HANDBOOK OF NEW ZEALAND.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4149, 8 July 1874, Page 2

HANDBOOK OF NEW ZEALAND.

On the day of opening the session of Parliament, copies of the " Handbook.of New Zealand," edited by the Hon. the Premier, were placed upon the tables of both Houses. The copies so presented to the Houses are simply " proof-sheets" of the volume which is probably now being printed in England, and which it is proposed to distribute extensively in countries in which New Zealand is an "object of interest" to intending emigrants. The pamphlet printed here is nothing more than a skeleton, of the book to be ultimately issued ; but it sufficiently indicates the large amount of'work which has been undergone in the preparation of the Handbook, and, so far as concerns the letter-press, the character of its contents; the intention being to illustrate the volume published in England by copies of photographs of the scenery of the Colony. Some remarks upon the contents of the pamphlet, as presented to the Houses of Assembly, we have already in print, but we are compelled to omit them in consequence of other calls upon our space, and we simply quote in this issue, from the text, the Editor's introduction, which ia as follows : In order that this handbook may be fairly estimated, it is necessary to explain the manner of its preparation. Most of the works about New Zealand have been written either by those who have made only a short visit to the Colony, or who, possessing an acquaintance with some particular part or parts of the two islands, have been still unable, however much inclined, to do justice to the several Provinces into which New Zealand is divided. The colonization of New Zealand has been conducted by several communities, which, as organized and initiated, were perfectly distinct in their character, their objects, the bonds that held them together, and their plans o£ operation. As might be expected, the isolation in -which these communities dwelt assisted for some time to intensify the distinctness of their characteristics. Of late years, the isolation has yielded to the intercourse consequent upon larger facilities of communication. At first,, some of the Provinces occasionally heard news of each other more rapidly from their communications with Australia than from their direct communications. But for many years past steamers have abounded on the coast, and there has been much intercommunication. The consequences are that the Provinces know more of each other ; they have in many cases exchanged settlers and residents ; and the old exclusiveness has assumed rather a character of ambitious competition for pre-eminence in the race for wealth and material advancement. The railways and roads which are being constructed will much increase the intercommunication between different parts of the Colony, and will tend to further reduce the Provincial jealousy that still survives. But not for a long time to come, if ever, will the characters the settlements received from their early founders be entirely obliterated. The object of this Handbook is to give to those who may think of making the Colony their home or the theatre of business operations, an idea of New Zealand from a New Zealand point of view. To do this, it was necessary to recognise the distinctions which have been already explained. No one man in New Zealand could faithfully interpret the local views of the various Provinces. It was therefore determined that the book should consist of a number of papers, some devoted to the Colony as a whole, but most of them independent accounts of separate localities. In editing these papers, the difficulty arose of deciding whether to permit a certain amount of overlapping of narrative, some little discrepancy in statement of facts, and yet larger difference in elaboration of views, or to so tone down the papers as really to frustrate the purpose which led to their separate preparation. The decision was in favor of preserving the distinctness of the papers, even at the risk of affording grounds for carping criticism. In some of the papers, extravagant exhibitions of local favoritism have been much toned down, but enough has been left to supply clear evidence to the reader that there is hardly a Province in New Zealand, the residents in which do not consider it specially favored in some respects beyond all the other Provinces. To ignore this feeling—the legitimate and in some respects valuable outcome of the original system of settlement—would be to fail to convey a homely view of New Zealand. It must be clearly understood that when, directly or by implication, comparisons are instituted between different Provinces, they are the writer's not the editor's. Not that it should be supposed the Provinces of the Colony are uniform in their conditions. A long line in the ocean, trending nearly north and south, New Zealand, for its area, extends over many degrees of latitude, and possesses much variety of climate. There is also wide variety in natural and physical features, and in resources, whether mineral or agricultural. In "specialties," therefore, there is no doubt much difference in the capabilities of the Provinces, and perhaps, to some extent, it would be well if this were more generally admitted, and efforts were made to develop in each Province its own proper capabilities. Success naturally induces imitation, and hence, perhaps, the existing industries may have become too deeply grooved. The fact that sheep and wheat have been so successful in the South, does not make it a necessary consequence that they are the most suitable productions for the North. Amongst thebenefitsaninfluxof population will bestow on the Colony, may be anticipated that of an impetus being given to new industries, suitable to the circumstances of the several parts of the Colony, but which in the early days were overlooked.

Those who incline to make New Zealand their home should not form extravagant anticipations of it. It is not paved with gold, nor is -wealth to be gained without industry. Our countrymen of the United Kingdom may form an idea of it if they suppose it to be a very thinly peopled country, with numerous points in common with the Islands of Great Britain, but possessing, on the whole, a much better climate, free from pauperism, more free from prejudices of class, and, therefore, opening to the industry and ability of those who have not the adventitious aid of family connections to help them, a better road to advancement ; a country in which there is a great variety of natural resources, and which, therefore, appeals to persons of much variety of taste; a country which may boast of some of the most magnificent scenery in the world ; a country in which the natural wonders of many parts of the globe are congregated. Norway, for example, would not be ashamed of the fiords of the West Coast of the JMiddle Island ; the glaciers there would also respectably contrast with glaciers elsewhere. The hot springs of the lake district are more marvellous than the geysers of Icelaud. It is a country with an immense extent of seaboard compared with its area, with splendid harbors, many, if not extensive, rivers, fine agricultural land, magnificent forests, and lastly, one which, besides possessing in abundance the key to manufacturing wealth—coal —has alluvial and quartz gold deposits, in working which, those whose tastes incline them to mining may always find a livelihood, with the possibility of attaining large wealth by a lucky discovery. Though sparingly populated, it is not denied the benefits which science has opened to modern civilisation. The telegraph penetrates its length and breadth, and railways are being constructed throughout it. In course of time, it must carry a population of millions, and every acre of available land must become valuable. Yet, with the knowledge that this must be, there is so little capital not required for industrial uses, that millions of acres of laud are open to purchase at prices which, a generation hence, will probably represent their yearly rent. There are not many instances of vast accumulations of wealth in individual hands. It would be as difficult tofind a millionaire in New Zealand, as it would be in England to find a laborer enjoying anything approaching the advantages enjoyed by the New Zealand laborer. Money is more widely distributed. The small tradesman, the mechanic, or laborer, in short any one who is fitted to make New Zealand his home, and who is not incapacitated by ill health, may, with ordinary frugality and industry, and without denying himself a fair share of worldly enjoyment, save money, and become, if his ambition point in that direction, a proprietor of acres.

New Zealand has, apparently, when tested by its population, a' heavy public debt; but when tried by the only true test, the burden which the debt bears to the earnings of the people, it compares favorably with older and more settled countries, although the public debt of the Colony includes works such a 3 railways, waterworks, roads, and bridges, which in other countries aro either the results of joint stock enterprise, or of local taxation, or of loans not included in the general indebtedness. Again, in the Colony, against the public debt there is to be placed an immense and valuable estate in the land which still belongs to the Crown. The charge per head upon the population, on account of New Zealand's public debt, taken as a whole, was some months since computed to be £1 17s. 4d. per annum. That total was thus composed : —On account of Colonial indebtedness, exclusive of Public Works and Provincial, 18s. per head ; on account of Public Works, 6s. Sd. ; on account of Provincial Loans, 12s. Bd. ; making together £1 17s. -Id. But taking the test of the average earnings of the population, the charge per head on account of New Zealand's total indebtedness, is computed to be 2'-l per cent, on the average earnings, while in the United Kingdom it has been computed at 2'B, and in the "United States at 27 per cent. In the former, the cost of railways, and of other public works which are here regarded as " Colonial,", is not included ; in the latter, the State debts are included. Exclusive of Provincial indebtedness, the Colonial debt, including that for railways and some other public works, is computed to be equal to an annual charge per head of I'6 per cent, on the average earnings of the popidation. Tho Provincial indebtedness is secured on the Crown lands, and these, at a moderate estimate, are worth at least four times the amount of the Provincial debts. It is to be remembered that fresh arrivals, from the increased wants they create and work they supply, not only participate in the average of earnings, but on the wholo add to the average, whilst they diminish the amount per head of the indebtedness of the country. So that what is going on in New Zealand, and what will continue to go on until the Colony is reasonably peopled, is a tendency to increase the average earnings and to diminish the average burden of the public debt, or if that debt is being added to, the average burden on the profits of the people may still remain unincreased. Whilst these papers were in course of preparation, the censu3 was being taken. It ha 3 not been found possible to incorporate, many of the results with the various statistics throughout the pages of the book ; but a separate paper is presented, showing as much of the information obtained from the census as at the latest moment is procurable. Some interesting revenue returns are also given. It will be observed that the two great branches of revenue, the Colonial and Provincial, are alike increasing in a remarkable manner. In the pages of the Handbook, frequent reference is made to the various land laws in force in the Colony. The natural disadvantage of many varieties of land laws is, to some extent, compensated by the larger range. of choice of conditions presented to the intending settler. Without giving an epitome of the different systems, it may be observed that the object of them all is to promote settlement, their framers holding, in many cases, distinct views as to the circumstances and conditions most likely to promote that object. It is important to remember this, because from it follows the fact that the tendency of all amendments in the land laws, or modifications in the mode of applying them, is in the direction of making the land more available for settlement. For example, an arrangement has just been made between the General Government and the Provincial Government of Wellington, whereby the latter agrees to four blocks, of not less than 20,000 acres each, being selected out of the best land in the Province, to be surveyed into sections of from 50 to 500 acres each. Tt is agreed that every other section of these shall be open to the free selection of any purchaser, at prices to be fixed in advance ; the purchase money to be paid in instalments, extending over five years. Under this plan, any industrious person, possessed of good health, may become a freeholder. Some of the differences in the land laws" arise only partly through opposite opinions as to what is most likely to promote settlement, and are principally to be set down to the different nature of the lands and the circumstances of the Provinces. In Otago, for instance, where the desire is to make the land laws in the highest degree liberal, a new system is being adopted, of deferred payments, with conditions of cultivation. In Canterbury one simple plan has been adopted from the first. Any one may select from the Crown lands throughout the Province, at the price of £2 an acre, cash, without conditions of cultivation and residence. In Auckland, some extent of land is given away in the shape of free grants of forty acres to persons who fulfil the prescribed conditions of cultivation and residence. Other Provinces have modifications or varieties of these several plans ; in all, the desire is to see the land cultivated, and from that desire will probably, sooner or later, arise a nearer approach to uniformity of system. The Assembly last year passed an Act, under the provisions of which every person approved by the Agent-General, who pays hi 3 own passage to the Colony, may claim a free grant of land to the value of £2O for himself and for any adult member of his family, whose passage is also paid. Two children are reckoned a 3 an adult. The Crown grant of the land i 3 to be conditional on occupation and use, but the immigrant is to be allowed to remain five years in the Colony before selecting his land, and he may select it in any part of the Colony where land is open for sale. Let it not be thought that for all persons New Zealand is a suitable homo. It is a land of plenty to the colonist who can do work'such as the Colony requires, or who can employ others to do such work for him. But it is no suitable home for those who cannot work or cannot employ workers. The mere ability to read and write is no sufficient justification for a voyage to New Zealand. Above all, let those be warned to stay away who think the Colony a suitable place to repent of evil habits. The ne'er-do-well had better continue to sponge on his relations in Great Britain, than to hope he will find sympathy for his failings and weaknesses in a land of strangers ; strangers, moreover, who are quite sufficiently impressed with the active and hard realities of life, and who, being the architects of their own fortunes, have no sympathy to throw away on those who are deficient in self-reliance. This warning is not altogether uncalled for. It is astonishing how many people are sent to the Colonies to relievo their friends of their presence, no heed, apparently, being given to the fact that these countries are not at all deficient in temptations to evil habits, and that those who are inclined to such habits had much better stay away. An instance not long since came under the writer's notice. A wealthy settler received a letter from an English gentleman of whom ho had not before heard. The writer explained that his acquaintance with a mutual friend induced him to write and to introduce his son, the bearer, who wa3 visiting New Zealand for the purpose of settling there. He was sorry to say his son had not been successful at homo in anything he had tried. He had had to give up the army, and was so very weak and easily persuaded, that it was hopeless to put him to anything in England. The writer would, ho said, be content if the gentleman he was writing to would give his son a home and £IOO a year till he could do something better. Tho young gentleman who presented this letter at once intimated that a loan of £lO would bo acceptable. He received it. Tho day was Saturday ; on the Monday following, he called again for a further loan—tho first £lO was gone. He was naturally denied, and the next intelligence of the young hopeful our settler received was an order for the payment of a considerable debt. Such, prodigals aro not Buited to tho Colony. It would bo better to kill the fatted calf on their account, without any intervening absence. Young women of good character, and who aro not disinclined to domestic service, need not hesitate to venture to New Zealand. The demand for servants is such that employers are only too glad to obtain respectable young women, and to teach them in part their duties. That demand—for

the information of the unmarried daughters of Great Britain, we may observe —is occasioned by the difficulty that exists in keeping servants for any length of time, on account of the readiness with which they are able to get married. The single young man who comes to New Zealand is not long in finding the means to comfortably furnish a house ; and naturally, he thinks that she who shows herself well versed in discharging domestic duties, will be able to make his home a happy one. A short courtship, a brief notice to her employer, and another home is set up in New Zealand ; another notice appears in the local papers, "Wanted, a nurse," or housemaid, eook,_ or general servant, as the case may be. This is all very homely; but the romance of the Colonies is of a very domestic nature—" to make homes" is another mode of expressing "to colomze. It would not be doing justice to New Zealand to avoid mentioning one other circumstance, though to do so might lead to the appearance of a desire to praise the Colony. All, however, who have a knowledge of New Zealand will corroborate the statement that this Colony gains a singular hold upon those who for any time have resided in it. There are very many persons who have realized a competency, who have nothing to bind them to the Colony, and who yet prefer remaining in New Zealand to living elsewhere. The pleasures and advantages the old world offers appear to weigh as nothing with them, when compared with the enjoyments and freedom of life in New Zealand. The climate and the scenery, together with the intimacies which rapidly spring up in Colonial life, are no doubt the reasons for this strong liking. For healthrestoring properties, the climate of New Zealand is wonderful. There are numbers of persons enjoying good health in the Colony who years ago left England supposed to be hopelessly afflicted with lung disease, their only hope—that in New Zealand the end might be a little longer deferred. This is not written in selfishness, for it is by no means desired to make New Zealand a sanitarium. But this Handbook is not prepared with a view to its consequences. The design, as has been said, is to give a New Zealand view of New Zealand; and it is hoped that, in its pages, the merits and demerits of the Colony will alike be apparent. The order in which the Provinces are dealt with is from south to north, and quite independent of their relative size and importance. The Editor expresses his acknowledgments for the assistance he has received, in revising the papers, from Mr. E. Fox.