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/59

 Rh Muskets and Powder?
 * Yes; those are confined to Europeans, who trade in those Things. The Missionaries do not distribute any Guns nor Powder nor Ball among them.

Do they not supply South America with Timber for Shipping sometimes?
 * I have been informed that some Timber has been taken from Hokianga to Rio Janeiro; last August; that they had purchased some Timber from the Ship Lord Goderich.

There is good deal more Rain in the Island than there is in Australia, is there not; it is not subject to the same Drought?
 * No; it is not subject to the same Drought.

Would it, in consequence of that, become of much Importance as a Colony?
 * Very great for Agriculture.

You state that you think very soon the whole of the Northern Island will fall into the Possession of Europeans?
 * Yes; in the course of a few Years more.

Are there at present any considerable Number of Europeans settled South of Matamata?
 * Yes; I made very strict Inquiry when on board the Columbine (the Society's Schooner). The Steward of that Schooner had formerly lived Two Years on the South Island, and had frequently visited the fine Bays of that Island for the Purpose of buying Flax and Pork. He told me that there were Europeans all round the Coast of both Islands.

The greater Number of Europeans are about the Bay of Islands and the Parts North of Matamata, are they not?
 * Yes; there is most Trade going on there.

Do you know what Sort of Timber it was that was sent to Rio Janeiro?
 * The Kauri, such as is brought to England for the Use of Her Majesty's Navy. I saw the Gentleman who purchased it at Rio Janeiro.

The Witness is directed to withdraw.

 

JOSEPH BARROW MONTEFIORE is called in, and examined as follows:

Have you been in New Zealand?
 * I have. I made a Journal of my Proceedings while I was there.

You made a Journal of what struck you particularly while you were in the Island?
 * Yes.

When did you land in New Zealand?
 * I visited New Zealand in the Year 1830.

How long did you remain there?
 * I was there altogether about Four Months.

Was your Object connected with Commerce?
 * My Object was mercantile. I chartered a Vessel to make a Tour of the Island, and to visit every Place I possibly could, for the Purpose of becoming acquainted with the Island, its Productions, its general Character, as well as with the Habits, Manners, and general Disposition of the Natives; and I had some Intention of forming extensive mercantile Establishments throughout the Island; but, from an unfortunate Circumstance, after reaching Entry Island or Capiti (so called by the Natives), in Cook's Straits, I was deterred from so carrying my Object into execution.

What was it occurred to change your Intention?
 * After visiting One or Two Places I reached Entry Island in my own Vessel, and there I boarded a Brig called the Elizabeth, Captain Stewart, who related the following Circumstance to me, that he had been down to Banks's Island with a great many of the Chiefs, and 200 Men of the Island (Entry Island), to

(123.2.)