X
 
 L I B RAR.Y 
 
 OF THE 
 
 U N IVERSITY 
 
 Of ILLl NOIS
 
 ON THE 
 
 oMf^' 
 
 h 
 
 ECONOMIC PROGRESS 
 
 OP 
 
 NEW ZEALAND. 
 
 A PAPER READ BEFORE 
 
 ^\t %td\^\\ far 6x:0iT0mk %mxitt anir Siatislirs 
 
 OF THE 
 
 BEITISH ASSOCIATION, 
 
 At Exeter, 24:th August, 1869. 
 
 BY 
 
 ARCHIBALD HAMILTON, Esq. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 HARRISON AND SONS, ST. MARTIN'S LANE, 
 
 ^rittitrs in ©rbinarg ia ^tx |5»jjstg. 
 
 1869.
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 In circnlating the following paper, it may be proper to state that 
 I have never been in New Zealand, and have no direct interest in 
 the colony; my sole connection with it being a mercantile corre- 
 spondence of moderate extent. I pttrposely abstained from availing 
 myself of introductions to leading colonists now at home, in order 
 that I might be unbiassed by the views of those who have taken 
 part in the recent disputes between the Colonial Government and 
 the Colonial Office ; — preferring rather to collect my facts and form 
 my opinions from sources open to all who will take the trouble to 
 examine the subject for themselves. 
 
 It will be seen that I have dealt mainly with the economic 
 aspect of the question as the occasion required ; indeed my limits 
 admitted only of the briefest allusions to higher and more imperial 
 considerations. In the discussion of our colonial policy which 
 must shortly ensue, these considerations will doubtless be urged by 
 others more competent than myself. 
 
 We seem to be entering upon an important crisis in our rela- 
 tions vsdth the Australasian colonies. If we are to lose these 
 colonies, I trust it may be after a full and fair discussion, so that 
 the separation may take place with our eyes open, and not blind- 
 folded as we now are. It appears to me that nothiag can be more 
 serious than the indifference which has of late prevailed on ques- 
 tions affecting our Colonial Empire. 
 
 By permission of Sir George Grey, the report in the local paper 
 of his valuable speech at Exeter, is reprinted ; — my only regret is 
 that it cannot be reproduced in extenso.
 
 UIUC
 
 From the Journal of the Statistical Society of London, 
 September, 18G9. 
 
 0)1 the Economic Progress of New Zealand. 
 Bij Archibald Hamilton, Esq. 
 
 [Read before Section F, British Association, at Exeter, August, 1869.] 
 
 The colony of New Zealand was founded in the year 1840. Prior 
 to that date a number of Europeans, consisting of missionaries, 
 whalers, and traders, had settled in various places, but chiefly at 
 the Bay of Islands, where a considerable trade with New South 
 "Wales had been established. Besides which the New Zealand 
 Company had, a year previously, anticipated the action of the 
 Government and acquired land by purchase from the natives, with 
 a view to independent colonisation. 
 
 Governor Hobson, acting under instructions from home, entered 
 into a treaty, in 1840, with the principal natives and chiefs, whereby 
 the sovereignty of the north island was ceded to the Crown, 
 while that of the south (or middle) island was proclaimed by right 
 of discovery. 
 
 In terms of the treaty the natives became subjects of the Crown — 
 " the Queen of England extending to them her royal protection, 
 " and imparting to them all the privileges of British subjects ;" — in 
 point of fact, we engaged to maintain law and order among the 
 various tribes, and between them and the settlers ; as well as to 
 introduce commerce and civilisation, for which the natives were 
 eager, having experienced the benefits thereof in the trade carried on 
 at the Bay of Islands. 
 
 Another provision of the treaty was, that it guaranteed to the 
 chiefs and tribes, individually and collectively, undisturbed posses- 
 sion of their land ; while the Crown acquired the exclusive right of 
 pre-emption over such land as the natives might at any time wish 
 to sell. The Government thus became the sole buyers of land from 
 the natives, which Government alone could resell to the colonists, 
 — neither could the latter lease land from the natives, except through 
 Government. 
 
 It is unnecessary that I should enter into the disputes of the 
 New Zealand Company with the Governors and Colonial Office. 
 The Company surrendered their charter in 1850. A constitution 
 and representative institutions were granted to the colonists in 
 1852, with the express reservation, however, by the Imperial 
 Government, of all control over native affairs. This continued until 
 1863, when the colonists Avere reluctantly induced to undertake 
 that responsibihty. Until then, the Crown pre-emptive rights
 
 294 
 
 Archibald Hamilton — On the JEconomic 
 
 [Sept. 
 
 remained in force, subject to tlie direct control of tlie Imperial 
 Government through the Colonial Governor ; but another system 
 has, since 1863, been adopted, to which I shall presently allude. 
 
 During the thirty years of its existence the progress of the 
 colony has been unequalled, except, perhaps, by Victoria. The 
 exports which in 1841 were ii,ooo/., and in 1842 19,000/., steadily 
 increased to 4,650,000/. in 1867. The following table will show the 
 progress of imports and exports, divided for convenience into 
 averages of years : — 
 
 Average i 
 
 4 years, 1841-44.. 
 
 5 „ '45-49.. 
 5 „ '53-57* 
 5 „ '58-62.. 
 5 „ '63-67.. 
 
 1 year, 1867 
 
 Total Imports. 
 
 £ 
 
 139,000 
 
 193,000 
 
 801,000 
 
 2,273,000 
 
 6,172,000 
 
 5,315,000 
 
 Total E.xports. 
 
 £ 
 
 77,000 
 
 336,000 
 
 1,078,000 
 
 3,953,000 
 
 4,645,000 
 
 * 1850-51 retairns wantiiiff. 
 
 Gold now enters largely into the exports : — 
 
 From 1857 to December 1866, the amount exported 1 g 
 
 was J ' ' 
 
 During the year 1867 it was 2,700,000 
 
 Total exported from New Zealand to 1 ^ ^ 
 
 -TV I -ic^nH r 14,500,000 
 
 December, 1867 J ^^ 
 
 Of this only 81,000/. was from the north ; but during last jenr rich 
 gold mines were discovered in the neighbourhood of Auckland, 
 which are already being rapidly developed ; and for the quarter 
 ending olst March, 1869, they yielded 131,273/. Being from 
 .quartz veins, these mines afford every prospect of steady employ- 
 ment and of becoming a regular branch of industry ; besides which 
 there are continual discoveries of gold fields in the north island, 
 and the auriferous area is increasing every day. 
 
 The agricultural and pastoral, as might be expected, exhibit a 
 growth corresponding with the commercial returns. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Acres Fenced. 
 
 Sheep. 
 
 Cattle. 
 
 Horses. 
 
 1851 
 
 '58 
 
 '61 
 
 '64 
 
 41,000 
 
 236,000 
 
 410,000 
 
 1,072,000 
 
 3,456,000 
 
 233,000 
 1,523,000 
 2,761,000 
 4,937,000 
 8,419,000 
 
 35,000 
 137,000 
 193,000 
 250,000 
 313,000 
 
 3,000 
 15,000 
 28,000 
 49,000 
 
 '67 
 
 66,000 
 

 
 18G9.] 
 
 Progress of Nciv Zealand. 
 
 295 
 
 In Appendix, Table Nos. I and TI, will be found a more com- 
 plete statement of commercial, agricultural, and pastoral returns, 
 distins-uisliine: the north island from the south. 
 
 The revenue and expenditure of the colony, for five years 
 ending 18GG, have been as follows : — 
 
 Year, 
 
 1863 
 '63 
 '64 
 '65 
 
 Gross Picvcnuc. 
 
 £ 
 1,886,006 
 1,380,836 
 1,608,841 
 
 l,52r),S27 
 1,978,711 
 
 Expenditure. 
 
 £ 
 1,118,177 
 i,757,09z 
 1,860,980 
 2,906,332 
 3,-93>250 
 
 In the Appendix (Table No. Ill), is a statement showing the 
 revenue from the years 1853-G7, under the heads ordinary, terri- 
 torial, and incidental — distinguishing the revenue of the nortb 
 island from that of the whole colony. The ordinary revenue 
 amounts to a tax of 5Z. 125. per head of the European population, 
 exclusive of local burdens ; and, owing to the expenses of the wars 
 with the natives, the colonial debt, exclusive of provincial loans, 
 amounts to 3,500,000/., with an annual charge of 242,000/. — say 
 2 IS. 2d. per head of the European population. 
 
 According to the last colonial census, the Eui^opean population, 
 in 18G7, stood thus : — 
 
 
 Males. 
 
 Female!?. 
 
 Children 
 15 and under. 
 
 Total. 
 
 I^'orth Island 
 
 28,856 
 62,728 
 
 19,179 
 
 28,720 
 
 31,878 
 
 47,307 
 
 79,9^3 
 1 ?8,7<i^ 
 
 South „ 
 
 
 
 Total 
 
 91,584 
 
 47,899 
 
 79,185 
 
 218,668 
 
 Appendix, ISTo. Y, is a table showing the distribution of employ- 
 ments among the white population — distinguishing the north island 
 from the whole colony. 
 
 Appendix, Table !N'o. lY, shows the number of emigrants from 
 this country to New Zealand, from which it will be seen that the 
 colony has relieved us from 111,306 of our superabundant popula- 
 tion, independently of those who have re-emigrated thither from 
 Australia. 
 
 Contrasted with these gratifying symptoms of progress, is the 
 melancholy decrease in the native population, as shown in the 
 subjoined estimates of their numbers : —
 
 29G 
 
 Archibald Hamilton — 0}i He Ecmwmic 
 
 [Sort. 
 
 1848, estimated 
 '58 
 '67 
 
 Males. 
 
 31,667 
 15,433 
 
 Females. 
 
 -4.303 
 12,780 
 
 Children 
 14 and under. 
 
 10,323 
 
 Total. 
 
 100,000 
 56,049 
 38,535 
 
 It is to be observed that the whole native population resides in 
 the north island, except 1,500 to 2,000, who are resident in the 
 south. 
 
 On examining" all the returns I can find of native population, 
 which distinguish ages and sexes, I have arrived at the following" 
 comparative results ; native children being taken at 14 years and 
 under, and Europeans at 15 and under : — 
 
 
 Men. 
 
 Women. 
 
 Boys. 
 
 Girls. 
 
 Proportion of natiycs per 1,000 ... 
 „ Europeans „ 
 
 433 
 420 
 
 3^6 
 
 215 
 
 137 
 
 184 
 
 104 
 181 
 
 These figures indicate a population decreasing- from natural 
 causes, as compared with one that is increasing ; the preponderance 
 of adult males being even greater among the European than the 
 native race. 
 
 Enough has been shown to prove the importance of the colony ; 
 but its rapid growth, hitherto, is a mere indication of its capabilities. 
 Possessed of a fine climate and a fertile soil, well watered, and free 
 from drought; provided with ample coal fields, the working of 
 which is only just begun ; and, independently of gold, with mineral 
 wealth as yet almost untouched ; indented with harbours, and having 
 a geographical position of singular advantage for commerce : pos- 
 sessed, I say, of all these great natural resources, there can be no 
 question as to the destiny in store for New Zealand. And, con- 
 sidering the critical state of our relations with the colony, I now 
 propose to make a few remarks on the general subject of colonial 
 policy, and to apply these to the case of New Zealand. 
 
 There can be no doubt that our relations with the colonies were 
 much changed — 1st, by the adoption of free trade, when the pro- 
 tective duties ceased, by which the United Kingdom and the 
 colonies reciprocally favoured iheir produce and our manufactures ; 
 and, 2ndly, by the representative institutions and self-government, 
 which were soon afterwards conceded to the colonies. The old 
 policy of regulating and controlling everything from the Colonial 
 Office in Downing Street having ceased, it followed that the imperial
 
 18G9.] rrogrcss of New Zealand. 207 
 
 expenditure on belialf of tlie colonies should cease also, as soon as 
 each colony attains the power of protecting itself. Such appears 
 to have become the settled policy of this country ; and it has become 
 an almost equally settled opinion, that colonies which have reached 
 maturity should be encoui*aged to become independent States — so 
 that, in such cases, the chief duty of the Colonial Office would seem 
 to be, carefully to preserve such relations with the colonies as shall 
 admit of the inevitable separation taking place in an amicable 
 spirit. These opinions, though perfectly just in the main, I submit, 
 require some limitation and are apt to be pushed to extremes. 
 There are those indeed who advocate throwing off the colonies, as 
 m.ere encumbrances and so many sources of expense. 
 
 It is argued that we should at all events retain our trade with 
 the colonies, whether we cut thjm adrift or no ; and in a recent 
 despatch, one ground assigned by the Colonial Office for refusing 
 aid to New Zealand is, that the Imperial Government derives no 
 tribute from the colony. This was no hasty remark to a deputation, 
 but occurs in a despatch deliberately concocted in the Colonial 
 Office. For my part, I regard it as the merest assumption that we 
 should fully preserve our trade in the case supposed. So long as 
 they continue ours, the colonies are identified with the policy of free 
 trade : but if independent, no one can foresee what commercial 
 alhances and restrictive tariffs they might adopt. Take the case of 
 the United States, Vast as our trade with that countiy is at 
 present, there is no doubt our exports would be much increased 
 were the Americans to adopt free trade, instead of their present 
 protective, and in many cases prohibitive, duties. In confirmation 
 of this, I find that in 1861, when the last colonial census was taken, 
 our exports to the Xortli American colonies amounted to 3 15. 2d. per 
 head of their population ; whereas to the United States it was only 
 135. I i^Z. per head, slaves inclusive ; and 15.9. 11 6?. per head exclusive 
 of slaves. I take the year of the American census, 1860 ; one 
 favourable for comparison, being piior to the civil war. Now the 
 United States is incomparably a wealthier country than our 
 American colonies, and the obvious inference is, that with free 
 trade our exports to the States ought to exceed per head the rate 
 of the colonies, instead of being only one half. 
 
 As to the question of drawing tribute from our colonies, surely 
 it was settled a hundred years ago, when the United States declared 
 their independence. 
 
 It would be difficult to say what is the money value of a colony ; 
 but instead of tribute, I should rather be inclined to value it by the 
 amount of our exports thereto. Now the Australian and New 
 Zealand colonies, all established within fifty years, took nearly 
 15 millions sterling of our exports in the year 1866; and this
 
 298 Archibald Hajiilton — On the Economic [Sept. 
 
 amount, in some shape or other, went to swell the aggregate income 
 of the United Kingdom. In the year 1866, New Zealand took 
 2,737,700/. of onr exports, being lol. 12s. lod. per head of the entire 
 population. For further particulars, see Table No. IV, in Appendix. 
 
 In the event of war, it would surely be an advantage to have so 
 many colonial ports open to us all over the world, which, if inde- 
 pendent, would become neutral ports ; a point of the utmost impor- 
 tance, considering that steamers must play the chief part in the 
 next maritime war. In the case of New Zealand this becomes of 
 vital consequence, on account of its coal mines, as well as its posi- 
 tion and numerous harbours. If our colonies are prematurely cast 
 off, we shall assuredly lose much of their sympathy, and with it all 
 chance of assistance in case of need. 
 
 I shall not here dwell upon the indirect advantages which we 
 derive from our colonies ; none the less real because they have been 
 described as mere sentimental considerations; but indeed the 
 sympathy of the colonists is to be valued for other reasons, not 
 altogether of a sentimental nature. Not only do the colonists look 
 upon England as " Home," and maintain connections which are 
 constantly being renewed and strengthened, but many of the more 
 successful amouQ' them are induced to return to Eno-land with 
 the fortunes they have accumulated in the colonies, to benefit the 
 people of this country by their expenditure. 
 
 Furthermore, the value of colonies as fields for emigration must 
 not be overlooked. Of late years, and until quite recently, we have 
 not heard much of our "surplus population :" in a great measure 
 because of the relief which has been afforded by emigration, thereby 
 not only decreasing the pressure at home, but creating employment 
 for those who remain behind. During the last forty-four years 
 Australia and New Zealand have taken off" 956,457 — nearly one 
 million — of our surplus : and this without expense to the mother 
 country. 
 
 So far, therefore, from regarding our colonies as encumbrances, 
 I contend rather that we should continue to plant new colonies, 
 until the great continent of Australia, at present only partially 
 occupied, shall have been completely fringed round with British 
 settlements. And if, in fifty years hence, we shall thereby have 
 added another 1 5 millions ^^er annum to our aggregate income, and 
 found profitable employment for another million of our sm^plus 
 hands — surely the expense of founding, and helping for a time to 
 maintain, these future colonies, will have been well laid out. At 
 the same time, I fully admit that as colonies gain strength they 
 should defray all charges of their own government and defence, 
 and when they reach maturity they are undoubtedly entitled, if so 
 inclined, to become sovereign States. All that I contend for is,
 
 18G9.] Progress of Kew Zealand. 299 
 
 that these general principles, however sound in the abstract, cannot 
 be indiscriminately applied. If we would avoid harshness and 
 injustice, regard must be had to existmg circumstances in various 
 colonics, which have arisen and are due to an opposite policy, 
 which we have ourselves heretofore enforced and acted upon. But, 
 in truth, no general rule can be laid down, as the circumstances of 
 each colony differ from those of others. For example, the Dominion 
 of Canada, though without an internal enemy, borders on the 
 United States, and may become involved in our quarrels. Australia 
 has nothing to fear from neighbours, aboriginal or civilised. On 
 the other hand, the Cape has had, and New Zealand now has, 
 serious difficulties with the aborigines. In the colonies of Ceylon, 
 Singapore, and Hong Kong, there are simply no British settlers, in 
 the ordinary sense of the word. 
 
 I submit, therefore, that we cannot adopt for our policy the 
 indiscriminate withdrawal of all assistance from our colonies. We 
 must decide each case according to its merits, and we must scrupu- 
 lously observe every reasonable obligation to the colonists, while 
 it is our sacred duty to fulfil every engagement with the natives. 
 
 To apply these general princij^les to the case of 'New Zealand. 
 It appears to me the colonists have great reason to complain of the 
 treatment they have received ; and of this any candid person, who 
 will look into the matter, can satisfy himself. As a consequence 
 the relations between the Colonial Office and the colony have become 
 truly unfortunate, being little better than snubbing on the one side 
 and snarling on the other. In theory, no doabt, our minister for 
 the colonies rules the Colonial Office, and is responsible to Parlia- 
 ment and the public. But the fact is, what with the frequent 
 changes of ministry, the pressure of business on the House of 
 Commons, public attention absorbed in important questions nearer 
 home, added to the general ignorance of and indifference as to colonial 
 matters ; it so happens that the Colonial Office is, for all practical 
 purposes, absolutely free from check or control. The officials 
 deal as they please with the interests of communities which are 
 destined ere long to become powerful empires. Occasionally, there- 
 fore, we have been startled by finding ourselves involved in an 
 expensive war, possibly of doubtful justice, but certain to peld us 
 no credit; and at present we seem bent on ridding ourselves of 
 these annoyances at all hazards, without reference to justice or 
 sound policy. 
 
 I can but hastily glance at the wars with the Maories, and the 
 interminable disputes to which they have given rise. I have already 
 stated that the affairs of the colony were controlled from home until 
 1852, when a representative constitution was ceded ; but even then, 
 the conduct of nati^-e affaii's was jealously reserved by the Imperial
 
 300 Archibald Hamilton — On the Economic [Sept. 
 
 Government. Most important of all, tlie Crown reserved the 
 monopoly of buying land from the natives. The purchases were 
 made often at a few pence per acre, and resold to the colonists, first 
 at 205. per acre, and subsequently at an upset price of los. per acre. 
 With a shrewd and intelligent people like the Maories, this could not 
 fail to breed discontent; they formed among themselves a land 
 league, and the war which began in 18G0, and has continued with 
 intervals ever since, originated in a dispute about a Government 
 purchase of land. Speaking broadly, I may say that all hostilities 
 with the natives since 1844 have been, in one way or another, trace- 
 able to disputes about land. 
 
 In consequence of these troubles, the Imperial Government had 
 several times pressed the colonists to undertake the management of 
 nitive affairs, which, however, the latter declined. But in 1863, wbea 
 the responsibility was eventually, though most reluctantly, accepted 
 by the colonists, " in consideration of the thoroughly efiicient aid 
 " which Her Majesty's Government was then affording for the 
 " suppression of the native rebellion, and relying upon the cordial 
 " co-operation of the Imperial Government for the future." The 
 thoroughly efficient aid referred to, consisted of an army of io,ooo 
 soldiers, which, together with a naval brigade and colonial levies, 
 made up a total force of from 15,000 to 17,000 men. The colony 
 raised a loan of three millions to contribute their share of the 
 expense, in the full belief that here was a great opportunity to con- 
 vince the natives of the utter hopelessness of war with the white man : 
 and that by cutting military roads through the island, the interior 
 resources of the country would be opened out, and peace rendered 
 permanently secure. Unfortunately, however, this imposing force 
 accomplished nothing. 'No roads were opened, and no serious im- 
 pression was made on the enemy — insignificant in point of numbers 
 as they were ; for it is believed that there were never more than 
 2,000 or 2,500 men in arms, opposed to our 17,000. In our military 
 annals there are several disastrous chapters ; but with the full 
 recollection of Walcheren, New Orleans, Cabul, and the Crimea, 
 I venture to say that nothing has been so ignominious as the result 
 of our operations in New Zealand. War, it is true, was carried on 
 by the generals in command with great vigour, though not against 
 the Maori, but against the Governor, whose province was invaded 
 with considerable success. Fortunately for those implicated there 
 was no great sacrifice of life, so that their doings escaped investiga- 
 tion, but the expenditure of money was enormous, and the proportion 
 borne by the colony all but ruinous ; while it proved so distasteful to 
 the Home Government, that a demand was made on the colony for 
 payment in future at the rate of 40Z. per soldier per annum. This the 
 colonists declined, and in so doing they were right. To be effective.
 
 18(30.] Trorjress of New Zealand. 301 
 
 the military force should obviously be at the disposition of the 
 Colonial Government ; but as the British army can be expected to 
 act only under orders from home, the colonists were in fact asked to 
 pay for soldiers over whom they had no control ; and they had 
 already suffered enough from the effects of divided counsels and dis- 
 putes between the Governor and commanders. The troops were 
 accordingly removed, all save one regiment, which is now under 
 orders to leave, and will have left at a most critical period. The 
 services of this regiment by express orders from home, have been 
 limited to garrisoning the towns ; this, however, has set free the 
 colonial levies to meet the enemy in the field, or follow him into the 
 bush. Without entering into the question as to whether this one 
 regiment should be allowed to remain, it is at least obvious that one 
 time may be more fitting for its removal than another; audits with- 
 drawal in the very crisis of the war, it is feared, may have a serious 
 effect on the neutral and wavering portion of the natives ; the 
 proposal has been successively disapproved by the colonists, the 
 Governor, the Commander of the forces, the Admiral on the station, 
 and finally by the Duke of Cambridge ; nevertheless positive orders 
 have gone from the Colonial Office for its removal, and by this 
 time it may be on its way home. 
 
 The last request on behalf of the colonists is that the Imperial 
 Government will assist them by guaranteeing a loan of a million 
 and a half, in order that they may raise and maintain a force 
 specially disciplined and trained for the peculiar warfare. It is 
 believed that 2,000 men will suffice to reduce the hostile natives to 
 order, a task in which 10,000 regulars failed, but it is estimated this 
 force must be maintained for seven years at an expense of 200,000/. 
 per annum. By these means it is believed the natives will at length 
 become convinced of the hopeless struggle in which they have 
 embarked. The neutrals will become friendly, and the Maorics 
 themselves will put down the hostile faction. This moderate 
 request to have a loan of i| millions guaranteed has been declined, 
 and the colonists have been in substance told by the Colonial Office, 
 that if the settlers in the north island are driven into the sea, they 
 must accept their fate. It is a matter of importance to the 
 colonists, if they are to be cut off from substantial aid of any kind, 
 that they shall be enabled to raise funds on moderate terms — say at 
 3 per cent, instead of 6 per cent, or upwards : since we must 
 recollect that already their taxation amounts to 5/. 125. per head, 
 exclusive of local burdens, as compared with 2/. 75. gd. in England, 
 also exclusive of local taxation. 
 
 The guarantee would eventually have cost the Imperial Govern- 
 ment nothing, but it would have been a trifling consideration to a 
 country like this, even if we had to contribute the amount outright,
 
 302 Arciiidald Hamilton — On the Economic [Sept. 
 
 in the honorable fulfilment of our engagements to the natives, no 
 less than to the colonists. The money assuredly would be well laid 
 out, in comparison with what we have recently expended in the 
 maintainence of our honour in Abyssinia. Nor would it be without 
 precedent : we have recently guaranteed Canada — to say nothing of 
 Greeks and Turks — the recollection of which cannot but leave a 
 bitter sense of injustice on the minds of the New Zealanders. 
 
 It would be well to consider what is likely to be the result of 
 the Colonial Office leaving the natives and the colonists to their 
 fate. The first efiect of this narrow and selfish policy is already 
 becoming manifest. The settlers in the south island, vfhere it may 
 be said there are no natives, already begin to urge, " if this be no 
 " affair of the Imperial Government, neither is it of ours — let us 
 " have separation, and leave the settlers in the north to fight their 
 *' own battles." 
 
 This is the more significant because the Colonial Parliament 
 consists of forty-three members from the south, against thirty-three 
 members from the north island, including four Maori representatives. 
 On the other hand, the effect of this on the natives must be taken 
 into account : they are keen politicians, and perfectly understand 
 the discussions which take place in the Colonial Parliament and 
 newspapers. The reduction of the regular army to one regiment 
 has already been the means of prolonging the war by strengthening 
 the hostile section of the natives ; and if the colonists in the north 
 are hereafter to depend on themselves alone, there is too much 
 reason to fear that the neutral Maories will become hostile, if indeed 
 there should not be a general combination of the native tribes ; even 
 now the neutrality is of a very questionable description. 
 
 As already said, the white population of the north island is 
 80,000 against 38,000 Maories. And while I utterly disbelieve the 
 possibility of the natives driving the colonists into the sea, still the 
 struggle would by no means be so unequal as those numbers would 
 imply. Of the native population there are 15,000 adult males, and, 
 considering the assistance rendered by their women in war, I shall 
 allow only 1,000 for aged men, leaving equal to 14,000 fighting 
 men, innured to bush warfare : for commissariat they are able to 
 subsist, as their ancestors did, on fern roots, everywhere provided by 
 nature. Of the colonists there are in the north 28,856 adult males, 
 though by no means all fighting men. Of these 7,657 are upwards 
 of 40 years, leaving 21,200 of the fighting age, say from 16 to 40 
 years. Having regard to the Table No. V of occupations, it would 
 perhaps be no extravagant supposition that two-thirds of these 
 never had a rifle in their hands ; and in fact 5,550 of them reside in 
 the four principal towns, many of whom could not possibly be 
 spared from their dai]y avocations. Besides which;, wc must bear in
 
 1869.] Progress of Ncio Zealand. 303 
 
 mind that a still greater number of the colonists have no special tie 
 to the north island, and may be expected in any extremity to 
 remove to the south island or to Australia. Taking everything 
 into consideration, I therefore think that frotfi the 21,200 men cf 
 the fighting age, we must strike off one-third as unfit for service in 
 the field, unable to leave their employment, or likely to leave : thei-e 
 would thus remain 1 4,000 colonists as against an equal number of 
 natives effective. To recapitulate this estimate shortly : — 
 
 Maler. 
 
 Native Adults in North Island 15,000 
 
 Deduct for aged men, regard being had to the services 1 
 
 rendered by their women J ''^^o 
 
 Effective Warriors 14,000 
 
 EuEOPEAN Adults in North Island 28,856 
 
 Deduct, above 40 years of age 7,G56 
 
 „ unfit for service and likely to leave 7,000 
 
 ■ 145^56 
 
 Capable of bearing arms 14,2 
 
 00 
 
 Nevertheless, under any circumstances, even if abandoned by 
 the Imperial Government, and by their brethren in the south, I 
 have no fear that the colonists will be driven into the sea ; outlyino- 
 settlements may be abandoned, and the settlers be driven into the 
 towns, the fruits of their industry destroyed, and their homesteads 
 burnt down ; our feelings may be harrowed from time to time, as 
 they have been already, by news of women and children ruthlessly 
 massacred ; and we may have to contrast the rapid progress of the 
 last thu^ty years \dt\\ its destruction still more rapid ; but in the 
 end the European will no doubt prevail, though it can be only at 
 the frightfal cost of a war of races, ending in Maori extermination. 
 
 It is frequently asserted that, under any circumstances, the 
 natives must disappear before the advance of European civilisation ; 
 that they are a doomed race. For the sake of humanity, I trust 
 that some means may be found of terminating the present state of 
 chronic hostilities, so that there may still be a fair opportunity for 
 preserving by far the finest and most intellectual race with whom 
 Anglo-Saxon colonists have yet come into contact. There is ample 
 room for both : no wide extent of country is required for hunting 
 ground: and a glance at the map will show how small a portion 
 of the island has been yet appropriated. 
 
 It is admitted on all sides that the colonists have been most 
 anxious to live in peace with the entire race ; as in fact they have 
 always done with the friendly tribes, hitherto about one-third of the 
 native population. The Colonial Government exjieuds about 60,000/.
 
 304 Archibald Hamilton — On the Economic [Sept. 
 
 annually for native jDurposes ; the natives have equal electoral privi- 
 leges ; and four Maori constituencies have been created, which send 
 four of themselves to the House of Representatives. When the 
 conduct of native affairs was forced upon the Colonial Government 
 by the Colonial Office in 18G3, the Government ceased to be the sole 
 buyers of land from the natives ; the monopoly, though no doubt 
 benevolent in its intention, having been found mischievous in its 
 results ; — and in its stead native land courts have been instituted, 
 presided over by Europeans, but assisted by native assessors. 
 After investigation of title, crown grants are issued, and the land is 
 dealt with as the ow^ners (whether white or coloured) think proper. 
 These courts have been successful so far, and are valuable as a 
 means of individualising titles, instead of the tribal or communistic 
 tenure which has hitherto obtained among the natives ; and the 
 courts are thereby gradually sapping the influence of the chiefs. 
 
 Those of the friendly natives who have availed themselves of the 
 land courts have benefited greatly by the same, and have sold or 
 leased portions of their land to their entire satisfaction. Many of 
 their town and suburban reserves have become extremely valuable ; 
 and one small tribe is said to be in receipt of 26,000/. a-year for 
 leased land. Bj these and similar means for the promotion of their 
 welfare, and especially by education, it is hoped that the decrease of 
 the native race may still be arrested. But for these endeavours to 
 be successful, it is necessary, by a sustained effort, to put an end to 
 the present chronic state of hostilities — an object which can only be 
 attained by convincing the natives, once for all, of the utter hope- 
 lessness of their attempts to drive the white man from the island. 
 
 I earnestly trust the policy of the Colonial Office may be re- 
 versed while there is yet time. It is neither consistent with honor 
 or sound policy, still less with justice and humanity, that the two 
 races in the north island should be left to a life and death struo-o-le. 
 We owe a duty to the native, no less than to the colonist, and cannot 
 wash our hands of the business, if we would ; — the attempt to do so 
 will assuredly lead to a war of extermination, and the blood of the 
 Maori will be ujDon our conscience : — while as regards the colonists, 
 we shall leave to our successors an inheritance of hatred and ill-will, 
 such as we have, even until our own time, experienced from the 
 United States.
 
 18G0.] 
 
 Progress of Nciv Zealand. 
 
 305 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 I. — Commercial Returns of New Zealand. 
 
 
 Imports. 
 
 Exports. 
 
 Year. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 North. 
 
 South. 
 
 Total. 
 
 North. 
 
 South. 
 
 Total. 
 
 1853 .. 
 '54 .. 
 '55.... 
 
 £ 
 451,100 
 660,200 
 585,100 
 
 £ 
 146,400 
 231,000 
 228,400 
 
 £ 
 
 597,800 
 891,200 
 813,500 
 
 £ 
 26 1,900 
 278,000 
 250,300 
 
 £ 
 38,400 
 42,900 
 115,600 
 
 £ 
 
 303,300 
 320,900 
 365,900 
 
 1856... 
 '57... 
 '58... 
 '59... 
 '60.... 
 
 477,200 
 610,900 
 661,700 
 806,300 
 768,100 
 
 233,700 
 382,100 
 479,600 
 744,700 
 780,200 
 
 710,900 
 
 993,000 
 
 1,141,300 
 
 1,551,000 
 
 1,548,300 
 
 209,800 
 199,900 
 217,500 
 256,600 
 250,400 
 
 108,600 
 169,500 
 240,500 
 294,900 
 338,600 
 
 318,400 
 369,400 
 458,000 
 551,500 
 589,000 
 
 1861.... 
 '62.. 
 '63... 
 '64... 
 '65.. 
 
 937,400 
 1,273,300 
 1,487,700 
 2,815,900 
 2,568,000 
 
 1,556,400 
 3,352,800 
 5,537,000 
 4,154,700 
 3,027,000 
 
 2,493,800 
 4,626,100 
 7,024,700 
 7,000,600 
 
 5j595)Ooo 
 
 212,500 
 266,500 
 374,900 
 638,200 
 434,400 
 
 1,157,700 
 2,156,200 
 3,110,500 
 2,763,500 
 3,278,800 
 
 1,370,200 
 2,422,700 
 3,485,400 
 3,401,700 
 3,7i3>200 
 
 1866... 
 '67.. 
 
 2,003,300 
 1,469,200 
 
 3,891,600 
 3,875,400 
 
 5,894,900 
 5,344,600 
 
 515,600 
 570,700 
 
 4,004,500 
 4,074,000 
 
 4,520,100 
 4,644,700 
 
 II. — Agricultu7Xil and Pastoral Returns of Nexo Zealand. 
 
 
 Acres Fenced. 
 
 Sheep. 
 
 
 North. 
 
 South. 
 
 Total. 
 
 North. 
 
 South. 
 
 Total. 
 
 1851... 
 '58.. 
 '61... 
 '64.. 
 '67... 
 
 26,800 
 148,100 
 230,600 
 330,300 
 740,200 
 
 13,800 
 
 87,400 
 
 179,200 
 
 742,100 
 
 2,715,400 
 
 40,600 
 
 235.500 
 
 409,800 
 
 1,072,400 
 
 3,455,600 
 
 77,800 
 
 230,800 
 
 638,800 
 
 1,034,100 
 
 1,787,700 
 
 155,200 
 1,292,50.J 
 2,122,800 
 3,903,200 
 6,630,900 
 
 233,000 
 1.523.300 
 2.761,600 
 4,937,300 
 8,418,600 
 
 
 Cattle. 
 
 Horses. 
 
 Year. 
 
 North. 
 
 South. 
 
 Total. 
 
 North. 
 
 South. 
 
 Total. 
 
 1851.... 
 '58... 
 '61.... 
 '64... 
 '67... 
 
 23,700 
 
 71,600 
 
 96,300 
 
 110,300 
 
 121,500 
 
 11,100 
 
 65,600 
 
 97,000 
 
 139,500 
 
 188,300 
 
 34,800 
 137,200 
 193.300 
 249,800 
 312,800 
 
 1,900 
 
 7,500 
 
 12,800 
 
 18,300 
 
 25,500 
 
 1,000 
 
 7,400 
 
 15,500 
 
 31,100 
 
 40,200 
 
 2,900 
 14,900 
 28,300 
 49,400 
 
 65,700
 
 30G 
 
 Archibald Hamilton — On the Economic 
 
 [Sept. 
 
 
 
 III 
 
 — Eevenue of New Zealand. 
 
 
 
 
 North Isliind only. 
 
 Whole 
 
 Colony. 
 
 
 Year. 
 
 Ordinary. 
 
 Territorial. 
 
 Total. 
 
 Ordinary. 
 
 Territorial. 
 
 Incidental. 
 
 Total. 
 
 
 £ 
 
 £ 
 
 £ 
 
 £ 
 
 £ 
 
 £ 
 
 £ 
 
 1853... 
 
 64,000 
 
 53,000 
 
 1 17,000 
 
 80,000 
 
 67,000 
 
 3,000 
 
 150,000 
 
 '51... 
 
 87,000 
 
 114,000 
 
 201,000 
 
 111,000 
 
 181,000 
 
 1,000 
 
 293,000 
 
 '55.... 
 
 86,000 
 
 33,000 
 
 T 19,000 
 
 111,000 
 
 62,000 
 
 2,000 
 
 175,000 
 
 1856.... 
 
 80,000 
 
 29,000 
 
 109,000 
 
 108,000 
 
 76,000 
 
 4,000 
 
 188,000 
 
 '57.... 
 
 104,000 
 
 88,000 
 
 142,000 
 
 154,000 
 
 91,000 
 
 3,000 
 
 248,000 
 
 '58.... 
 
 116,000 
 
 50,000 
 
 166,000 
 
 179,000 
 
 162,000 
 
 1,000 
 
 342,000 
 
 '59.... 
 
 125,000 
 
 56,000 
 
 181,000 
 
 208,000 
 
 242,000 
 
 10,000 
 
 460,000 
 
 '60.... 
 
 130,000 
 
 61,000 
 
 191,000 
 
 233,000 
 
 216,000 
 
 16,000 
 
 465,000 
 
 1861.... 
 
 156,000 
 
 75,000 
 
 231,000 
 
 324,000 
 
 347,000 
 
 20,000 
 
 691,000 
 
 '62 ... 
 
 175,000 
 
 57,000 
 
 232,000 
 
 508,000 
 
 607,000 
 
 71,000 
 
 1,186,000 
 
 '63.... 
 
 207,000 
 
 48,000 
 
 2c;«;,ooo 
 
 743,000 
 
 521,000 
 
 114,000 
 
 1,381,000 
 
 '64... 
 
 306,000 
 
 80,000 
 
 386,000 
 
 816,000 
 
 715,000 
 
 78,000 
 
 1,609,000 
 
 '65.... 
 
 385,000 
 
 80,000 
 
 465,000 
 
 937,000 
 
 500,000 
 
 89,000 
 
 1,526,000 
 
 1866.... 
 
 378,000 
 
 62,000 
 
 440,000 
 
 1,086,000 
 
 776,000 
 
 116,000 
 
 1,978,000 
 
 '67.... 
 
 376,000 
 
 51,000 
 
 427,000 
 
 1,226,000 
 
 562,000 
 
 77,000 
 
 1,865,000 
 
 IV. — Showing Exports and Emigration from United Kingdom to 
 
 New Zealand. 
 
 Year. 
 
 1840 
 
 1841 
 
 '42 
 
 '43 
 
 '44 
 
 '45 
 
 1846 
 
 '47 
 
 '48 
 
 '49 
 
 '50 
 
 1851 
 
 '52 
 
 '53 
 
 '54 
 
 '55 
 
 1856 
 
 '57 
 
 '58 
 
 '59 
 
 '60 
 
 1861 
 
 '62 
 
 '63 
 
 '64 
 
 '65 
 
 1866 
 
 '67 
 
 '68 
 
 Total 
 
 E.xports. 
 
 102,200 
 
 146,800 
 334,200 
 202,800 
 384,100 
 328,900 
 
 309,600 
 460,300 
 532,600 
 842,300 
 870,600 
 
 1,011,600 
 1,053,900 
 2,694,900 
 3,259,200 
 2,607,000 
 
 2,737,700 
 2,779,500 
 
 Emiorrants. 
 
 No. 
 1,458 
 
 3,064 
 
 343 
 68 
 
 H 
 
 6 
 
 316 
 
 751 
 1,825 
 2,005 
 2,677 
 1,718 
 1,420 
 1,050 
 2,301 
 4,004 
 3,807 
 5,872 
 8,558 
 5,242 
 
 4,555 
 1 1 ,440 
 
 13,919 
 11,970 
 
 7,037 
 
 4,298 
 
 3,984 
 
 3,703 
 
 111,306
 
 18G9.] 
 
 Progress of New Zealand. 
 
 n07 
 
 Y. — Occupation of Whites in Neio Zealand, according to the Colonial 
 Returns, 1867. 
 
 Occuiiatious. 
 
 Nortli Islmid. 
 
 South Island. 
 
 Total. 
 
 Trade, &c 
 
 3,068 
 7,104 
 5,484 
 1,813 
 996 
 5,400 
 2,571 
 2,056 
 1,439 
 49,982 
 
 7,126 
 
 11,759 
 
 8,211 
 
 18,559 
 
 1,214 
 
 7,625 
 
 4,688 
 
 4,827 
 
 2,098 
 
 72,648 
 
 10,194 
 
 18,863 
 
 13>^95 
 20,372 
 
 Agriculture, &C 
 
 Mechanics 
 
 MininfT 
 
 Professions 
 
 IJabourcrs 
 
 13,025 
 
 7,259 
 6,883 
 
 3>537 
 122,630 
 
 Domestic 
 
 Miscellaneous 
 
 Mariners 
 
 ^0 occupation 
 
 
 Total 
 
 79,913 
 
 138,755 
 
 218 668 
 
 
 
 YI. — Ratio of Bistrihution of Occupations in New Zealand, 
 
 Occupations. 
 
 North Island. 
 
 South Island. 
 
 Total. 
 
 Trade, &c 
 
 Agriculture, «S:c 
 
 3-82 
 8-87 
 6-85 
 2-26 
 1-24 
 6-75 
 3-21 
 2-56 
 1-78 
 
 62-66 
 
 5-13 
 8-46 
 5-90 
 13-35 
 -87 
 5-49 
 3-37 
 3-47 
 1-51 
 
 52-45 
 
 4-66 
 8-63 
 6-26 
 
 Meclianics 
 
 Mining 
 
 9-32 
 I-QI 
 
 Professions 
 
 Labourers 
 
 5'96 
 3'32 
 
 1-6-' 
 
 Domestic 
 
 Miscellaneous 
 
 Mariners 
 
 No occupation, women and"! 
 children J 
 
 56-07 
 
 Total 
 
 ICO'OO 
 
 100-00 
 
 
 
 
 HARBISON AND SONS, PRINTERS IN ORDINAR1 TO HER MAJESTY, ST. MARTIN'S LANE.
 
 
 ^-^m