostile feelings by public and private expression of the views of government, and of the improbability that more troops would be detached to New Zealand, He stated his own opinions also without reserve; and one immediate consequence was, the commencement of a virulent newspaper opposition to all his measures.

As the New Zealand papers have received undue credit in England—however little noticed in the colony where their editors and contributors were well known,—it may here be remarked that the Wellington paper was then under the influence of the New Zealand Company, and a branch of the Union Bank of Australia.

The Nelson paper was an organ of the most violent advocates of hostility with the natives, but so cleverly written, that one could not help wishing its editor more creditable employment.^* Both these papers strove unceasingly to misrepresent the motives and acts of the governor, to propagate falsehoods, and to excite the settlers to a line of conduct, the very worst that they could pursue for their own interest.

From Wellington the North Star conveyed the governor to Nelson, where the state of affairs and the proceedings were somewhat similar to those at Wellington; but as personal feelings had been excited to the utmost, it was natural that there should be more difficulty in persuading those who had lost their friends at Wairau, that under the peculiar circumstances of the case, the government could not, without injustice, become their avenger.

The locality and neighbourhood of Nelson are very unsuitable for an important settlement. Far out of the track of shipping,—at the bottom of a deep bay—shut in by high wooded hills—with scarcely any level land,^† and with a

^* The Nelson paper also was greatly influenced by the branch of the Union Bank of Australia, which was much mixed up with the Company's proceedings, and appeared to identify itself with that body.

^† Except at a great distance.

page 19 confined harbour accessible only to small ships,—it is indeed much to be lamented, that, under any circumstances, such a situation should have been selected.

At Waikanae, opposite Kapiti (or Entry Island), the meeting took place with those notorious chiefs, Rauparaha and Ran-ghiaiata, which has caused so much comment; and it was there made known that the governor would refrain from avenging the death of our countrymen who fell at Wairau.

It would occupy too much of this limited paper to give all the reasons for that decision, which was approved of fully by Her Majesty's Government, though most displeasing to a considerable number of the settlers at Wellington and Nelson. From that time their newspapers never ceased to revile Captain Fitz-Roy—to condemn his conciliatory policy, and to blame every measure which had for its object the prevention of hostility between the white and coloured races.

It may only be briefly remarked in this place, that, by their own shewing, the English party who caused the Wairau conflict were in the wrong,—that strict justice must have decided against them, and could scarcely have condemned the savages whose fury wa3 so suddenly roused. But, supposing the natives apprehended and tried at a criminal court;^* legal proof would probably have failed—and they would have been acquitted for want of positive evidence. What object then could have been gained by their trial? Would the great end of all punishment have been attained, that of deterring others from similar crimes? or rather would not an opposite effect have been caused? Indiscriminate chastisement, by arms, might have been applicable to rebels or aliens; but these natives were considered to be British subjects, and they were not then in a state of rebellion, however ready to rise and defy English authority in New Zealand. Any attempt to apprehend the chiefs Rauparaha or Ranghiaiata would have been effectually resisted by force of arms; and had such an attempt been made, of course it must have been carried through. These leaders would have retreated into their fastnesses, where no regular troops could have followed: thousands would have joined them : hostilities against the settlers would have been commenced, and their ruin must have followed:—ruin under the most horrible circumstances of heathen warfare. Another course might have been taken by the governor. He might have kept the question open pending a reference to the home government. Had he done so, the interval of suspense would have been occupied by the natives

^* To insure an impartial jury the venue must have been changed.

page 20 in preparations for defence : their whole thoughts would have been warlike: they would have been taunted and threatened by some of the settlers: and irritating passages would have been translated to them from the newspapers. As soon as they themselves were organised and prepared by strong pahs,^*—they would have lost no time in attacking the settlements before the anticipated arrival of military reinforcements, These intentions are now known to have been entertained. It is also fully ascertained that they proposed to endeavour to draw their opponents into the woody defiles of their almost impracticable country, well knowing the advantage they would then have over the mechanically trained soldier; or the awkward settler unaccustomed to warfare.

Almost naked, without shoes, and independent of a commissariat, the hardy native in his own forest is more than a match for the white man.

Can any reflecting person now doubt, after what has recently occurred in the north of New Zealand—that it was wise to make a virtue of necessity, and at Waikanae endeavour to close the fatal Wairau breach without delay.

The natives about Cook's Straits soon discovered with satisfaction that they were no longer in danger of hostilities, and their ordinary occupations were forthwith resumed; while the settlers proceeded as usual in clearing and cultivating their allotments.

As it is now known that several thousand men would have joined Rauparaha and Ranghiaiata had there been any attempt to apprehend them, and that a general attack would have been made on the southern settlements, which must inevitably have fallen, being defenceless and indefensible,—a gentleman at Wellington, one of the company's settlers,^† was right in asserting,^‡ that the colonists at that place were "living on a volcano"; yet how little did he and others then know of the really formidable character of the New Zealand warrior.

The New Zealand Company's purchase of land about Wellington was next completed (except the upper part of the Hutt Valley) and then the commissioner of land claims proceeded along the west coast towards New Plymouth, to endeavour to effect a settlement of the disputed purchases at Porirua, Manawatu, Wanganui and Taranaki. H. M. S. North Star

^* Their pahs are soon constructed in a woody country. In a day, or from a day to a month, according to their size and strength.

^† Mr. Hanson.

^‡ In a letter to Colonel Godfrey.

page 21 sailed to Sydney, and the governor returned to Auckland, in the colonial brig Victoria.

About the end of February Auckland was near being the scene of a serious collision, which might have precipitated the two races into hostilities. A nativo prisoner was rescued from the sheriffs custody in the court house; the military went in pursuit heedlessly: a friendly chief living very near the town was insulted in his own village, and his own son was carried off as a hostage for the rescued prisoner. Most happily as no blood was shed, although shots were fired, the chief protector of the aborigines had influence enough to effect a peaceable adjustment of the matter, and a voluntary return of the prisoner to his confinement.

Had a native life been lost, an attack on Auckland would have been made, to meet which there were about seventy young soldiers, fifty bad muskets, which would have been in awkward hands, and a few fowling pieces, There was no defensible position. The scattered wooden town might have been burned like dry grass, and then what would have been the fate of its inhabitants? Government house, the public offices, the gaol and court house (mere weather-boarded wooden structures) would probably have been the first in flames, and with them must have perished all the public documents of every description.

At the governor's return in March, a meeting of chiefs was assembled by him to discuss the subject of this rescue from the hands of justice; but though fair promises were made by them, and their behaviour was satisfactory, it was plain that our mode of apprehending an alleged offender, with a view to his being tried, did not at all comport with their ideas of justice, or their habits, and if persevered in, would—sooner or later—bring on serious difficulties.

During March and April large bodies of natives were successively visiting Auckland, to see the new governor and talk over affairs. These visits, however interesting and useful in themselves, were tediously prolonged, and occupied much time; but there was no alternative: each tribe thought its own visit the most important, and would have been seriously offended by a brief or cold reception. The largest room at government house was often filled with natives during the most valuable hours of the day: but as these people had travelled a long distance, they could not he uncivilly received, although their presence always put a stop to ordinary business, and caused other annoyances.

Preparations had been many months in progress for a great native feast, about three miles from Auckland, at which some page 22 thousands of the natives were to be present. This gathering, so near the town, was anticipated with some anxiety. It took place early in May, and passed off happily; but reflecting persons saw these thousands of well armed and well disciplined warriors paraded before the settlers within an hour's journey of their chief settlement, with considerable uneasiness. An accidental quarrel, a mere chance medley, might have involved the whole in hostilities. Besides which, such a gathering, though peaceable at that time, might be repeated on a future occasion, as an easy method of collecting large forces, without causing suspicion. For instance, on one day more than two hundred chiefs were assembled in government house, above a thousand of their followers were in the town, and not less than two thousand in the neighbourhood, within an hour's journey; and at that moment the settlement was entirely in their power.

After a few months' observation and reflection the governor became more and more convinced of the absolute necessity of acting so as to make a large majority of the natives really friendly towards the government, and disposed, of their own free will, to support his authority. By the small physical force in the colony, it was plain he could then do nothing against such numerous opponents as any hostilities would raise; but by reason,—by strict justice,—and real impartiality,—supported by the influence of the religious bodies, he might have hopes of success, until adequately strengthened from home.

It is well known that the object of the British government was to promote peace and improvement in New Zealand,—not to excite hostilities, or encourage warfare. Of this correct and legitimate object, every Briton may feel proud; and failure in so good a cause, however much to be regretted, cannot be imputed to the intention of government. Experience has shown errors, and those errors nave been more visible in the colony than at home. It is almost impossible for persons who have never been in that country to realise in their minds its true character and peculiarities.

It is now evident that the just and humane views of the British government might have been carried out better by an authority possessing some real power, supported by adequate military and naval force, and by fortified settlements, secure against musketry and sudden surprise. Too much reliance has been placed on the friendly disposition of the natives, too much confidence has been encouraged in their religious feelings, and in the influence of religion over their wild and covetous nature. The authorities at home, dreading that the page 23 presence of physical power might encourage aggression against the natives,—called on continually for military aid in numerous parts of the world, and finding it as difficult as expensive to comply with even the most urgent calls, were naturally unwilling that a large force should be placed in New Zealand. Repeated denials given to reiterated applications of successive governors of New Zealand for more effective support to their position, obliged them to have recourse to a system of forbearance and conciliation, which,—in the nature of things,—could not long continue, and which encouraged encroachments, as well as injurious trials of strength, on the part of both races. In the colony an extreme of forbearance,—arising out of utter inability to carry out the law efficiently, rather than from real leniency, bordered on inhumanity towards the settlers, and placed the local authorities in a most painful and humiliating position. However kind and conciliatory the executive might be, there should always have been an imposing force in the back-ground to ensure respect and acquiescence.

The conciliatory arrangements which were made about that-time respecting the sale of land by natives, were measures of bare justice, to which, and to the kind general conduct of the local government, the fidelity and co-operation of any of the aborigines in late hostilities is to be attributed.

Directly the concourse of natives dispersed from about Auckland, the legislative council assembled, and continued to sit regularly^* till July. The governor had been anxious to obtain the assistance of a member from Nelson, as well as from Wellington; but succeeded only with the latter. The almost insuperable difficulty was the fact of there being no persons in so new a colony who could afford to leave their residence and occupation for two or three months in the year.^† It may well be supposed that there is only a very limited number of persons qualified for a seat in the council, and that each of those few has his time fully occupied by his own affairs; hence, in so small a community, the difficulty of filling that position properly has been keenly felt by the executive.

As the legislative council had not been assembled during

^* The difficulty of moving about a new and straggling settlement without hard footpaths or lights after dark, prevented the council from meeting in the evening, and the necessity of printing each days' proceedings, made it impracticable to sit oftener than on alternate days.

^† One month for the voyage to and from Auckland; another month, at least, attending the council.

page 24 Mr. Shortland's administration of the government, there was much to be done for the rapidly growing wants of young settlements placed in immediate contact with such dangerous neighbours. One may observe here that persons in England do not appear to appreciate comprehensively the daily dilemmas and risks that are attendant upon the continual intercourse of two races, as little acquainted with each others habits and ideas, as they are, generally speaking, with each other's language. This mutual ignorance is a source of constant difficulty, and complicates every transaction, besides giving rise to quarrels that would not take place if each party understood and could make due allowance for the other. The lower orders among our own countrymen, such as rough labourers, or artisans, or seafaring people, are particularly apt to be obstinate and overbearing in their dealings with the natives,—caring for nothing but the object immediately in their view, and regardless of consequences to others, or even to themselves.

The native language is so capable of misapprehension, and ironical expressions are so often used, that those settlers who know a little of it, and believe they know much, are frequently led into absurd mistakes. Many years of familiar intercourse with the New Zealanders are absolutely necessary in order to acquire a trustworthy knowledge of their figurative and oriental modes of expression.

As a remarkable instance of this difficulty, it may be mentioned that the native speakers at the large meeting held at Waimate, on account of Heke's proceedings, were but occasionally intelligible to the bishop and many of the missionaries then present, who had been but a few years in the country, Only two or three of the earliest residents and best linguists, could understand and interpret the allusions, the ironical expressions, and the oriental exaggerations which prevailed in every animated speech from the oldest chiefs.

Such being the case, one cannot be surprised at the apparent fabrications which abound among the settlers, who are continually circulating rumours of the natives' intentions, or erroneous reports of their conversations, or mistaken explanations of their motives.

Very few persons have been long enough in the country to be trusted as correct interpreters. Not only is an accurate knowledge of native usages, as well as of both languages required, but a certain quickness of apprehension, and general knowledge, not commonly possessed.