THE EARLY HISTORY OF NEW ZEALAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 1866, 26 August 1887, Page 11

THE EARLY HISTORY OF NEW ZEALAND.

It is no unusual thing for a man to have a hobby outside the range of his normal associations, but it. is very seldom that such extra-professional employment partakes of the exceedingly useful nature of Dr Hocken's investigations into the early History of New Zealand. Indeed, we question whether it Wonld be possible to exaggerate the enthusi- | astic patriotism and untiring industry'shown by the doctor in this matter, or to over-estj-toatethe peculiar importance of his work. It is tobe hoped that he will not miss the general gratitude of his contemporaries ; assuredly he "Will not miss that of the future historian of Sir Eobert Stout has so often reminded "s of late. Dr Hocken has the true -historical instinct for research, combined with a & agreeable manner of placing his materials hefore us.' ' ! . The lecture which is at present appeartog in our columns forms an admirable' example of how to make details interesttog without. any sacrifice of accuracy. " Of J°wse it must be remembered ,t^ the lectures in their present form intended «>r delivery usually to a popular ajudiejacej that therefore ..a certain measure °f repetition is -necessitated, in order ,to 'j&ake each, lecture an- artistic .whole, "^en they ' are finally revised for permanent production the author will • no J 'Wubt be able to mould them into a more

connected 'story, but an Tad vantage of 'his present system is that perusal of his accounts of ,early New Zealand history may have the effect of wakening the memories of survivors of that time, and thus bringing in additional information for his final compilation. The chief value of these researches will be,' as we have said, for the historian of future generations: for us to-day they have no doubt principally a sentimental interest. It is a commonplace to assert that the Colonies have no sentiment, but like so many plausible commonplaces, this is at best but a halftruth. To the perennial sentiment of " auld larig syne" — and none is stronger — colonists are peculiarly sensitive ; and naturally so, for we have two "lang syncs," two histories, to look back upon — that of the old home and the new. Add to this the inevitable romantic element of early colonial life, and we shall find that the supposition of our lack of sentiment owes its origin not so much to .the weakness of our susceptibilities as to the vigorous onward instincts which give us perhaps too little time for lingering retrospect. At ' anyrate the appreciation of our country's oneness and continuity, and a lively interest in the details, of its foundation and youth, are sentiments which should assuredly be cultivated; and these Dr Hocken's lectures are well calculated to arouse. Much, too, may be learned, in these days of unduly swollen necessities, from gaining an intimate knowledge of the hardships and obstacles so courageously' faced and conquered by those whom we so glibly call the " hardy pioneers " of the Colony. Let us bear in mind tha^ imitation is the best form of flattery.

Dr Hocken's lecture last week comprised a detailed account of the negotiations at Home previous to the settlement of Ofcago, together with descriptions of some of the most prominent protagonists. A considerable part of the lecture was, as he said, a " grievous " — though by no means, as he seemed to fear, an " vtninterest- " ing "—recital. The sad story of the indifference of the English Government towards colonial enterprise is not characterised a whit too strongly by the words : " The Government viewed the Colonies with " something like abhorrence ; they were " troublesome, cumbrous, expensive out- " growths, and every obstacle was thrown in "the way of fresh settlement." But, as the lecturer immediately adds, — "What a different aspect do they wear " now ! " And perhaps it is as well not to dwell too bitterly upon these repented sins ; though, of course, for purposes of history, their recapitulation is inevitable. However, Dr Hocken promises us the '-pippins and " cheese " upon the next occasion, when he will give " an account of what was known of 41 Otago in the early forties, and the history " of its selection."