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History of New Zealand. Vol. III.

AURERETANGA

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AURERETANGA.

(William Ridgway: 169 Piccadilly, London, 1888).

In this stout pamphlet, Mr. Rusden pleads, with much knowledge and ability, the cause of the Maories against their oppressors… Almost every Secretary of State for the Colonies, with the exception of Lord Kimberley, has been on the side of justice, and has endeavoured to uphold treaties, which the colonists upset as soon as they find it inconvenient to abide by them. Men of the first position and influence, chief justices, such as Sir W. Martin, bishops, like Selwyn … have striven, and striven earnestly, against oppression and robbery… Mr. Rusden justly observes that exposure of past wrongs may be a warning to those who may be tempted to sin hereafter. May this be one effect, at least, of his present publication.” — Academy, 12th May, 1888.

“Mr. Rusden had good opportunities of making himself acquainted with all the official documents of the early times. He had a liking for the country, and was familiar with every event that had occurred in it.” — New Zealand Herald, 30th June, 1888.

Lord Derby, acknowledging the receipt of a copy of “Aureretanga,” 6th June, 1888, hoped to read it at his “earliest leisure. I do not say ‘to read with pleasure,’ however well the work may be executed, for the record of our dealings with native tribes all over the world is not the most satisfactory part of English history. All we can say is that other nations have been as bad, if not worse. — Faithfully yours, Derby.”