The Story of New Zealand
Past and Present, Savage and Civilized

Thomson's two-volume account published in 1859, deals with both the Maori and the effects of discovery and settlement by Europeans.

Arthur S. Thomson (Author)

9781108039543, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 24 November 2011

406 pages, 11 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.3 cm, 0.51 kg

Arthur S. Thomson (1816–60) was a Scottish military surgeon and medical scientist who was posted to New Zealand in the late 1840s. During his eleven years in the country, settlement increased and British sovereignty over the colony was extended. Thomson felt that previous historical accounts of New Zealand all demonstrated a certain political, colonial or religious bias, and decided to write his own comprehensive history of the islands, which was published in 1859. In Volume 2, Thomson continues the story of European discovery and settlement. He justifies the progress of British colonisation by arguing that it brought civilisation to the native people, fully supporting the introduction of English (property) law and the introduction of Christianity. Thomson advocates that the Maoris be taught English, as this is the only way to give them hope that they can 'rise above the hewers of wood and drawers of water'.

Part II continued. History of the Discovery of New Zealand by Europeans: 5. Commencement of colonisation, 1839 to 1842
6. New Zealand in 1842
7. Mr. Shortland's rule, September 1842 to October 1843
8. Governor Fitzroy's rule, December 1843 to November 1845
9. Governor Grey's rule, November 1845 to December 1853
10. Colonel Wynward's rule, January 1854 to September 1855
11. Governor Browne's rule, October 1855 to June 1859
Part III. On the Decrease of the New Zealanders: 1. Are the New Zealanders decreasing in numbers?
2. Progress of civilisation among the New Zealanders, and means requisite to promote it
3. Hints to emigrants
Appendix
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Australasian & Pacific history [HBJM]