Story: Rural mythologies

This hand-coloured lithograph, based on a drawing by John Saxton, was published in Edward Jerningham Wakefield’s book, Adventure in New Zealand. The illustrations in the book were intended to present New Zealand as a perfect location for English rural life. Its aim was to attract rural labourers and others who wanted to recreate a settled country life in New Zealand. This scene shows Nelson as prosperous, with many small farms. The people in the foreground are building new homes.