256 [PART n. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



Bay of Islands. 



THE Bay of Islands has been more resorted to by 

 vessels than any other harbour of New Zealand, 

 and it is undoubtedly one of the best, if not the 

 very best, in the country. Queen Charlotte's Sound 

 may, perhaps, be ranked as high, being equally 

 sheltered and safe. A great deal of controversy 

 has consequently arisen as to whether the Bay of 

 Islands would not have been the most eligible place 

 for the foundation of the commercial capital of 

 New Zealand. Its advocates refer especially to the 

 great number of vessels which for several years 

 have annually resorted to this harbour for the pur- 

 pose of obtaining provisions and of refitting, and 

 to the number of Europeans already established 

 there. But I must observe that the vessels which 

 selected this harbour came principally for cheap 

 provisions, which they found as long as there was 

 no increased demand, and that they went to other 

 places as soon as the prices rose. It seems to me 

 that at present more is wanted than a good har- 

 bour to constitute the most eligible place for the 



