Story: Self-government and independence

Because the British government controlled Māori affairs, it was liable for the costs of fighting the New Zealand wars. This is an invoice for piloting services provided to HMS Eclipse in August 1865. The frigate served as part of the ‘Waikato flotilla’, a group of warships that protected vessels travelling the Waikato River. Pinned to the invoice is a note, ‘Charge on Imperial Government’.