Maori and Settler

by G.A. Henty

George Alfred Henty, better known as G.A. Henty, began his storytelling career with his own children. After dinner, he would spend and hour or two in telling them a story that would continue the next day. Some stories took weeks! A friend was present one day and watched the spell-bound reaction of his children suggesting Henty write down his stories so others could enjoy them. About the book: The Renshaws emigrate to New Zealand during the period of the war with the natives. Wilfrid, a strong, self-reliant, courageous lad, is the mainstay of the household. He has for his friend Mr. Atherton, a botanist and naturalist of herculean strength and unfailing nerve and humor. In the adventures among the Maoris, there are many breathless moments in which the odds seem hopelessly against the party, but they succeed in establishing themselves happily in one of the pleasant New Zealand valleys.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Classics

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1891

About the author

George Alfred Henty, better known as G.A. Henty, began his storytelling career with his own children. After dinner, he would spend and hour or two in telling them a story that would continue the next day. Some stories took weeks! A friend was present one day and watched the spell-bound reaction of his children suggesting Henty write down his stories so others could enjoy them. He did. Henty wrote approximately 144 books in addition to stories for magazines and was known as "The Prince of Story-Tellers" and "The Boy's Own Historian." One of Mr. Henty's secretaries reported that he would quickly pace back and forth in his study dictating stories as fast as the secretary could record them.

Henty's stories revolve around fictional boy heroes during fascinating periods of history. His heroes are diligent, intelligent, and dedicated to their country and cause in the face, at times, of great peril... Henty's heroes fight wars, sail the seas, discover land, conquer evil empires, prospect for gold, and a host of other exciting adventures. Along the way, they meet famous personages... In short, Henty's heroes live through tumultuous historic eras meeting leaders of that time. Understanding the culture of the time period becomes second nature as well as comparing/contrasting the society of various cultures.

Reviews

[Joseph Burk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story by Henty. The characters were a little more personal than the typical Henty book and the historical aspect was just as wonderful as his other books. The plot is about the Renshaw family, after losing their fortune due to bank failure, emigrating to New Zealand. They face many adventures and battles with the savage Maori as well as having an apathetic father who isn't very manly. Mr. Renshaw does reform at the near end and that's a great part of the book. I would have given this five stars only the romance between Miss Renshaw (I forget her name at this moment) and Mr. Atherton was absolutely cheesy and unrealistic.

[chris sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight into early settlers of NZ

Really enjoyed this insight into early settler life and interactions with friendly maori and the troubles with Te Kooti. A great read

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. This might be my top favourite Henty book. Fully 2/3 of it is simply a novel, and only the last 1/3 contains history. Mr. Atherton is one of my favourite Henty characters—so very humorous, while being noble and brave. Marion and Wilfrid are delightful, and I enjoyed every moment of the scenes containing Mr. Ryan. There were a few mentions of alcohol, in almost all cases it being used as medicine. The storyline was exciting and contained some of Henty’s most humorous dialogues. I enjoyed every moment. And did I mention how humurous it was? ;)
 
A Favourite Quote: “‘It is a comfort,’ he remarked, ‘to sail under liberal owners. Now, my people insist on having their ships as well found as possible, and if I condemn spars, sails, ropes, or stays, they are replaced without a question. And it is the cheapest policy in the long run. There is nothing so costly as stinginess on board a ship. The giving way of a stay may mean the loss of the mast and all its gear, and that may mean the loss of a ship. The blowing away of a sail at a critical moment may mean certain disaster; and yet there are many owners who grudge a fathom of new rope or a bolt of canvas, and who will risk the safety of their vessels for the petty economy of a few pounds.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘...although of course there may be many advantages in being stout, there are advantages in being thin too.’
“‘I admit that,’ Mr. Atherton agreed; ‘but look at the disadvantages. A stout man escapes being sent trotted about on messages. Nobody would think of asking him to climb a ladder. He is not expected to dance. The thin man is squeezed into any odd corner; and is not treated with half the consideration that is given to a fat man. He worries about trifles, and has none of the quiet contentment that characterizes stout people. A stout man's food always agrees with him, or else he would not be stout; while the thin man suffers indigestion, dyspepsia, and perhaps jaundice. You see, my dear young lady, that almost all the advantages are on our side. Of course you will say I could not climb a ladder, but then I do not want to climb a ladder. I could not make the ascent of Matterhorn; but it is much more pleasant to sit at the bottom and see fools do it. I could not very well ride a horse unless it were a dray-horse; but then I have no partiality for horse exercise.’”

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A totally intriguing novel. The history of this error and the characters portrayed was an outstanding combination made for a most enjoyable experience !

G A Henry has a manner in his writing that brings together the historical vision in a unique powerful way. As I read each chapter I felt as though I was part of the epoche tale. I have not experienced this feeling very often.

[August · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first third of the book, which details the family's journey to New Zealand, to be far more interesting than the later accounts of battles. There's a lot of language and ideas in the book that are pretty typical of a 19th century colonizing mindset, but for the most part I was able to write that off as a product of its time. I liked the characters and found the story of their settlement to be engaging.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wilfrid, a young boy written in the traditional "Henty mold," lives in England. He has one sister a bit older than himself, a mother and a bookish father (who isn't involved in the lives of his children). When the family's bank "goes bust" Wilfrid takes it upon himself to help his mother manage the family finances; they find it expedient to move to New Zealand, a burgeoning nation.
With the intent on farming, Wilfrid and his family settle down among the Maoris to begin their new lifestyle. But attacks by the natives upon the homesteaders force Wilfrid's clan to band together with other settlers for protection.
Eventually, as the hostile situation comes under control, Wilfrid's sister marries his best friend and moves back to England. Wilfrid later marries a fellow settler's daughter and the story ends happily (as Henty's always do).
Not my favorite Henty book, but a good one nonetheless.

[Arteis]

A very old-fashioned book (makes Enid Blyton look positively progressive!). I have read quite a bit, but they haven't even made it to New Zealand yet! But it is an interesting viewpoint, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the author treats New Zealand history (if they ever get there!).