Sir William Martin and the Maori people; a study in Nineteenth Century Humanitarian Opinion

Abstract

This thesis is an attempt to present the views and action of a New Zealand humanitarian -- Sir William Martin - Chief-Justice of the Colony 1841 - 1858. It does not purport to be a biography. Two sections of his life in New Zealand are largely ignored. These are, his work as Chief-Justice, and his law work in general, whilst only passing reference is made to his contribution to the life of the Church of England in New Zealand - the formation of the Province of New Zealand and his attitude to Church and State relations. What remains is a study in humanitarian opinion in relation to the Maori people and their contact with western Civilization. Martin himself has left in New Zealand no accumulated papers - what does exist in this country in the form of private correspondence is scattered through the collections of papers of many of New Zealand's leading personalities 1840 - 1880. Much of the material used, is taken from the letters of Mrs. Martin to be found in the Selwyn Papers. There is abundant evidence here to show that she was in complete accord with her husband in all the fundamental approaches to the problems of life. The quotations from Mrs. Martin's letters and from her volume Our Maoris have proved invaluable in revealing the basic attitudes of a New Zealand humanitarian.