Foreign Relations.

Proclamation of Governor King, dated August 11, 1804:—"Notwithstanding the claims every Power in amity with his Majesty has for the wants of their vessels being furnished to such as touch here on a direct voyage from one port of discharge to another, yet, when those wants are relieved, it is by no means the Governor's duty to admit such vessels being cleared out from hence, otherwise than in prosecution of their direct voyage. And so his Excellency, considering the clearing such vessels out for the purposes of skinning and oiling, or with a view to their returning here and making this place a depot for their trade in skins and oil, is a manifest injury to his Majesty's subjects in this territory and its dependencies; preventing the benefits of the persevering exertions of the British adventurer and depriving the British seamen, artisans, and labourers of employment; opening a communication between this colony and the honourable East India Company's territories; exclusive of the injury his Majesty's service sustains by the numerous convicts that have escaped and been received on board American merchant ships on their departure. It is therefore required and directed that no vessel under foreign colours or belonging to any foreigner to be cleared from this port for any sealing voyage within the limits of this territory or its dependencies, and for the purpose of returning hither. But that all such vessels, after their necessities are relieved, be cleared out from this port to any other port of discharge. His Excellency also strictly forbids any person not a natural born subject of his Majesty being engaged to reside or settle in the territory or its dependencies without a previous permission obtained from the Governor or officer in command for the time being. British seamen, residents of this territory or its dependencies, are strictly forbidden to ship themselves with foreigners during the existence of the present war; but if any commander of a foreign ship or vessel should be in distress for men to navigate page 124his ship from this port to another port of discharge, and verifies the same on oath if required, clue attention will be paid to his representation. And should any person whatever in this territory or its dependencies: so far forget what they owe to their own interest and that of the society they live in, by using any direct or indirect means to defeat the intent of this order, they will, on conviction before a bench of magistrates, be fined in the sum of £50 for each offence."

[The explanation of the foregoing is given in a despatch dated August 14, 1804. Therein Governor King, addressing Lord Hobart, says: "In Lieutenant-colonel Collin's last letter to me from the Derwent he informed me the master of an American ship was building a vessel in Kent's Bay, in Furneaux Island, at the east entrance of Bass's Straits. That is the third American vessel that has, within the last twelve months, been in the straits and among the islands procuring sealskins and oil for the China market. In a former letter I requested instructions respecting how I was to act with vessels belonging to Powers in amity with his Majesty who resort to these straits and the islands in them, as well as on the coasts within the defined limits of this territory, from continuing on the coasts and procuring its produce, to the evident disadvantage of the colonist. On a reference, this application will be found to have been made in consequence of a French schooner coming here, expressly for that purpose, from the Isle of France; but as it now applies to the Americans, I respectfully request being informed how far the Governor of this territory would be justifiable in preventing this intrusion and intercourse with the Americans, which is not only precarious to the public interest, but highly disadvantageous to the adventuring colonist, who give constant employment to 123 men, exclusive of shipbuilders and many other artificers and labourers, which may be virtually deemed a saving to the Crown and advantage to the colony. The enclosed proclamation will show your Lordship that I have taken every step I consider myself justifiable in adopting, and, by my orders to Lieutenant-colonel Paterson, it will be observed the precaution I have used, that no act of hostility might be urged by the Americans; but as the adventurers of this colony, whom I have ever made a point to encourage in the fishery and sealing, are not at ease on this point, I humbly suggest the necessity of instructions being sent on this head, as it is almost the only present means they have of benefiting themselves, and the colony, and in which they have adventured much."]

Public opinion anent the foreigner had greatly relaxed during the ensuing forty years. Governor Hobson issued the following, dated Wellington, New Zealand, September 3, 1841:—A representation having been made to me that the American and other foreign vessels engaged in the whale trade frequently visit this port in want of supplies and repairs, and that in every case they are destitute of any other means of providing for their disbursements than by selling a portion of their oil. Deeply impressed with the advantages which would result to the settlers of this infant colony from encouraging the resort of whaling ships of all nations to its ports, and following the practice which I understand to prevail in New South Wales, you are hereby authorised to sanction the importation of such quantities of foreign-caught oil as may appear necessary to defray cost of the supplies or repairs above referred to, taking special care that both the amount of supplies and repairs and the value of the oil are accurately determined and certified by two respectable merchants. It is, however, clearly to be understood, such oil shall be received for consumption in the colony, subject to a duty of 10 per cent, ad valorum.

To prevent, as far as possible, the cruel indifference manifested by the owners of sealing and whaling gangs in the matter of supplies provided for their use, and which had resulted in starvation and hardship, Governor King issued the following order, dated September 5, 1805:—"His Excellency directs every person owning colonial crafts of any kind to enter into the recognisance required by the General Orders of March 30, 1805, in which penalties will be page 125included, an obligation to lay in sufficient stock of provisions for the use of their respective gangs at the places they are stationed at, and that no reliance may be placed on the neighbouring settlements for affording those supplies, which, in the infant state of these settlements, they are unable to do without distressing themselves, and should the sealers, through the negligence of their employers, be compelled to seek such relief, Lieutenant-Governors and Magistrates are directed to cause deposition to be taken as to the cause of their wants, and to transmit the same to the Governor-in-Chief, who will, on proof of negligence on the part of the employer or those acting under him, exclusive of the forfeiture of the penalties, direct that no future clearance be given any vessel belonging to such proprietor or employer, besides directing that a charge be made against such employer of 10s for each pound of salt pork, wheat, maize, or other grain and animal food so required and furnished.

The practice of getting Maoris to join these gangs, and then abandoning them to their own resources in Sydney, is dealt with by an Order-in-Council, dated May 26, 1805:—"Whereas a number of, New Zealanders have been brought here, and left by South Sea whalers, from the East Coast of New Zealand. Masters of ships—foreign as well as English—are forbidden to do so without the Governor's permission in writing, which will not be given unless with a certainty of the master taking them back to the islands to which they belong. Those in the colony who cannot maintain themselves are to be given employment and maintenance by the Government until opportunity occurs for sending them home."

Most English whale ships during the wans of the early part of the nineteenth century were "Letters of Marque," or, in plainer terms, commissioned privateers, and they either caught whales or the enemies' vessels, as circumstances threw in their way. They always carried large complements of men, as each boat was obliged to have its own crew, and these ships have generally from four to six boats over the side ready for lowering. A craft of this kind is alluded to in the Sydney Gazette of Sunday, April 1, 1804:— "On Friday, the Scorpion, whaler, Captain Dagg, hove in sight, and the same evening anchored in the Cove. She sailed from England with a 'Letter of Marque' the 24th of last June, mounting 14 carriage guns (now in the hold), and carried 32 men. Shortly after her departure she met with, separately, and captured two French whalers with cargoes, which were unacquainted with the renewal of hostilities. She afterwards went to St. Helena, from whence she took her departure four months since; then visited the coast of New Zealand, and, in Dusky Bay, procured a number of excellent sealskins. The above ship's burden is 343 tons, and she has on board 4759 skins, 20 barrels sperm oil, and 18 tons salt. From the close political connection which, unfortunately for Holland, subsists between her and the French Republic, no doubt was admissible of her engaging in a war against Britain hand-in-hand with her great ally, but Captain Dagg does not give any certain information relative to the activity or neutrality of Spain, but confirms our former accounts of several Spanish vessels having been sent into Spanish ports."

During the first 10 years of the century Sydney Shipping Register is altogether incomplete. The following are examples of the few available entries relating to the New Zealand trade:—July 8, 1804: Arrived, on the 3rd inst., Albion, Captain Buncker, from New Zealand and Sandy Cape, with upwards of 1400 barrels of sperm oil. June 5, 1808: On Thursday arrived the Sarah, Captain Bristow, from England, by Norfolk Island and page 126New Zealand, with 70 tons sperm oil. May 15, 1808: Sydney Gazette reports the season has proved very successful to several of the whalers operating off the New Zealand coast. The Seringapatam got 200 barrels sperm in the course of a week. The Albion and Eliza were both very fortunate; the former got 900 and the latter 800 barrels.

The second ten years' operations announce under January 21, 1811, that a duty of £10 per ton had been imposed on all oil. February 9, 1811: Arrived, Santa Anna, Captain Dagg, formerly here (Sydney) in the Scorpion, from England, 10 months out. She came by New Zealand, and brings 40 tuns sperm oil. She will shortly return thither to fill up, and proceed from thence to England. Captain Dagg was lately in company with the Indispensable, Captain Best; Inspector, Captain Walker; and the Spring Grove, Captain Mathieson; all well. April 13, 1811: Arrived, Sydney Cove, M'Larrin, master, from the seal and sperm fisheries, with 40 casks of sperm oil. July 20th, 1811: Arrived, Indispensable, Best, master, with 175 tuns sperm oil. Ten weeks ago Captain Best spoke the New Zealander, Captain Alder, off the coast of New Zealand, then having 1300 barrels sperm oil. He had experienced tremendous gales since, but has fortunately sustained no accident to ship or crew. July 27, 1811: Arrived, New Zealander, Alder, master, with 200 tuns sperm oil. Lately she experienced most severe weather, and in a heavy gale lost her rudder, to replace which she made the best of her way thither (Sydney). These gales appear to have been general all round the coast. Sydney Gazette, March 30, 1811, reports: One of the gang employed by Campbell, Hook, and Co. on Foveaux Straits, gives an account of a fearful hurricane that occurred there early in the month. He describes it as being most furious and terrific, dismantling forests of their largest trees, separating massive rocks, and filling the imagination with awe and terror (see "Hurricane and Disaster").

The trade appears largely to have increased during the third decade, and the information is more explicit. March 10, 1821: Captain Thompson arrived from New Zealand, having spent four months on the sperm oil fisheries in the brig Active. He states: that there are 15 whalers at work on the New Zealand coast, and that his ship, the Active, has been most successful of them all. Sydney Gazette, March 17, 1821: The following is a list of whalers on the New Zealand coast, together with their respective takes for the season:—

Catherine, Graham, master	600 barrels
Vansittart, Hunt, master	250 barrels
James, Mouatt, master	500 barrels
Independence (American), Barrett, master	800 barrels
Seringapatam, Joy, master	80 barrels
Kent, Gordon, master	200 barrels
Ann, Lawrie, master	800 barrels
North American, Wyper, master	50 barrels
Brig Cumberland	1200 barrels
Prince Regent, Anderson, master	1400 barrels
Rambler, Smith, master	500 barrels
Saracen, Kerr, master	120 barrels

The Woodlark, Moore, master, had only killed two whales

Under date March 24, 1821, Sydney Gazette receives information from the captain of a whaler that, returned to England in 1819 from a prosperous: voyage of 333 tuns of sperm oil, procured in 22 months, the extraordinary assurance that in consequence of a glut in the London market his cargo went at £55 per ton, which was the effect of three other arrivals within three days page 127with cargoes amounting to 2100 tuns; hut from the constantly great demand a scarcity ensued, and in two months the price amounted to £80 sperm and £25 to £40 black oil. West, skipper of the Indian,, reports, under this date, having lately killed a whale. Cutting out the under jaw, he took out 32 teeth of fine ivory, measuring six to eight inches and weighing six to eight pounds each. He has preserved the jaw as a curiosity. January 30, 1823: The lateness of the fisheries has induced holders to ask higher prices for whale and southern oils, but the market is in so fluctuating a state that prices, although higher, cannot be depended upon. Buyers ultimately anticipate a favourable fishery, and that the ships keep out on account of the fine weather, so that little business is doing, and all reports must be accepted with great caution (Trade Circular). April 28, 1825: Arrived, Pocklington, whaler, Jones, master, with 100 tuns of oil. She brought Captain Edwards, of the brig Mercury, captured by natives at Wha-nga-rooa also part of the ship's crew. In 1826 Hobart Town wakened up to the importance of these fisheries, and it would appear from the following a proposal for working them on an extensive scale had been mooted. Hobart Town Courier, June 7, writes: "The talk of a whale company, if only accomplished, will be a beneficial and highly important undertaking. But the people of this colony live to talk, and yet do little." Two and a-half years thereafter—namely, December 22, 1828, Grearson's Trade Circular, a Hobart Town publication, reports the arrival from New Zealand of 12,602 gallons sperm oil, of the value of £2550; also seal skins and seal oil. Thereupon the following comments are made:—Southern whale oil taken in the Derwent may be considered from £2 to £3 more valuable than the elephant oil taken at Macquarie Islands, on account of the whale oil having less deposits or foots, and being better cured. In 1828 Sydney exported the following New Zealand produce: 298 tuns sperm oil and 50 tons head matter. In 1829, 885 tuns sperm and 50 tons head matter.

The southern oil trade was at its best during the thirties. A London price list of November 25, 1830, quotes sperm at £85 and black £61. During 1830 Hobart Town imported from New Zealand and its coast fisheries 17,000 tans oil and 600 hundredweight of whalebone. Her tonnage engaged in the trade amounted to 2151, in vessels of 20 to 243 tons, of the gross value of £23,000.—Tasmanian, February 4, 1831. At an auction sale held in Sydney, September 3, 1830, 90 tuns pale oil, ex Wave, realised £26 10s to £29 15s; 35 tuns ditto, ex Science, £26 15s to £29; 23 tuns ditto, ex Hantley, £27 to £29; 4 tuns dark oil, £14 to £15 5s; whalebone, £95 to £110 per ton. London quotations at this date were: Sperm, still firm at £78 per tun; but South Sea oil has fallen to £28 to £30, and whalebone difficult to realise at £100. In 1830-31 these fisheries attained great activity. Out of a total export for 1830 from New Zealand to Sydney, amounting to £68,280, these fisheries, including a sum of £3850 for seal skins, amounted to £46,990, made up as follows:—Black oil, 482 tuns, £9450; sperm, 642 tuns, £31,750; whalebone, 18 tons, £1940. In 1831 the total export from New Zealand to Sydney doubled, being £134,167, to which these fisheries contributed £109,077. The principal item in the excess was sperm oil, which increased from £31,750 in 1830 to £91,000 in 1831. The several items were:—Black oil, 491 tuns, £9630; whalebone, 18 tons 11cwt, £2006; seal skins, £4441. The sperm oil take was 1755 tuns. In anticipation thereof, Sydney Gazette wrote, September 13: "The whale fisheries are likely to prove more than usually lucrative to the enterprising and deserving projectors this season. The boats;—especially those of Messrs Kelly, Lucas, Young, and Walford—have already caught immense numbers; those of the Messrs Maule alone caught between 20 and 30 carcases."

Shipping Intelligence, dated Sydney, February 1, 1831, reports the return to port of two whalers—the Albion, with 700 barrels, and the Elizabeth, with 361 tuns (said to be unexampled) of sperm oil. The former has been out two page 128years and the latter only 18 months. We (Sydney Gazette) believe the Elizabeth is the richest whaler that ever entered this "harbour. She is said to be the richest that ever sailed these seas. According to the latest prices of oil on the London market, her cargo is worth the magnificent sum of £22,500. The prosperous house of Robert Campbell, junior, and Company are owners of this golden windfall. Mr Campbell has engaged the Andromeda to convey it to London. The Elizabeth spoke the Harriet, of this port, doing well, and the colonial-built ship Australian, belonging to Cooper and Levy, nearly full. The Albion also spoke John Bull, which had met with the misfortune of losing her crew, who absconded at one of the islands, and the commander, it is said, had been obliged to engage the natives to work the vessel.

A commercial circular, dated February 26, 1831, published in Sydney, under the heading "The Oil Market in England," writes: "The oil trade is another great source of wealth to us, and it is particularly so at present. We have private letters of the 14th October, 1830, and the newspapers of that and subsequent dates which give account sales of the oil sent hence per Chatham at £42 per tun; the price then rising. The fine bright oil from this colony fetched a much greater price than the very best Greenland. Sperm oil which has also experienced a similar advance in price, is owing to the terrible disasters which have befallen Greenland fleets. The season for fishing in the Northern Seas closed the end of September; the winter had, however, set in with unusual severity much earlier than common, and 18 ships had been lost, and the whole produce of the entire fleet was only 94 fishes, averaging about six tuns each. Thus a great rise in the price of oil was the consequence, and large advances even upon the £42 then given were offered to the agents of the ships expected to arrive from hence. It was supposed this price would reach £50 for black oil and £120 for sperm. Whalebone was very high, and rising; and the whole of that branch of commerce had assumed the most promising appearance for those engaged in it.

Arrived, the Juno, from New Zealand, March, 1831. She brought advices giving the following accounts of Sydney whalers:—Caroline had on March 7 300 barrels; Lynx, January 2, 190 barrels; Wolf, February 17, 25 barrels; Woodlark, February 20, 180 barrels; Tigress, March 10, upwards of 400 barrels. The Sisters, Duke, master, put in on February 1 with 1700 barrels; having been out from London 17 months. She sailed for England on the 8th inst. The Thetis, out 24 months, put in with 1500 barrels. The Wolf was formerly a man-of-war, but has since been purchased and fitted out for these colonies for whaling purposes. There also arrived the Nelson, after being out the long period of two years and nearly five months.

London Trade Review, May 24, 1831, writes:—"The market for oil and whalebone was steady, and but little varied from spring to summer, but on the 11th October advices of the almost total failure of the Davis Straits and Greenland fisheries were received, when an extraordinary and sudden rise occurred. Out of 90 English vessels which proceeded to these seas 19 were lost, and the quantity of oil brought by the remaining ships was only 2200 tuns, whilst the quantities for the last six years were as follows:—1824, 9600 tuns; 1825 6581 tuns; 1826, 7400 tuns; 1827, 13,470 tuns; 1828, 13,908 tuns; 1829, 10,700 tuns. Prices in consequence remain firm, and there is no probability of any material decline for the next eight months, especially as large contracts for sperm to arrive have been entered into by dealers of wealth and judgment. An unusual number of vessels have been fitted out for the South Seas, and much attention page 129is still given to the fisheries here and in the colonies, so that it is not likely, in the years 1832 and 1833 large supplies may be poured in, and prices be materially depressed. A parcel of fine Greenland whalebone has fetched the enormous sum of 400 guineas per ton lately."

The whalers actually belonging to the port of Sydney and worked by colonial capital, number 18, representing an aggregate of 3800 tons. There are four belonging to London, but sailing from Sydney, representing 1059 tons, and the whole tonnage embarked in the trade, and more or less connected with the colony, sums up 5731 tons. The benefits derived even from whalers not belonging to the port are numerous, and likely to increase. They contribute to the revenue by paying harbour dues, and lay in stores procured from our merchants and dealers. The following is the list of whalers trading from this port:—Lady Blackwood, 254 tons; Lynx, 180 tons; Woodlark, 245 tons; Courier, 185 tons; Clarkstone, 244 tons; Caroline, 198 tons; Elizabeth (Fowler), 363 tons; Pocklington, 204 tons; Anne, 179 tons; John Bull, 179 tons; Cape Packet, 210 tons; Lord Rodney, 166 tons; Australian, 265 tons; Juno, 212 tons; Waterloo, 68 tons; Caroline, 68 tons; Elizabeth (Finnes), 269 tons; Albion, 311 tons. The following are vessels belonging to England which had agents in Sydney:—Harriet, 211 tons; Venus, 288 tons; Tigress, 192 tons; William Stoveld, 187 tons. Vessels belonging to England, but sailing from Sydney:—Mary Jane, 249 tons; Lady Rowena, 323 tons; Genii, 164 tons; Haskmy, 323 tons.—Sydney Gazette, July 2, 1831.

A report, dated Sydney, September 24, 1831, states:—"The brig Fame, from New Zealand, brings intelligence of the following vessels having been recently at the Bay of Islands. That fine harbour is now really becoming a most respectable seaport:—Ship Elizabeth, J. Hart, master, twenty-eight months out, 1900 barrels of sperm oil. She had lost two of her boats, with the chief officer and two of the boats' crew. The accident occurred off the Kingsmill group. Barque Elizabeth, Deen, master, out five months, a clean ship; receiving some injuries on her passage. Brig Napoleon, Hunter, master, from Valparaiso, under Spanish colours, out eight months from Otaheite with 600 barrels of sperm oil. A mutiny had taken place on board this vessel, when a part of the oil had been taken out, but was afterwards recovered from the mutineers by the assistance of Captain Deen, and she had sailed again all well. Ship Argus, Barclay, master, out seventeen months, 900 barrels oil. Ship George, M'Kelly, master, out eleven months, 1100 barrels oil Ship Convoy, Rannix, master, out nineteen months, 1900 barrels of sperm and 700 barrels black. Ship James, Cobbin, out twenty-four months., 1400 barrels sperm oil. Barque Harriett, Read, master, out eighteen months, 1400 barrels sperm. Barque Fanny, out sixteen months, 900 barrels sperm. Barque Thetis, Gray, master, out twenty-six months, 1600 barrels sperm. Ship Admiral Cockburn, Kemp, master, out twenty-six months, 1700 barrels sperm.

The following is a counter blast. It appears in Sydney Gazette, of date October 29, 1831. It has, writes the editor, been handed to us by one who signs himself "A Misguided N.Z. Trader." It is evidently written under the smart of a sore disappointment:—The New Zealand trade must now be drawing fast to a close. Messrs. Montefoir and Co. have cut the concern and sold the Darling. What she may have sunk is not well known. The Admiral Gifford must also have lost a considerable sum. She is sold. The Harlequin must have barely cleared herself, even though she has made so quick a trip. She returns no more to New Zealand, but proceeds to Hobart Town. The Prince of Denmark is the only one that seems to continue in the trade with a reckless determination. The last voyage took four months to bring up twenty tuns. This page 130would cause her to sink at least £300. She goes again to New Zealand. The Currency Lass now goes out of the trade. So well are the secrets of New Zealand business known that even those who have trade to sell, requisite for the voyage, really refuse credit to those engaged in it. That must he a bad business indeed that the mere being in affects the credit of the enterprising speculator. But such is the fact. The Globe (London) of June 11 sounds a somewhat corroborative note:—Speculators in whale oil after all are likely to burn their fingers, it having lately fallen upwards of £10 per tun.

The following items are culled from their respective record sources of information:—December 6. 1831.—Arrived, Sydney Cove, Sutton, master, from New Zealand, with seventy-five tuns black oil; William Stoveld, Davidson, master, with 190 tuns black oil. In addition to these two vessels, the Jane returned to port yesterday. They belong to the Messrs. Mossman, whose spirited exertions in the trade present every indication of rich returns. December 8th.—Arrived, New Zealander, with seventeen tuns oil; Waterloo, with thirty-two tuns; and (December 13) Nelson, with 200 barrels sperm; Jane Mossman, with five tuns sperm and seven tons whalebone; Elizabeth, 365 tons burden, Fowler, master, with sis tuns sperm, 327 tuns black, and fifteen tons whalebone. December 26, 1831.—A duty of £26 per tun is declared on sperm oil not caught by British ships. December 29.—Arrived, the Caroline, Williams, master, from New Zealand, with forty tuns nil. By the Zebra, which arrived same day, the following particulars of New Zealand shipping were learned:—The Venus, whaler, with 120 tuns of oil, sailed on November 16 on her return to the fishing grounds. On the 18th; the Bee arrived at the Bay of Islands, and the Thetis sailed from thence for London on the 20th, with 300 tuns sperm oil. The latter had, sustained some damage, and was short of supplies. The damage was repaired, and she received a supply of bread from the Zebra before sailing. The Sir George Murray was in, Hokianga. The Zebra left the Bay of Islands for Sydney on December 21, and encountered strong gales and heavy weather. Hobart Town Courier, January 14, 1832—Goods of the value of £3579, of which £3174 went direct to New Zealand, were exported to New Zealand fisheries by Hobart Town. During the quarter ending March 31, 1833, Hobart Town imported from New Zealand £1236, exporting thence for the period £397. The rate of insurance charged on goods sent from Hobart Town to New Zealand was 1 per cent. The Fortitude, schooner, 132 tons, Mackay, master, arrived at Hobart Town from New Zealand, bringing twentv casks of black oil and other cargo. She reported the following on the New Zealand coast:—Lunar, with 700 barrels; Elizabeth (Fowler), 1050 barrels; Elizabeth (Finnes), fifty tuns; Earl Stanhope, 1800; Seamander, 300; Sir William Wallace, 800; Mary Dryborough, 120; Elizabeth Currie, 1700.

McCulloch's Commercial Directory reports:—In 1834 [a year below the average of that of immediately preceding years] 126 ships were engaged in the South Sea oil trade; average tonnage, 390; that of crews, thirty-six men each; 673 tuns of sperm, valued at £65 per tun, and 2543 tuns Mack were imported into Great Britain, the latter being of the value of £23 per tun. Since these quotations were made prices, we believe, have risen considerably. The total value of these imports was £496,004. In addition thereto Americans largely embarked in the pursuit—123 of their ships being at work on the New Zealand coast.

Sydney Customs for 1835 report, on the coast of New Zealand:—Blackbird, 67 tons burden, Duff, master; Sydney Packet, 83 tons, Bruce, master; Waterloo, 414 tons, Coe. master; New Zealander, 143 tons, Joseph, master; Weller (schooner), 49 tons, Hathway, master; Active, 105 tons, Davidson, page 131master; Lucy Ann, 214 tons, Rapsey, master; Fortitude (schooner), 132 tons, Mackay, master; Darco, 257 tons, Surrey, master; Jane and Henry, 147 tons, Cockburn, master. Freights to New Zealand and South Sea Islands from Sydney, £2 2s to £2 10s. Market quotations: Sperm oil, 3s 6d per imperial gallon; whale ditto, 2s 6d; black ditto, 2s 6d: refined black, 3s; seal oil, 3s 6d—Sydney quotations, December 12, 1835.

During the half-year ending December 31, 1836, seventeen vessels engaged in New Zealand fisheries, realising a total of 16,250 barrels oil. These were colonials. America operated with eleven vessels, realising 12,900 barrels; Britain, six vessels, realising 6600 barrels; and one Frenchman, 1500. All these vessels reported themselves at the Bay of Islands.—Sydney Customs Records.

July 14, 1838.—Arrived, the Magnet, from New Zealand. She spoke the American, Fortune, eight months out, with 700 barrels. She was lying away south-south-west of the south coast of New Zealand. At the Bluff she found Governor Bourke with 100 barrels sperm and black. At Port Oxley (Wai-kouaiti) the Columbus, with 1500 barrels; the Fawn, with 2500; Friendship, 2200. Dublin Packet, with fifteen tuns, was lying at Mr Weller's station (Ota-kou).—(Sydney Shipping Report.) For the quarter ending July, 1838, New Zealand fisheries produce, imported into Sydney—339 tuns sperm, of the value of £16,178; thirty-four tuns black, £541; and seventeen hundredweight whalebone, £161; total, £16,880. London prices current at that date quote as follows:—Sperm and head matter, £33; southern whale and elephant (pale in casks), £34; ditto, second quality, £33; pale seal oil in casks, £44; whalebone, £150; ditto, the produce of northern seas, £220. For the quarter ending November, 1834, these imports into Sydney amount as follows:—338 tuns sperm, £19,755; 286 black, £5188; 364 hundredweight whalebone, £1665; which, together with sealskins, made a total value of £26,616.

British fisheries at this date were very much depressed. In the year 1821 there were 322 ships engaged in the northern fisheries. Now there were only 104. We have reason to believe one-half the southern oil, as it is usually called, is caught at New Zealand, and introduced through New South Wales to this country. In cotton spinning, flax, and operations of the finer class of machinery, by using South Sea sperm oil, 500 more revolutions can be got on 4000 than the lubrication of any other oil, I estimate the indirect duties levied on oil of British fisheries, in the shape of duty on Baltic staves for casks, and on foreign provisions and other things, is very great. I estimate it amounts to £600 to £1000 upon each whale ship that goes to the south'ard. That is equal to a duty of £6 per tun on sperm oil, and £4 on common oil. The duty on olive oil is £4 4s, on cocoa oil 25s, on palm oil 25s, on rape oil 12s—Chas. Enderby in Select Committee, Session 1838.

October 30, 1839.—Arrived from Preservation Bay, New Zealand, on Sunday last, from whence she sailed on the 4th, Success, 82 tons, Oatlin, master, with fifty-two tuns black oil and two tons whalebone. She reports: Margaret Rait, Coffin, master, of St. Johns, New Brunswick, with 700 barrels black oil, left Bluff for the fishing grounds July last; the American William Hamilton, of Seg Harbour, with 509 barrels black, sailed for the fishing grounds from Bluff August 29; the American General Williams, of New Bedford, with 300 barrels sperm and 800 black, was in Bluff September 12; the American, Roman, with 600 barrels sperm and 900 black, sailed from Bluff for the fishing grounds September 1.—Sydney Customs Records.

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Sydney oil market quotations at auction January 1, 1840.—Ten tuns black realised £17 per tun; 100 tune ditto, £17 5s; five tuns ditto, £17 17s 6d; sixty tuns ditto, £17 15s.