148 HOW TO LEGISLATE [PART I. 



perhaps to separate a tribe from the spot where 

 they were born, where they have hitherto dwelt, and 

 where they have buried their kindred ! It must be 

 at once obvious that, as a general principle, this 

 plan of reserves is impracticable. If it were carried 

 into execution with regard to all the land in New 

 Zealand, the native share alone would be 5,000,000 

 acres a quantity vastly greater than is wanted for a 

 population, at the highest, of 115,000 souls. 



To consult, therefore, not only the wishes of the 

 tribes as to the place, but also their interest as to 

 the quantity of land which is deemed sufficient for 

 each of them, and to acknowledge their titles to 

 such land, are measures which seem to result imme- 

 diately from the nature of the circumstances, and 

 should precede any adjudication of land to European 

 claimants, or any further acquisition of it on the 

 part of government. The natives form small tribes 

 all over the country. It is in vain to expect that 

 two tribes or more will ever amalgamate into one ; 

 but there is no doubt that, if each tribe is left in the 

 possession of its own ground, the aborigines will 

 more effectually become mixed with the Europeans 

 than if there were larger native communities. 



To carry this, measure into effect it is necessary 

 that the approximate population of each tribe should 

 be ascertained ; that it should be explained to them 

 that they are at liberty to choose any spot which 

 they may prefer, and that the rest is either given 

 to the individuals to whom they have sold it, if the 



