"422 ADVENTURE IN NEW ZEALAND. Chap. XV . 
Various associations were in course of formation at 
this time, for purposes calculated to advance the pros- 
perity of the settlement ; — such as the importiition of 
cattle on a large scale from the neighbouring colonies; 
the encouragement of inventions for the preparation of 
the phormium tenoujc or indigenous flax-plant ; and the 
establishment of an Exchange and Public Library. 
The making of bricks was now first successfully carried 
on; and a large kiln was in active operation at Kai 
TVara TVara, a mile from the town. 
Attention had for some time been drawn to the in- 
creasing attempts made by parties from the neighbour- 
ing colonies to abstract labour from us. No means 
seemed to be considered too dishonourable for the 
accomplishment of this purpose. The grossest calum- 
nies were circulated in the public prints of New South 
Wales and Van Diemen's Land, against our soil, cli- 
mate, and state of society ; and the crimps who char- 
tered vessels and visited our harbour drew the most 
highly-coloured picture of the advantages to be derived 
by labourers from a removal to their country. These 
foul doings excited the greatest indignation among the 
main body of settlers ; and it was clear that there 
existed no surer way of provoking their hatred than one 
which so militated against their vital interests. 
The plain of the TP^airarapa had been recently visited 
by a traveller from this place. Like Lieutenant Best, 
and others who had seen parts of this district, he spoke 
most highly of its capabilities in all respects except 
the possession of a harbour. These opinions were 
important, as proving that, on the east as well as the 
west, a large extent of country was dependent on the 
harbour and town of Wellington as a commercial 
outlet. 
On the 23rd of December a barque arrived from 
