The Treaty of Waitangi.

The Bishop was in residence at Kororareka when Captain Hobson arrived in H.M.S. “Herald,” in 1840, and he was present at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. There is no need to describe here his part in the ceremonious gathering there; that has been told in the histories which deal so fully with the Treaty. Sufficient to say that the Bishop very wisely kept aloof from politics. He explains in his narrative that when Rewa and other chiefs came to him beforehand and asked him whether they should or should not sign the Governor's document, he told them that it was entirely a matter for themselves to determine what they should do with their national sovereignty. “We were prepared to instruct them in the faith whether they continued New Zealanders or became English.” Dr. A. J. Harrop, in his book “England and New Zealand,” says it seemed clear that Pompallier was more interested in the welfare of the souls of the natives than in the colour of the flag which was to wave over them. His presence in New Zealand was a powerful influence in persuading the Protestant missionaries that their first objections to British colonisation must be abandoned in face of a possible French occupation.”

Pompallier testified in his narrative to the fairness and consideration of Governor Hobson. “His Excellency promised that my future missionary vessel should be free from all imposts, and that everything that came to me from beyond the country for the purpose of my labours should be free from duty.”