MAORI MEMORIES.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 June 1938, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES.

BRITAIN OF THE SOUTH. . (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age”) Two days after the departure of the mystery ship “Tory” in May, 1839, the Queen’s Cabinet Ministers were amazed and the people amused to learn that the real object of the bold enterprise was to “purchase New Zealand,” promote emigration, resell at the increased value, and (subject to a preference dividend), give free passages to traders and farm workers. Incidentally they were to create a Republic, tax free, and with laws as simple as those of an ideal household. The Prime Minister declared the whole affair of the Company beyond the law. The directors reluctantly admitted an error of judgment and diplomatically placed themselves and their mission under the “protection” of her Majesty's ministers. In June, before the arrival of the Tory in New Zealand, the British Government issued Letters Patent extending the boundaries of New South Wales to any part of New Zealand which may be acquired by her Majesty. To this day, the impression thus created that New Zealand is a part of Australia has not been removed from the minds of Britishers and foreigners. The Treasury record of July 19, 1839, directs Captain Hobson of H.M.S. “Druid” to proceed to New Zealand as consul and endeavour to obtain the sovereignty of the country, then to act as Lieutenant Governor. The reason given for the delay was that white men's progress in the New World had • ever been over the dead bodies of the • aborigines. The receipt of Wakefield’s optimistic financial report of the prospects in New Zealand, led to a vigorous protest from 115 London bankers who urged that -this “Britain of the South” should be annexed by Britain. This then, was the origin of that loyal title, so often bestowed upon us.