Preface

The Farmer, who reaps as he sows, and farms his land for future generations as well as for his own, knows well that history is the history of the present rather than of the past. Yet without reliable information about the past, plans for the future must be less accurate and fruitful. This historical essay does not attempt to lay down a 'land policy', nor even to suggest the broad lines along which reforms or changes might be made. Possibly, however, it may be of some value to those who seek cures or solutions for land and farming problems.

The authors wish to acknowledge the great help received in preparing this survey from the splendid collections of early New Zealand material in the General Assembly and Alexander Turnbull libraries. Finally they offer their thanks to those friendly critics whose suggestions and cautions have so greatly aided their work.