Waitangi - What Really Happened: Part 1
Summary
TLDRIn 1839, Captain William Hobson embarks on a mission to establish a treaty between the British Crown and the native chiefs of New Zealand. Upon arrival, he faces challenges in drafting a treaty that respects the sovereignty of the Māori people while also securing British interests. Amidst political tension and cultural misunderstandings, the urgency to finalize the treaty before the chiefs disperse adds to the complexity of the negotiations.
Takeaways
- 🇬🇧 Captain William Hobson departs from Plymouth, England on August 25th, 1839, with a mission to establish a treaty between the British Crown and the native chiefs of New Zealand.
- 🌊 After a 4-month sea journey, Hobson arrives in Australia and then sets sail for New Zealand, where he is tasked with creating a treaty that could change the status of the land from a native home to a British colony.
- 🏞️ New Zealand in February 1840 is not a British colony but home to the native Tangata whenua people and about 2,000 foreign settlers, including whalers, traders, and missionaries.
- 🤝 The treaty is intended to be a mutual agreement between the British Crown and the native people, but it faces challenges due to cultural differences and the potential for misunderstanding.
- 👤 James Busby is the British resident and representative of the crown in New Zealand, who has been trying to 'civilize' the Maori people for seven years without much success.
- 📖 William Kenzo, a Church missionary Society printer and naturalist, is anxious about the lack of progress on the treaty, reflecting the urgency and importance of the document.
- 🤬 James Stewart, Hobson's private secretary, is described as an immoral swindler with lovely handwriting, adding a touch of irony to the situation.
- 📝 The treaty draft is a source of contention, with Hobson being ill and unable to finalize it, leading to a rush to complete it before the chiefs gather.
- 🌐 The treaty needs to be in a language that the native chiefs can understand, highlighting the importance of translation and cultural understanding in the treaty-making process.
- 👨🏫 Reverend Henry Williams, known by the Maori as 'For Eyes', is chosen to translate the treaty, a task that requires not only linguistic skills but also an understanding of cultural nuances.
- 🤔 The script raises questions about the colonial office's instructions, which are described as confusing and ambiguous, potentially affecting the treaty's clarity and fairness.
Q & A
Who was Captain William Hobson and what was his mission?
-Captain William Hobson was a British naval officer commissioned to become New Zealand's first governor. His mission was to make a treaty between the British Crown and the native Chiefs of New Zealand.
Why was the Treaty of Waitangi significant?
-The Treaty of Waitangi was significant because it was intended to establish a framework for the relationship between the British Crown and the native Māori people, which could potentially change the status of New Zealand from a land of native Māori to a British colony.
What challenges did James Busby face as the British resident and representative of the crown in New Zealand?
-James Busby faced challenges such as a lack of troops and means of enforcing his position, as well as dealing with the perception of the Māori as 'savages' and the need to 'civilize' them, which was part of his duties as a representative of the British Empire.
What was the role of Reverend Henry Williams in the context of the treaty?
-Reverend Henry Williams, a member of the Church Missionary Society, was chosen to translate the treaty into a language that the native Chiefs could understand, ensuring that the document could be comprehended and potentially signed by them.
Why was the translation of the treaty into the Māori language important?
-The translation was important because it was necessary for the Māori Chiefs to understand the terms of the treaty in order to give their informed consent. Without understanding, they could not make a free and intelligent decision to sign the treaty.
What was the situation with the settlers in New Zealand prior to the arrival of Hobson?
-Prior to Hobson's arrival, there were approximately 2,000 foreign settlers in New Zealand, including whalers, traders, and missionaries, who lived there by the grace of the local Māori Chiefs, who found some advantage in their presence.
What was the role of William Kenzo, and why was his presence significant?
-William Kenzo was a printer and naturalist associated with the Church Missionary Society. His presence was significant because he might have been involved in the documentation and communication of the treaty process.
What was the urgency surrounding the drafting and signing of the treaty?
-The urgency was due to the convergence of the native Chiefs as per instructions, and the need to finalize and print the treaty in time for them to review and potentially sign, before they dispersed, which might have made it impossible to gather them again.
What were the instructions from the colonial office regarding the treaty, and why were they problematic?
-The instructions from the colonial office were to create a treaty that acknowledged Māori sovereignty while also suggesting they were incompetent to act or deliberate in concert. This was problematic because it created a contradiction, asking for their consent while undermining their capability to give it.
What was the controversy surrounding the character and actions of James Stewart, Freeman?
-James Stewart, Freeman, was described as an immoral swindler with lovely handwriting. His rumored actions and character raised questions about his integrity and the trustworthiness of his involvement in the treaty process.
How did the script depict the attitudes towards the Māori people by the British representatives?
-The script depicted the British representatives as having a condescending and paternalistic attitude towards the Māori people, viewing them as 'savages' in need of 'civilization' and suggesting they were incapable of understanding or consenting to the treaty.
Outlines
🏴☠️ The Voyage of Captain Hobson and the Treaty of Waitangi
The script opens with Captain William Hobson setting sail from Plymouth, England on August 25th, 1839, with a mission to negotiate a treaty between the British Crown and the native chiefs of New Zealand. After a long sea journey, Hobson arrives in Australia before heading to New Zealand, where he is to establish a British colony. The native New Zealanders, known as the Tangata Whenua, are described along with the few foreigners present, such as whalers, traders, and missionaries. James Busby, the British resident representative, is portrayed as struggling with his role and the challenges of dealing with the native population. The narrative also introduces key characters like William Kenzo, a Church missionary, and the influential chief Hongi Hika. The paragraph sets the stage for the complex dynamics that will unfold as the British attempt to establish governance in New Zealand.
📜 Drafting the Treaty: Challenges and Translations
This paragraph delves into the intricacies of drafting the treaty that would become the foundation of British rule in New Zealand. It highlights the challenges faced by Hobson and his team, including illness and disagreements over protocol. The importance of translation is underscored with the introduction of Reverend Henry Williams, who is tasked with translating the treaty into a language understandable to the native chiefs. The paragraph also introduces other characters, such as Jack Jones, a trader who has integrated with the native population, and the chiefs themselves, who are wary of the British intentions. The narrative suggests a sense of urgency and the high stakes involved in the treaty's creation and acceptance.
🤔 The Dilemma of Sovereignty and Consent in the Treaty
The final paragraph focuses on the philosophical and practical dilemmas surrounding the treaty's creation. It discusses the conflicting instructions from the colonial office, which acknowledge the natives' sovereignty while also suggesting their incompetence. The challenge of obtaining the 'free and intelligent consent' of the native chiefs is highlighted, alongside the need for the treaty to be understandable and capable of flexible interpretation. The paragraph also touches on the personal frustrations of James Busby and the pressure to finalize the treaty despite the lack of a finalized document. The narrative builds tension around the impending meeting and the uncertainty of whether a treaty can be successfully drafted and agreed upon.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡British Empire
💡Treaty
💡Captain William Hobson
💡Maori
💡James Busby
💡Sovereignty
💡Church Missionary Society
💡Settlers
💡Translation
💡Colonial Office
Highlights
Captain William Hobson departs from Plymouth, England, on August 25th, 1839, with a mission to establish a treaty between the British Crown and the native Chiefs of New Zealand.
After a four-month voyage, Hobson arrives in Australia before setting sail for New Zealand, aiming to finalize the treaty.
In February 1840, New Zealand is not yet a British colony and is home to approximately 100,000 native Tangata whenua people.
There are also about 2,000 foreigners, including settlers, whalers, traders, and missionaries, living in New Zealand with the consent of local Chiefs.
Hobson's arrival with the treaty could potentially change the relationship between the local population and the foreigners.
A significant Chief, Hōne Heke, is described as intelligent and troublesome, having attended a church missionary school.
James Busby, the British Resident, is eager to bring the 'civilizing effect' of the Empire to the 'Lawless Savages' of New Zealand.
The urgency of the situation is highlighted by the convergence of native Chiefs as they prepare to meet with Hobson.
William Hobson, despite being commissioned as New Zealand's first governor, is ill and has had disagreements with the ship's Captain.
The treaty's translation into a language understandable by the native Chiefs is a critical task assigned to Reverend Henry Williams.
The Chiefs' sovereignty over New Zealand is acknowledged in the colonial office's instructions, yet their competence is questioned.
The challenge of obtaining the Chiefs' free and intelligent consent while suggesting their incapability creates a dilemma.
The necessity to complete the treaty in a short timeframe, with less than two days before the meeting, adds to the urgency.
The treaty must be in a plain language that is legally sound and understandable to the native mind.
James Busby's introduction of the grapevine to New Zealand and his role in the treaty negotiations are mentioned.
The final push to complete the treaty is emphasized, despite the lack of a finalized English version, let alone a translated one.
Transcripts
August 25th 1839 and the sun seldom sets
on the British Empire Captain William
Hobson departs Plymouth England
[Music]
after 4 months at Sea he arrives at Port
Jackson Australia 3 weeks later he sets
sail for his final destination his
mission to make a treaty between the
crown and the native Chiefs of New
Zealand
[Music]
[Applause]
February 1840 in New Zealand is
currently not a colony of Great Britain
it's home to the native New zealanders
Tang def fenua people of the land of
whom there are approximately
100,000 there are also about 2,000 toii
foreigners settlers Whalers Traders and
missionaries who live here by the good
graces of the local Chiefs who find some
advantage in their presence
but with the arrival of Hobson and his
treaty all that could soon
change heai significant chief of the
naap also known as H he he attended the
church missionary school at K Ki where
he was found to be intelligent and
Troublesome from my good friend Mr
my dear friend I make contact with you
again a warship has arrived with a chief
on board sent by the Queen of England to
be a governor for us both now He
suggests that all the chiefs of the
Confederation of New Zealand on
Wednesday of this Holy Week coming
should gather to meet him from your dear
friend buby
he's wife hararo daughter of the late
great and fearsome naap chief
honga he invites me to a meeting in my
own
land excuse me you can't
stop hi I I was just wondering at
William Kenzo Church missionary Society
printer and naturalist still no word
from Busby let's situation has become
most
urgent thank
you Samuel Ironside wisian
[Music]
missionary still no sign
nothing what's the man doing in
there there is but two days before the
hooie a meeting called to discuss
relations between the British crown and
the natives of New Zealand and to bring
about an agreement between the two
people
but at this rate it'll be a miracle if
there's a treaty at
all James Busby British resident and
representative of the crown in New
Zealand until now in the last seven
years I've done everything I can to
bring the civilizing effect of the
Empire to these poor ignorant Lawless
Savages a man described as having made a
full occupation of complaining I was
given neither troops nor any means of
enforcing my position in this Lawless
place
is his Excellency ready to continue no
he's
still ill dispersed James Stewart
Freeman private secretary to Hobson
recently of Sydney rumored bral owner
once described as the most disgustingly
immoral swindling scoundrel in town but
lovely handwriting apparently this
really can't
wait do come
in your Excellency on the matter of the
treaty we are most anxious what with
William Hobson naval officer the man
commissioned to become New Zealand's
first governor and not a well
man he had the most frightful Breeze
with the ship's Captain over a matter of
protocol an argument since
then can he even
speak sir the native Chiefs are
converging as per instructions we need
to treat an N so that it could be
translated in time otherwise it may
leave it might prove impossible to get
them back again
is there a
draft
anything a folio his
folio a briefing from Lord normanby of
the colonial office and his excellency's
uh work in
progress this s um
oh I have
been ill disposed yes
right then perhaps I might it may be for
the best so
right another important Chief the Duke
foree
foreign
fore spee foree
[Music]
[Music]
[Music]
those barel in the tent in the
tent come on gentlemen we have much time
let's go let's
[Music]
go Jack Jones Trader I jumped ship back
in 27 after a disagreement with the
ship's C over a certain
pistol ran smack bang to a bunch of
natives who are of a mind to eat me
until I showed them the disputed pistol
then their Chief decided I'd better
serve as their pet white boy set myself
up in corar and haven't looked back
Whata described as the hellhole of the
Pacific yep potatoes pigs and
prostitutes them natives they know the
value of trade and now these bastards
have come to ruin it for us language Mr
Jones go to hell your
Reverend Henry Williams Church
missionary Society known respectfully by
the mai as For Eyes the man chosen to
translate the treaty if there's ever to
be one father to 11 children a man
described as arrogant stubborn and
fearless qualities apparently admired by
the Tongue to
Fina I have a letter from the bishop of
Australia requesting that I use my
influence on on the native Chiefs to
sign to do that will require a treaty in
a language they can
understand
fore
fore
for and his brother TTI wak in great
warriors they fought alongside hongi hia
when he returned from England with his
200 muskets ah there was so much
slaughtering there were gorged with
human flesh that made them sick in their
heads and
weak
for good day
gentlemen I saw Busby holding this folio
aoft as in Triumph and I thought Lord be
praised it was going to be close but we
can still make it when he came ashore
all he had were a few scratchings and
some half-baked
Notions he is frustrated to the extreme
obstinate Petty and obsessed with what
he perceives as personal
slights let's not forget James Busby
introduced the grape vine to New Zealand
I was pleasantly surprised to discover
he makes a very palatable
[Music]
R it needs plain language legal document
a treaty with her majesty and as such
will be subject to the Judgment of
History I must say I agree with Mr Busby
it needs flourish style alarm it needs
to be understood by the native mind at
this point I'm thinking even I don't
understand it the instructions from the
colonial office were confusing to say
the least well of course Lord Norman
be's brief was somewhat ambiguous it
needs to be capable of flexible
interpretation if it is to stand the
test of time in one line Lord normanby
acknowledges that the natives have
sovereignty over New Zealand soil mhm
and yet a few lines later He suggests
that they are incompetent to act or even
deliberate in concert and how is this a
problem he wants them to give their free
and intelligent consent to this treaty
and at the same time suggest that they
are incapable of such a
thing well then perhaps we should delay
this Gathering of the Trib that's not
possible no we might never get them back
so we should proceed well there is no
alternative we must must complete this
treaty
tonight even so there won't be time to
sell it to print less than 2 days to go
and there's still no treaty in English
much less D that's cutting it fine
Ver Más Videos Relacionados
The Aotearoa History Show - Episode 4 | Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Waitangi - What Really Happened: Part 2
The Aotearoa History Show - Episode 3 | Early Encounters
First Anglo Maratha War in Hindi | Treaty of Salbai UPSC | Treaty of Purandar | Treaty of Surat
The War of Jenkin's Ear and King George's War, 1739 - 1748
The Seven Years' War part 2
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)