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Sir George Grey Pioneer of Empire in Southern Lands

New Zealand, 1845-1853

New Zealand, 1845-1853

Polynesian Mythology and Ancient Traditional History of the New Zealand Race, by Sir G. Grey, K.C.B., published 1855. (The preface should be carefully read.)

Journal of an Expedition undertaken by Sir G. Grey in the summer, 1849-1850, contains an interesting account of Grey's friendly intercourse with the Maoris, and his manner of collecting information.

Maori Mementos, a series of addresses presented to Governor Grey by the Maori chiefs in 1853; translated by C. O. B. Davis.

Old New Zealand, by a Pakeha Maori (F. E. Maning), gives the best account of the Maori race before 1840, notwithstanding exaggerations.

The Treaty of Waitangi, published in facsimile, 1877, deserves careful attention, because of the frequent references to it in later years. It was to the Maoris what the mythical "laws of Edward the Confessor" were to the English people of the middle ages.

Adventures in New Zealand from1839-1844, by Edward Jerningham Wakefield, throws much light on the early history of the New Zealand Company.

The Six Colonies of New Zealand, by William Fox, 1851. Written with strong bias, like all Mr. Fox's literary work; but forceful and clear.

Life and Episcopate of George Augustus Selwyn, by Tucker, contains many letters and extracts from the correspondence of Bishop Selwyn.

The Story of New Zealand, by Dr. A. S. Thomson, 1859, is interesting, and, unlike so many books on New Zealand history, written in an impartial and scientific spirit. (It is necessary to point out, however, that Sir G. Grey did not actually say that "the insurrection in the Bay of Islands was page 305caused by the large land claims of the missionaries." —Thomson's reference to parliamentary papers notwithstanding. See p. 150, Vol. II.)

The Life of Henry Williams, Archdeacon of Waimate, by Hugh Carleton, is written with strong family bias. The archdeacon's case is strong enough to be dealt with by impartial historians who can be fair to his opponents.