The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 71
Early Settlement of New Zealand
Early Settlement of New Zealand.
Now, what was the method by which the colony was originally settled? The principle which guided those who determined how the land should be settled was the principle of selling the land available for this purpose. To his mind that was equivalent to demanding a premium from every man before he could go upon the land to usefully occupy it. This was a hindrance to all settlers, for no man could commence to cultivate without first having a portion of his capital taken away from him, and his power of purchasing stock and the necessary implements would be reduced by the amount of this premium. Whilst this payment would be a hindrance to some it would prove an absolute bar to many others because they would not have sufficient funds to pay to the colony, and they would thus be prevented from settling upon the land at all. These would be compelled to offer their services for wages to some one else, but the hindrances referred to would reduce the power of those who could manage to settle of offering wages to workmen. As the number of men unable to take up land for themselves increased the premium upon settlement would also increase, which would in turn cause a decrease in the employing power of those in possession of the land. By this means the wage-earners would begin to be squeezed between the upper and nether millstones.