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No. 15.
Copy of a Despatch from Governor Sir George Gipps to Lord John Russell.
My Lord,—
With reference to my despatch of the 15th June last, in which I reported that Her Majesty's ship "Herald," having on board Major Bunbury, had sailed from the Bay of Islands for the purpose of procuring the acknowledgment of Her Majesty's authority from the chiefs in the southern parts of New Zealand, I have the honour to inform your Lordship that the "Herald" returned to Sydney this day, and that the duty on which Major Bunbury was despatched by Lieutenant-Governor Hobson appears to have, been very satisfactorily performed. Every point, of importance on the east coast of New Zealand was visited by the "Herald," as far as the southern point of the Southern or Stewart's Island, and Her Majesty's authority established, either by the acknowledgment of the chiefs, or (in the Middle and Southern Islands) by declaration on the right of discovery. The "Herald" afterwards visited Port Nicholson, where everything was perfectly quiet, the agent of the Company having made full submission to Mr. Shortland, the Magistrate who had been sent to Port Nicholson by Lieutenant-Governor, Hobson. The "Herald" touched at the Bay of Islands on her return from Port Nicholson, and landed Major Bunbury.
I enclose herewith a copy of a letter addressed by Major Bunbury to my Private Secretary, which will explain to your Lordship why I am unable by the present opportunity to forward any, official account of his proceedings.
French Settlement at Akaroa.
One of the places visited by the "Herald "was Banks Peninsula, the spot at which it has been said that a settlement is about to be made by a company formed in France: of this company, however, or of any of its proceedings, I know nothing, save what I have derived from English newspapers. The French discovery ships "Astrolabe" and "Zéléé" had been at Banks Peninsula, but made no indications of forming a settlement there.
I have, &c.,
Geo. Gipps.
Enclosure.
Dear Sir,—
You will oblige me by acquainting. His Excellency the Governor with my return from the mission I had undertaken at the request of Captain Hobson, R.N., Lieutenant-Governor of New Zealand, to the Native chiefs and tribes on the eastern coast.
Captain Hobson being absent at present on a tour of duty, I feel a delicacy, in entering into the details of the circumstances attending my visits officially: it may, however, interest Sir George to know, that I visited the harbours of Coromandel, Mercury Bay, Tauranga, Akaroa, Hawke's Bay, Cloudy Bay, Port Nicholson, Ruapuke Island (Foveaux Strait), the Islands of Kapiti and Mana, Otago, and Southern Port (Stewart's Island). From all these places I obtained the necessary, signatures, excepting in one or two places where my mission had been, anticipated by other gentlemen sent by Captain Hobson.
At Southern Port (Stewart's Island), and at Cloudy Bay, (Middle Island), Captain Niasand myself judging it would be for the best interests of the Natives as well as European settlers that further delay, should not take place, we proclaimed the Queen's, authority with the usual ceremonies: at the former place on the 5th of June, where we did not meet with Natives, by right of discovery; and at the latter on the 7th of June, from the sovereignty having been ceded by the Native chiefs. At Port Nicholson I learned that Captain Hobson had also taken a similar view of, the subject by proclaiming the Queen's authority. Here we met with Mr. Shortland, and a subaltern's party from my detachment, who had been sent by the Lieutenant-Governor. The place appeared, tranquil, and well supplied with provisions; and Mr. Shortland as well as the troops had been, I understand, well received on their landing by the inhabitants.