William Colenso (1811–1899)

A narration of events which happened on that memorable occasion, the 5th and 6th of February, 1840. Mr. Colenso took part in the signing and wrote down down this résumé on the spot while it was fresh in his memory. His intention was to record the day for his fellow colonists. It appears that the account was first published by the Government Printer in 1890. The book also includes copies of the Treaty in English and Maori and also of the three early and chief proclamations relating to the foundation of the colony. I played the part of Captain Nias of the HMS Herald in a stage play representation of the event, directed by Richard Campion, that ran for four performances in the Wellington Town Hall in 1986. I searched for this book at the time as one of the writings on the subject that would help me to better understand the event as it happened. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.… (más)