The Southern Districts of New Zealand; A Journal

Capper Press, Christchurch, 1974. Facsimile of the 1851 edition originally published by Longman, Brown, Green & Longmans. London. Boards are in tidy condition. Contents are tight and clean. Previous owner name inside. Dust jacket has minor staining and chipping at spine ends.
First published in 1851, this book describes Shortland's experiences on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island while conducting a census of the local Maori settlements in 1843. It documents Ng?i Tahu myths, traditions and everyday life, and includes genealogical tables and a short word-list of the local dialect. It also describes a French Company agent at Akaroa reporting the successful introduction of French vines, the Scottish settlement at Dunedin, and the productivity of several whaling stations. Shortland reminds prospective settlers of the importance of understanding the 'ideas and prejudices' of the M?ori, whose many qualities including 'natural bravery and love of freedom' guarantee them continuing 'political weight in their own country'.