Mr. Donald McLean (afterwards Sir Donald), who arrived in New Zealand in 1840, and became Native Minister and Minister for Colonial Defence in 1869, was entrusted with the delicate and difficult task of restoring law and order in the Colony and winning the confidence of the natives. He had mastered the native language and customs while acting in the

Fig. 43—Donald McLean, Esq., 1820–1877.

capacity of interpreter to the Protectorate, and was appointed Protector of the Aborigines in 1847. Possessing undoubted ability, courage, and tactful resource, he gained the love and confidence of the natives of New Zealand, and became known as McLean the Peacemaker.

The consummation of his desire for peace and the distracting and strenuous endeavours to obtain it, imposed a severe tax on his splendid constitution, and he resigned his office through ill-health in 1876.

He is further referred to in the Biographical Sketches in this work.

Meetings were arranged at various places between Europeans and Natives, and Mr. McLean addressed the assemblies in the European and Maori languages. A view of one of the later meetings, and the following article, appeared in the “Illustrated London News,” Oct. 31st, 1863.

Referring to the assemblage of Europeans and Natives, the “News” states:—“The former were invited to attend, so as to afford each party an opportunity of expressing to the other their doubts and fears in the troublous times of the settlements.”

The “News” continues an article describing one of these meetings at a native village named “Pah Whakairo” (about 10 miles from Napier), and states:—“Mr. Donald McLean is a man of great experience in all matters affecting the Natives. Possessing the entire confidence of both races, and a perfect knowledge of the Maori language and character, no man could be better adapted to allay the feelings of distrust naturally awakened in the breast of these bold and warlike people.…

“At Mr. McLean's feet is an aged Chief named Porokoro, seated in a wheelbarrow, in which he had been conveyed. He was the first to address the meeting.

“In the foreground are a number of calabashes containing ‘Titis,’ small birds cooked and preserved in their own fat.

“The importance of these meetings,” continues the “News,” “cannot be too highly estimated at the present juncture in the affairs of the Colony.…

“They had their due effects upon other tribes, as some emissaries of the tribes in rebellion were usually present.

“Mr. McLean is seen near the centre of the group, with his head uncovered.”

Fig. 44—Mr. Donald McLean (Protector of Aborigines, 1847) addressing one of the numerous meetings of Europeans and Natives at a Maori Pa, called “Whakairo,” by the Redcliffe Bridge, near the Napier Golf Links. This scene was photographed by Mr. Charles Robson and appeared in the “London Illustrated News,” 31st October, 1863 (a copy of which is in the possession of Mr. Charles J. Freeman. Wellington), and reproduced by Mr. E. T. Robson, Wellington.

Evidences of confidence reposed in the “man of the hour” are contained in the following letter concerning the social life in the settlement, written by Mr. William Dorset to the editor of the “N.Z. Journal,” and published on the 18th Dec., 1847:—

“I write you to say that after a tedious voyage we arrived safe at last. Our ship was leaking all the way, but very trifling damage was done. Wellington, I can truly say, exceeds my expectations. It is really a busy commercial place, very good company, and now, with naval and military men, we are, and have been, very gay. The races would have done credit to a good provincial town, and the Balls given by the Colonists and Officers at Barrett's are not to be outdone in England; there was a style about the affairs I did not expect. The natives here seem a civil and inoffensive race, very much inclined to traffic and very Jewish in their dealings.”