REVIEW.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 26, Issue 6, 1 June 1936, Page 5

REVIEW.

Land Problems of the New Zealand Settlers of the 'Forties, by Ethel Wilson Wilson, M.A. (A. EL and A. W. Reed, Dunedin, 10/-). The University of New Zealand rightly encourages candidates for Honours m History to direct their attention to subjects dealing with their own country, and Mrs. Wilson secured a first-class with her thesis on the land question m the 'forties which has now been published. The writer has digested a large amount of material, some of it new, and has presented an adequate account of the most important problem which faced the settlers m the first days of systematic colonisation m New Zealand.

In some respects the author differs from the commonly accepted view — particularly m her estimate of two early Governors, Fitzroy and Grey — but she makes out a good case for her conclusions.

Regarding the land purchases of the missionaries — still used occasionally as a convenient stone to fling at the Church — Mrs. Wilson sums up (p. 100) as follows: —

"Though it is to be regretted that the extent of some of the missionary grants gave colour to the accusations of their enemies that they used their positions to forward their personal advantage, it has, the writer thinks, been, proved that adequate compensation was given to the natives, and that the acquisition of the land m no way harmed either the natives or other colonists, while the grants were upheld by the law of the colony.

"On the other hand, there can be little doubt that Governor Grey's attempts to upset the grants were influenced by personal animus against several of the grantees, and that he failed altogether to substantiate any of the accusations made against their honesty or loyalty."

The book has a comprehensive bibliography, and an adequate index, but the maps and facsimiles are on too small a scale, to be of any assist-; ance to the reader.