Catalogue
Catalogue
Object Type
Name/Title
Personal letter from James Busby to Archdeacon Henry Williams, March 15, 1850
Primary Maker
Date
1850
1783-1963
Physical Description
2pp on 1 Leaf ; 201mm x 259mm Folded to 201mm x 130mm
Language
English
Collection
Level of Current Record
Child
Is Part Of
Public Access Text
[Keywords: Correspondence, Arms, Guns, Duty]
Subject Notes
James Busby (1802-1871) was an early settler, viticulturist, farmer, and politician. In 1833, he was appointed British Resident by Governor Richard Bourke, and installed to settle tensions between Europeans and Maori, caused by unruly traders, settlers, and escaped convicts. In 1835, he instrumented New Zealand's Declaration of Independence - He Whakaputanga - acquiring 34 signatory's from throughout the North Island. By 1839, 52 chiefs had signed, including Te Wherowhero the first Maori King. In 1840, he assisted William Hobson in the drafting of the Treaty of Waitangi - Te Tiriti o Waitangi - and the document was debated and signed at his home. Despite these successes, Busby's position was rife with difficulty. Unable to gather support for his authority, he found his work somewhat futile. Aside from his political life, Busby focussed on farming. A skilled viticulturist, he not only helped to establish the Australian wine industry, but also cultivated one of New Zealand's earliest vineyards at Waitangi.
Copyright
No known copyright restrictions
Last Update
07 Jul 2023
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