1840.] population. 297 



Europeans, or occasioned by the habits and vices which they 

 have imported. 



(5.) It admits of great doubt, whether the native popula- 

 tion of New Zealand comes up to 150,000, which is the num- 

 ber usually fixed upon, though some estimates reduce it 

 nearly as low as 100,000. The white, or European popula- 

 tion, occupying New Ulster, which has alone been regularly 

 colonized, is not far from twenty thousand. 



At the general peace in Europe, the claims of Great Bri- 

 tain to the different islands included in the term of New Zea- 

 land, under and by virtue of the discovery of Cook, were 

 recognized. No effort was made, however, to enforce them 

 by occupation and possession, till the year 1833, when a res- 

 ident, subordinate to the authorities of New South Wales, 

 but clothed with limited powers, was sent thither. The 

 islands had already become infested with runaway convicts 

 and sailors, and marauders of every dye and description. Out- 

 rages were daily committed on the persons and property of the 

 natives ; the latter were fast learning to imitate the vices 

 and crimes of the outlaws, who both persecuted and demoral- 

 ized them ; and drunkenness, with its consequent evils, 

 crimes, and wretchedness, was becoming everywhere prev- 

 alent. Here and there, where the missionary stations were 

 established, and their influence felt, bright spots appeared 

 amidst the moral darkness that overshadowed the land ; but 

 beyond their limits, there was nothing to relieve the general 

 depravity, and sensuality, licentiousness, and excess, rejoiced 

 in one continued holiday. 



British, American, and French whalers, frequently visited 

 the islands, but they were liable to be molested by the free- 

 booters and their native retainers ; resistance often provoked 

 renewed aggressions ; and they were sometimes attacked and 

 plundered. 



Combinations were likewise formed, principally in New 

 South Wales, to purchase land of the natives. Associations 

 of this character, by the grossest swindling and imposition, 

 obtained the control of extensive tracts in the northern island 



13* 



