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Petition.

The Humble Petition of the Author of Rural New Zealand—

Sheweth that the right to petition the Crown for the redress of grievances is one of the most cherished rights of an Englishman.

That your Majesty's colony of New Zealand has a very large area of fertile soil and a very small population.

That your Majesty's colony of New Zealand has a temperate climate, and is adapted to the rearing and perpetuating of the British race.

That large sums of money have been spent on making roads, railroads, bridges and harbours in your Majesty's colony of New Zealand and that it is well supplied with schools, churches, libraries, and all institutions necessary to the comfort and advancement of a civilised people.

That all perishable products of the farm and dairy can now be conveniently and safely transported from your Majesty's colony of New Zealand, by means of steamships fitted with refrigerating machinery, to your Majesty's dominions in Great Britain and elsewhere.

That many grievances have arisen because many of your Majesty's subjects are not sufficiently informed of the matters hereinbefore alleged.

Wherefore your Petitioner Humbly Prays—

That your Most Gracious Majesty will look with favour upon this humble effort, partly to show to your Majesty's subjects in the United Kingdom what your Majesty's colony of New Zealand is and Your Petitioner will as in obedience and duty bound ever pray, etc.

To Her most Gracious Majesty Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India.

Dated at Auckland, New Zealand, the 3rd day of February, 1893.