Title: Octavius Hadfield

Author: Barbara Macmorran

Publication details: 1969, Wellington

Digital publication kindly authorised by: G. H. Macmorran

Part of: New Zealand Texts Collection

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Octavius Hadfield

[extract from letter written by Octavius Hadfield]

I do not think that there ever was anything like communism among Maoris. Each hapu or sub hapu had their land, but when it was cultivated each individual had his own strip which he cultivated for himself. A chief would cultivate a larger piece, but then those who came to work for him were practically paid by food (and later by tobacco, etc.). They, to be sure, generally had slaves, but that does not imply socialism. Loafers for the most part hung about their own relations, but none were absolutely idle. But any young men who wish to understand these subjects, so far as we are concerned, should read the Duke of Argyll's 'Unseen Foundations of Society'. It is a remarkable book, crammed full of information.