Narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle (vol.2- Appendix): between the years 1826 and 1836 : describing their examination of the southern shores of South America, and the Beagles's circumnavigation of the globe

APPENDIX. 199 be to conciliate the good will of the native chiefs, and establish upon a i^ermanent basis that good understanding and confidence which it is important to the interests of Great Britain, and of the colony, to perpetuate. It may not be easy to lay down any certain rules by which this desirable object is to be accomphshed ; but it is expected, by the skilful use of those powers which educated man possesses over the wild or half-civilized savage, an influence may be gained, by which the authority and strength of the New Zealand chiefs wdl be arranged on the side of the resident for the maintenance of tranquillity throughout the islands. It will be fitting that you explain to the chiefs the object of your mission, and the anxious desire of his Majesty to suppress, by your means, the disorders of which they complain ; you will also announce your intention of remaining among them, and will claim the protec- tion and privilege which you will tell them are accorded in Europe and America to British subjects, holding, in foreign states, situations similar to yours. You will find it convenient to manage this conference by means of the missionaries, to whom you wUl be furnished with credentials, and with whom you are recommended to communicate freely upon the objects of your appointment, and the measures you should adopt in treating with the chiefs. The knowledge which the missionaries have obtained of the lan- guage, manners, and customs of the natives may thus become of ser- vice to you. Assuming, however, that your reception will be as favourable as has been anticipated, I will endeavour to explain to you the manner of proceeding, by which I am of opinion you may best succeed in efFectiag the object of your mission ; you will at the same time understand, that the information I have been able to obtain respecting New Zealand is too imperfect to allow of my presenting you with any thing more than a general outline for your guidance, leaving it for your discretion to take such further measures as shall seem needful, to arrest British subjects offending against British or colonial laws in New Zealand. By the 9th of George IV., chap. 83, sec. 4, the Supreme Court in New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land have power to enquire into, hear and determine all offences committed in New Zealand, by