New Zealand
Being a Narrative of Travels and Adventures during a Residence in that Country between the Years 1831 and 1837

This 1838 publication is an eye-witness account, by a young British businessman, of New Zealand during the early colonial period.

J. S. Polack (Author)

9781108039864, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 24 November 2011

432 pages, 6 b/w illus. 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 2.4 cm, 0.55 kg

J. S. Polack (1807–82) lived in New Zealand during 1831–7 and 1842–50. An enterprising businessman and land speculator, he traded in timber and flax, and in 1835 set up the first brewery in the country. He also learned the Maori language, and warned against the destructive effects on Maori society of unorganized European settlement, while arguing for the benefits of systematic colonization. This two-volume work, published in 1838, was the first of two successful books by Polack about his experiences in New Zealand and is still regarded as an important and impartial source about the period immediately preceding the Treaty of Waitangi. Volume 1 outlines the discovery of the islands, their climate, geology, topography and fauna. It contains vivid descriptions of the Maori and their customs (including an account of an energetic haka) and details about family life, social status, food, tapu prohibitions, dress, and tattooing.

Preface
1. Progress of discovery in the South Seas
2. Cook's second visit in the ships Resolution and Adventure
3. Journey to Kaipárá
4. Pursue our journey in a storm
5. Continuation of our journey
6. Transactions in the village
7. Dismiss the canoe
8. Harbours, and general description of the islands of New Zealand
9. Climate
10. Mineralogy
11. Origin of the people
12. Tattooing.

Subject Areas: Australasian & Pacific history [HBJM]