condensed discuss document expanded export feedback print share remove reset document_white enquire_white export_white report_white

Collections Online

Collections record

discuss document export feedback print share gallery-landscape xml

Letter from Bishop George Augustus Selwyn to George Clarke and the Missionary Land Claimants, September 7, 1847

documentary heritage
  • Description

    An explanation of the Bishops stance and proposed course of action concerning missionaries land claims, especially those of George Clarke. This letter references the communications and conversations on the 'Land Question' presented before the Church Missionary Committee, Reverend W. Cunningham, The Bishop of Australia, and the Land Commissioners between 1840 - 1842.

    Bishop Selwyn acknowledged the maximum holdings, of 2560 acres, enforced by Her Majesty's Government, and the Resolution declaring that 200 acres could be purchased for each child. He goes on to explain the legal terms in which British Subjects could acquire land in New Zealand, specifically referring to the granting of titles by the Crown. Selwyn references George Grey's published letter to Mr. Gladstone. Defending the document by stating 'I cannot see that Governor Grey's remarks apply to the Missionaries more than too many other claimants, and The Society, in requesting His Excellency to act as their advisor, clearly intimate their opinion that neither the matter nor the manner of his remarks is unjust or harsh.' Followed by a list of 'the independent grounds on which I [Bishop Selwyn] concur with the proposal of Governor Grey.'

  • Other Id

    14012 (Presto content ID)

    MS-1991-75-460 (Reference Number)

  • Department

    Manuscripts

Images and documents

Catalogue

  • Object Type

    manuscript

  • Name/Title
    Letter from Bishop George Augustus Selwyn to George Clarke and the Missionary Land Claimants, September 7, 1847
  • Primary Maker

     Algar Williams

  • Date
    1847
    1783-1963
  • Physical Description

    16pp on 16 leaves ; 325mm x 206mm

  • Language
    English
  • Collection
    Algar Williams
  • Level of Current Record
    Child
  • Is Part Of

    Williams Family Papers, 1783 - 1963

  • Public Access Text

    MS leaves previously held together with black ribbon.

    [Keywords: Correspondence, Land Sales Act, Government, Governance, Sale and Purchase, Tenure]

  • Subject Notes
    George Augustus Selwyn, was the first Anglican Bishop of New Zealand. His career and relationship with the Williams Family was blighted by his injudicious support of Governor Grey during investigations into missionaries accused of acquiring land illegally. [more information: Warren E. Limbrick. 'Selwyn, George Augustus', Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, first published in 2010. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/1s5/selwyn-george-augustus (accessed 22 March 2018)]
  • Copyright
    No known copyright restrictions
  • Last Update
    07 Jul 2023
The development of the Auckland War Memorial Museum online collection is an ongoing process; updates, new images and records are added weekly. In some cases, records have yet to be confirmed by Museum staff, and there could be mistakes or omissions in the information provided.

The gift of curiosity

With unlimited free entry to all paid exhibitions, discounted event tickets and exclusive Member-only events, a Museum Membership is the gift that keeps on giving year-round.

SEE OPTIONS FROM $60

The gift of curiosity