But time has vindicated Hobson's honesty and courage, and in some important respects even his discernment.

He anticipated the French, baffled the land-sharks, kept the peace, was generous to the Maori, and founded Auckland.

No bad record this for the harassed, dying sailor, sent to stand between his own countrymen and savages at the very end of the earth, and left almost without men or money! If under him the colonists found their lot almost unbearable, the fault was chiefly that of his masters.

Most of his impolicy came from Downing Street; most of his good deeds were his own.

It must be remembered that he was sent to New Zealand, not to push on settlement, but to protect the natives and assert the Queen's authority.