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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

New Zealand. — Introductory

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New Zealand.
Introductory.

It is not proposed to give in this work an exhaustive general description of the Colony. Current literature has done much in that line, while its rise and progress have been carefully traced and graphically sketched in a most interesting work entitled “Brett's Early History of New Zealand.” The aim of the cyclopedia is to give to New Zealanders themselves a clearer idea of their own country in detail, and to afford information not otherwise obtainable, and which, it is hoped, will be of use to the intending emigrants of all parts of the world. The provincial districts will be dealt with generally, and the various component parts of those districts and communities will be described in detail in the fullest degree possible, and to an extent never before attempted. A few facts, however, relative to the Colony generally, may with advantage be given here for the convenience of readers who may not have access to other sources of knowledge on this subject.

New Zealanders look upon their Colony as consisting of two islands, which are called “North” and “South.” The third, Stewart Island, is occasionally heard of, but as the total population is only about 200, it is not at present an important factor. It is sometimes called “South Island,” and then “Middle Island” has to be used for its more important neighbour. The other islands politically known as belonging to New Zealand are the Chatham, Auckland, Campbell, Antipodes, Bounty and Kermadec Islands. The Chatham Islands are the most important group, their total area being little less than a quarter of a million acres. Of this, the main island monopolizes about 222,500 acres. The population of Chatham Islands is about 300, or fifty per cent. greater than that of Stewart Island, though the area of the latter is double that of the Chatham Islands. The latitude of the Chatham Islands is about the same as that of Lyttelton, and the climate, therefore, is better suited to the tastes of New Zealanders. The distance from the mainland is about 500 miles east.

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Of the two main islands of New Zealand, the South is considerably the larger, its area being about 37,000,000 acres, while that of the North Island is about a fourth less. The counties are much smaller in the North, for their number is forty-six, while the South Island is divided into only thirty-two. The population at the last census was greater in the South Island in about the same proportion as the area; but the increase has been markedly in favour of the North, and it is expected that the census of 1896 will show the figures materially altered in that direction. The total area of the Colony, including all the islands, is 104,421 square miles, and the total population is about 700,000, or, including the Maoris, nearly three-quarters of a million. If the population of New Zealand were multiplied by forty, it would still be less dense than in the Old Country to-day; and there are those who assert fearlessly that, with proper management, the British Isles could support their teeming millions comfortably without the importation of any food stuffs. Be that as it may, it is abundantly evident that no Britisher need starve if only those who have the power to prevent it could see just how to use that power.

To tourists, New Zealand presents many attractions. Its scenery is wonderfully charming and varied, and its climate is exceptionally healthy. Its mountains are lofty, yet fairly accessible, while its volcanoes, hot lakes, and medicinal waters are renowned throughout the world.

New Zealand appears but a small place on the map of the world, and, of course, it is insignificant in size when compared with the vast Australian Continent, but it is nearly as large as the British Isles, and is destined to be a great factor in the world's progress. There are no droughts or other natural disadvantages, and the people are free and intelligent. They are ruled by a Governor, an Executive Council of responsible Ministers, presided over by His Excellency, a Legislative Council, and a House of Representatives. The aboriginal natives are represented in the Upper Chamber by two Maori members, and in the Lower House they have four members, besides a representative in the Ministry. Men and women of both races are allowed to register and vote for the election of members of the Lower House, but the Legislative Councillors are appointed by the Governor-in-Council on the advice of his Ministers. Since the end of 1891, the appointments to the Council are for seven years, but the previously-appointed members hold office for life. There are forty-five members of the Upper House. Each is, of course, expected to be above all local considerations; but they are nevertheless chosen from the provincial districts page 3 with some regard to the proportionate population. Twenty are North Island men, and twenty-five belong to the South. Eleven hail from Otago, nine from Auckland, eight from Canterbury, seven from Wellington, and two each from Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Marlborough, Nelson, and Westland. They are paid at the rate of £150 per year, but are fined twenty-five shillings per day after the first five days for avoidable absence during the sitting of the Council.

The House of Representatives now has a roll of seventy-four members, a reduction of twenty-one from ninety-five having been decided upon in 1887, and acted upon in 1890. The North Island returns thirty, the South Island forty, and the Maoris four. Though this is on the bases of population and area, it would be manifestly unfair to the North Island if there were any noticeable jealousy between the two; but in practice it is not found disastrous, as almost the only “feeling” in the House is that of “party,” which runs fairly high, and in the main over-rules all local considerations. Some agitation in favour of non-party government is occasionally heard, the House of Representatives having passed experimental resolutions on the subject, but it is not likely that so drastic a reform will move rapidly. The members of the Lower House receive £20 per month, throughout the year, and actual travelling expenses, as in the case of Legislative Councillors. A fine of £2 per day is levied for avoidable absence over the limit of five sitting days.

On the whole, and when compared with that of other countries, it must be conceded that the legislation of New Zealand is advanced and progressive, and it is more than likely that the next few years will see great changes. There is a growing tendency on the part of the State to assume active supervision, if not direct control, in many departments which, until quite recently, were supposed to be altogether beyond the scope of State functions. State loans to farmers is a departure that marks an epoch in New Zealand's history. It is the thin end of a mighty wedge.

In the enfranchisement of the women, New Zealand has practically led the world; and this reform came about more rapidly, and at the last more suddenly than its votaries had dared to hope, or its opponents had prepared themselves for. Everyone knew it was coming, but none knew how or when, and the time and manner of its advent should be a warning to those who dread the reforms which are likely to follow it as a natural sequence. There were many who boldly declared that the women of New Zealand were opposed to the reform, and page 4 that the privilege, when granted, would be neglected; but for these false prophets an “eye-opener” was in store. The women of the Colony, as with one consent, showed their appreciation of the privileges granted them; and it was admitted that their influence was markedly advantageous both at the polling booth and in the ballot box. Never in the Colony's history had so many voted, and never had there been such orderly assemblages, while in most cases the elect of the people well deserved the distinction. The enfranchisement of women had been described by some as the work of a “democracy run mad,” but no very keen insight is needed to discover in this very act at once the best evidence and the greatest safeguard of demotic sanity.

Articles and pictures of His Excellency the Governor, the Premier, and other responsible advisers will be found further on in these pages; and the members of both Houses of Parliament will be referred to in connection with the districts where they live or which they represent.

In concluding these introductory remarks, the compilers of the Cyclopedia of New zealand respectfully invite the co-operation of all classes, that they may be enabled to do justice to the immense work they have in hand. So far their efforts have been crowned with unexampled success. A continuance of the like generous support will assuredly result in a faithful portrayal to the world of this grand Colony of New Zealand.