Page:Notes on New Zealand (1892).pdf/226

216 tocracy of other countries, but their pretensions are not very successful. I must not be understood to imply, however, that New Zealand is a sort of bear garden, where roughness and rudeness are the rule. No; true politeness extensively exists, and refinement of manners is sought after and cultivated, but the spirit of the inhabitants is opposed to the social predominance of any sect or caste. Rank is not much regarded, and wealth, while undoubtedly conferring upon its holder great powers of purchase, confers in the eyes of New Zealanders no right and no power to despise or insult those who do