(14, p. 73.)

In former Notes I have given some illustrations of the depressed state of the times before Sir G. Grey was appointed Governor over New Zealand; but time and appearances now loudly declare the great alterations that have occurred in people’s circumstances; for instance, many who once could scarce get a shoe to their foot can now ride upon their own horses; and many who sometimes did not know where or how to obtain a meal’s victuals, can now boast of their many broad acres of land and of the number of their cattle. Look also at the improvements which show themselves now everywhere compared with what before they were. Through him chiefly the working man found employment, through which channel benefits more or less have flowed to all. In other respects industry has been roused to greater activity—money, the great stimulus of society has got into circulation, so that every one now, comparatively speaking, enjoys a happiness which can be read in their faces, and which they once little expected ever to experience. Nay, the bitterest of our Governor’s enemies, whatever shade of politics they may profess, must also acknowledge, even at the slightest retrospect, that times with him have indeed wonderfully improved.