Page:Report from the Select Committee of the House of Lords, appointed to inquire into the present state of the Islands of New Zealand.pdf/108

 104 Do you think the Natives know the Difference between the Americans and the British?
 * I do not think they do.

If an American Company were to go to the Bay of Islands, would the Natives know whether they were British or Americans?
 * No, I think not.

Do you think that the Americans and the British agree together?
 * Yes; I do not know of any Quarrels; they were very polite to me when I was there.

You do not think the People could distinguish them?
 * No.

Were the Americans you saw there Merchants?
 * No; Persons who had little Shops; Shopkeepers, and Grog-house Keepers.

You have mentioned Mr. Busby; what is he?
 * The British Resident.

How long did you stay in the Neighbourhood of the Bay of Islands?
 * I was there twice, for a few Days each Time; I was for Six Weeks at Waimate, about Fifteen Miles off.

Did you visit any other Part of the Island except the District of Hokianga and the Bay of Islands?
 * No.

You state that the Natives were willing to give or sell Land to Europeans who came amongst them; do you think that was for the Purpose of obtaining Instruction in European Arts?
 * I do think so. They are very fond of having Europeans amongst them; they think they are very useful to them; they bring Trade, and they obtain their Blankets by that Means, and various other Things they require.

Do you think they would be equally willing to receive them if they thought they came to change their Customs and Manners?
 * I think they are very jealous of their Customs generally.

Do you think if a European Colony came and altered their whole Law of Inheritance that they would like that?
 * I think so; I do not think they would understand, until it was explained to them, the Intention of Government, which could not be to take away their Property, but to protect them. I think they would be glad of that.

Supposing a Company went to purchase large Tracts of Land, with the view in that Purchase of abolishing the native Customs and Laws, and substituting English Laws in their Stead, what would be their Opinion?
 * I do not think they would like that; I do not think they would understand it. It has been reported to me that they have expressed a Wish that a Government should be established amongst them. For instance, if the English Law respecting Slavery were introduced I am sure they would rebel against it, if theirs can be called Slavery.

You state that you have never known Infanticide practised; did you observe whether there was any Disproportion among the Number of Male and Female Children?
 * No, I did not. I think there was a due Proportion.

The Missionaries have Children grown up to full Age, have they not?
 * None quite to full Age; there are some Sixteen or Seventeen; I think, indeed, there is One in Mr. King's Family grown up. There are now 100 Children in their families.

Suppose a Chief were to sell the Whole of the Land over which he claims to exercise the Authority of a Chief, what would become of him and all the subordinate Chiefs who would have a Lien upon that Land?

He must move off to some other Property they have; they possess Property in different Parts of the Country. Rh