Narrative of a Voyage to New Zealand
Performed in the Years 1814 and 1815, in Company with the Rev. Samuel Marsden

This 1817 book describes an early European missionary journey to New Zealand, and the Maori communities the author observed.

John Liddiard Nicholas (Author)

9781108008341, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 25 February 2010

464 pages, 1 b/w illus. 2 maps
21.6 x 14 x 2.6 cm, 0.59 kg

John Liddiard Nicholas (1784–1868), a London iron-founder, arrived in New South Wales in 1813 but rather than develop his business, he accompanied Samuel Marsden on a journey to New Zealand from November 1814 to March 1815 that established the first Christian mission to the Maoris. This two-volume book, first published in 1817 after Nicholas had returned to England, was widely successful, and was translated into Dutch and German in 1819. Based on Nicholas' journal, kept throughout his voyage, it tells the story of the missionaries' efforts but focuses particularly on Nicholas' observations of the Maoris and reflects his desire to share knowledge of a 'people so little known to Europeans, and at the same time so … interesting'. Nicholas pays careful attention to the customs, personalities, and relationships unique to different communities, and in Volume 1 outlines and highlights the relationships he himself developed with the Maoris.

1. Introductory remarks
2. Port regulation
3. Journal continued
4. Departure from North Cape
5. Invitation to approach the camp
6. Reflections suggested by the preceding night
7. The natives again assemble in crowds
8. The author and his friends proceed to the principal timber district
9. Return to Wycaddee
10. Arrival of more of the natives
11. Return of the author and his party to Rangehoo
12. Return from Lake Morberree
13. Departure from the Cavalles
14. Departure from the river Thames.

Subject Areas: Church history [HRCC2]