EARLY N.Z. HISTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2109, 30 March 1920, Page 4

EARLY N.Z. HISTORY.

AX INTERESTING DOCUMENT. A contribution.to the initial chapter in the colonisation and anisation of Now Zealand has just come to light here in the shape of “A Journal of My Proceedings during a Vovage from Port Jackson to Now Zealand in 1814,’’ by the Rev. Thomas Kendall. The journal, which was found the other day among the effects of a granddaughter of Mi’ Kendall, who died at Ivaima (N.S.W.), in her 82nd year, runs into (iO pages, and contains an interesting account o 1 New Zealand as it was in those days, and of the native chiefs and people.

The voyage was made in the brig Active, the party arriving at the Bay of Islands on June 10th, 1814. The diary says: “I and Mr Hall acenmpanied the chief Dualorro to the i hipwah or town called Uangliee lioo. l it consisted of several whares or t small houses, about lift, in height, | 3ft. in breadth, and HU'r. or 12ft, in i length. We were presently suvro- ! untied by many ot the inhabitants, ; both men, women and children. They I showed us particular marus of. re--1 sliced, ami as wc repeated our visit their friendship towards us became more apparent.” After several remarks upon the friendliness and honesty of the natives—even not molesting an unlocked room in which were stored rum, tea, sugar, Ilnur, cheese, find two diesis of European raiment the journal proceeds; ‘‘The soil is very good near 'lippoai nah, considering the hilly nature of the ground. The cultivated land produces potatoes, cabbages," turnips, carrots, onions, etc. Those parts which arc not cultivated are generally covered with i'cni. Cordial relations were established as the intercourse between the visitors aid the natives was eon- ! tinned, and the former intimated : their intention to bring their wives ; and children and reside among the ■people, oi wliit'll ill*-* no 1 1\ w co (• ! pleased. Mr Marsdcn had been : there before on a brief visit. Quoth ! the journal: ‘’The name of Mr Mars- ! den is well known at the Bay of Islands; the natives make mention ot him in their songs, and speak of him with respect." A curious epi--1 socle came under their observation. ‘■While we were Avalkiug through the hipwah, I observed an old man fenced around with sonic slicks in a corner who had been tabooed. He was not to eat: with any one for five moons to come, nor (o serve himself

with his own hands. This was a religious, or rather a superstitious injunction, but I found it must be strictly attended to. J could not exactly learn what he had been doing.' Then follow the names of some of the new friends the missionaries haul found, viz., Racoo, Tayhotikoo, Kena, MayhcAv’ow, Hooiuo, Tarlirayha, Toka, and Moora. After commenting severely upon the conduct of some sailors and traders, aEio did not scruple to “take down the natives in their trading transactions, Mr Kendall remarks; “The New Zealanders have a particular desire to bo at peace with us. They say, Are bring them potatoes, cabbage, turnips, etc., and many of them arc industrious men, avid are continually hi want of tools and (giver European articles, i heir ingenuilv is conspicuous ironi the ailicks which are manufactured by them.” Some interesting comments follow on native character, and some sagacious forecasts as to future development in cultivation. For about six weeks the Active Jav at anchor at the Bay of Islands. During that period Messrs Kendall and Hall traversed a considerable pari of the adjacent country. They were treated A\;ith invariable courtesy bv the chiefs and natives, and the Journal contains a good deal of informal ion which at tins date is both curious and interesting. As the veers go on the document Aiill become of increasingly great historic value, —The Press.