Story: Cartooning

Taranaki Punch on the 'native question'

Taranaki Punch on the 'native question'

This cartoon from Taranaki Punch in November 1860 depicts Bishop George Selwyn (centre) shielding a defiant Māori arsonist from attack by the British military. In the early colonial period a number of local versions of the British magazine Punch appeared, featuring cartoons reflecting the views of many Pākehā settlers. This cartoon illustrates the common settler opinion that missionaries were interfering busybodies who mistakenly protected violent Māori. It suggests that 'rebel' Māori could only be controlled by force.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Making New Zealand Centennial Collection (PAColl-3060)
Reference: PUBL-0152-back-001

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Ian F. Grant, 'Cartooning - Cartooning in a new land, 1840 to 1899', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/cartoon/41723/taranaki-punch-on-the-native-question (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Ian F. Grant, published 22 Oct 2014