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Historical Records of New Zealand

Rev. S. Marsden to Rev. D. Coates

Rev. S. Marsden to Rev. D. Coates.

Parramatta, 18th April, 1831.

Dear Sir,—

I lament to say that there are many Europeans now in New Zealand whose conduct is most scandalous. I had two inter- page 716 views with Governor Darling last week on this subject, and have written to him to-day. Copies of my representation I purpose to forward to the Society, unless some effectual measures can be adopted here to restrain the infamous acts of the Europeans. I have two chiefs with me now—one from the Bay of Islands, who is come at the request of the chiefs to seek redress; the other was taken away by force from the middle. I have no doubt but Governor Darling will do all in his power to afford them protection. Whether the law as it now stands will enable the Governor to do them justice appears a matter of doubt. You will have heard of the conduct of Captain Brind; he has been the cause of much bloodshed; many have been killed to the southward in consequence of what took place at the Bay of Islands, and the heads of the chiefs have been brought to Port Jackson by the Europeans for sale. When the chief who is with me went on board the Prince of Denmark he saw 14 heads of chiefs upon the table in the cabin, and came and informed me. I waited on the Governor, stated the circumstance, and requested His Excellency to use every means to recover them, in order that they might be sent back to their friends. The chief knew the heads; they were his friends; when he retired he said, “Farewell my people, farewell my people.“ The circumstances to the southward are more fully explained in my statements to the Governor. I intend to call upon His Excellency again in a day or two. On my return from N. Zealand I recommended that a vessel commanded by a naval officer should visit the different places to which the Europeans resort, in order to check the conduct of the masters and crews who visit these islands. A copy of my letter I forwarded to your Committee. In my present communication with the Governor I am of opinion that a resident should be stated [stationed] in New Zealand, with proper authority to notice the misconduct of the Europeans, and to whom the natives can appeal for redress. If no measures are taken the New Zealanders will redress their own wrongs, and take life for life, tho’ they are most unwilling to injure the Europeans. With respect to my repaying the Society for the seminary, as the children did not come to the colony as was originally intended, I beg to say the amount was £844 9s. 6d.; paid Mr. Campbell for the Society, August 4, 1830, £426 16s. 2d.; ditto, 2d ditto, transmitted to you a bill drawn by Dr. John Dunmore Lang to be paid in London for the amount of £418 13s. 4d.; balancing my account for the seminary, £844 9s. 6d., or, rather, the Society’s former claim. It further appears from your account made up to the July 18, 1830, the Society had a claim upon me for a balance of account £304 9s. 6d., as stated by you. The Revd. Frederick had by my order from the Society at £50 per page 717 annum, £200, which Mr. Wilkinson informed me his father had paid, but as I have not received from you any information on this subject I cannot tell. I shall pay to Mr. R. Campbell this week £100, when I get your final account. I will settle with Mr. Campbell. I will pay the remainder. I paid £10 to the schoolmaster for the propagation of the Gospel.…

I remain, &c.,

S. Marsden.