HISTORY. 
213 
forming the first, and the subsequent one by the Anglo-Saxon 
being the other.* 
It is now fourteen years since the isles of New Zealand 
became an appendage to the British Crown, and it will natur¬ 
ally be asked, What has been done during that period? We 
have had Governors and various forms of government, but 
what of the governed ? When we consider their remote posi¬ 
tion, being nearly at the antipodes of Britain, we cannot expect 
that the tide of emigration would set in to them, with the same 
strength as to the United States of America, which are both 
nearer and more attractive to the emigrant, from the superior 
advantages held out of cheap land, and less trouble and ex¬ 
pense in obtaining it; whilst we, in our wisdom, have hitherto 
put the highest price upon ours at the antipodes, and thrown 
every difficulty and expense in the settler’s way; still, the 
superior fineness of the climate to that of every other colony, has 
triumphed over all these difficulties and disadvantages, and four¬ 
teen years have brought to these remote regions a population 
which is now not less than 36,000 of our countrymen. Towns 
have been founded, settlements formed, and a foundation has 
been laid which we have every reason to believe will stand. 
New Zealand is now divided into six provinces; the most 
northerly, and at present the most flourishing, is that of Auck¬ 
land, which has hitherto been the seat of Government. This 
province extends from the North Cape to Kawhia, or from the 
latitude of 34.20°, being that of Sydney, to about 38°. The 
width of the island is not very great, but its capabilities from 
ports and rivers render it superior to every other province. 
* About 1844, one of my children came running to say that an extraordinary 
little animal had made its appearance in the verandah, and enquired whether 
it might not be a frog: on going to see, I found it was a mouse, the first we 
had seen in the place; after a short time it disappeared, but in about three or 
four days afterwards, a large colony of perhaps, a hundred came and took 
possession of the house, which they have retained ever since. This resembled 
the way New Zealand has been colonized. Captain Cook first came and 
circumnavigated the island; he went away, but very soon afterwards our 
countrymen found out the road to it, and Missionaries, whalers, traders, and, 
lastly, our Government came and took possession of it. Every year numbers 
pour in, and completely occupy the land. 
