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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 23

[introduction]

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The natural development of the colonies has often engaged the attention of statisticians. There is some difficulty in so grouping the statistics as to show, not merely the growth of the colony, hut the lines along which it has progressed. I propose to show the increase in population, in wealth, and in well-being of New Zealand, and also to point out how colonization has advanced in these Islands. Twenty years is a fair period to take for purposes of comparison and contrast. It is especially suitable in the case of New Zealand, as, twenty years ago, the gold fever had begun to cool, and colonists were looking for other sources than gold-mines for the production of wealth.

It would be out of place to sketch the earlier progress of the colony, but it may be here briefly stated that New Zealand has passed through what might be termed distinct economic eras. In the earliest days it was looked upon as the seat of the whale-fishery in the Pacific, and in its harbours were to be found whalers from America, from Tasmania, from New South Wales, and from England, all prosecuting their calling. Shortly after the whale-fishing came pushing traders, who bartered goods with the Maoris, and usually looked upon Sydney as their head-quarters. Then there were in these periods the planting of missions, and the beginning by the Maoris of a rude form of agriculture. The next economic era saw New Zealand, from the small settlements that had been founded by the New Zealand Company and various associations, rapidly produce page 4 agricultural products, aided in this by the Maoris in various districts. These products were sold at high rates to the new goldfields of Victoria; and these goldfields did more for the early development of New Zealand than is usually credited, especially when the distance between Australia and New Zealand is remembered—more than a thousand miles.

Pastoral pursuits also became of importance. At the same time as the goldfields of Victoria were started, enterprising colonists from Australia visited New Zealand, and took up large areas of waste lands of the Crown, mostly in the South Island, for pastoral purposes. This might fairly be termed the pastoral era.

Then came the opening of the goldfields in Otago in 1861. A vast population was soon attracted to that district; and, just as the population increased, so the exports of wheat, oats, and potatoes, that had been large in the years 1853-60, suddenly ceased. There was, in fact, a home consumption for everything that could be raised. Nay, more; New Zealand had to depend upon foreign countries for her food-supplies. From South America, Chili particularly, and from South Australia, she drew her wheat and flour. Butter and cheese and hams she had to obtain from England and Ireland. After 1864 agricultural produce began more rapidly to develop; and for some years past we have entered, and are still entering, on manufacturing enterprises. Not that our pastoral or agricultural pursuits have decreased; on the contrary, they have largely increased; but along with their increase we are slowly building up a considerable number of manufacturing industries.

I propose to view the progress that New Zealand has made, under the following heads:—
I.To deal with population, including under that head the location, the education, the birthplaces, the religions, the crime, and the morals of the people. Under the education of the people, it may also be well to notice those things that page 5 go to make up the social and intellectual well-being of the people—libraries, museums, &c.
II.Trade and shipping development.
III.The mineral development.
IV.Pastoral development.
V.Agricultural development.
VI.Manufactures.
VII.The increase of wealth, advance in credit, and general material advancement.
VIII.Probable future developments.