I should add that I cannot claim the credit for having originated the
above scheme. I had been for months at my wit's end, forming plan after
plan for the evangelisation of Erewhon, when by one of those special
interpositions which should be a sufficient answer to the sceptic, and
make even the most confirmed rationalist irrational, my eye was directed
to the following paragraph in the _Times_ newspaper, of one of the first
days in January 1872:-
"POLYNESIANS IN QUEENSLAND.--The Marquis of Normanby, the new Governor
of Queensland, has completed his inspection of the northern districts
of the colony. It is stated that at Mackay, one of the best sugar-
growing districts, his Excellency saw a good deal of the Polynesians.
In the course of a speech to those who entertained him there, the
Marquis said:--'I have been told that the means by which Polynesians
were obtained were not legitimate, but I have failed to perceive this,
in so far at least as Queensland is concerned; and, if one can judge
by the countenances and manners of the Polynesians, they experience no
regret at their position.' But his Excellency pointed out the
advantage of giving them religious instruction.
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