Travels in Southern Waters: A Ride Through the Disturbed Districts of New Zealand; Together with Some Account of the South Sea Islands

This is not a facsimile copy. It has been carefully transcribed and annotated. First published in 1870 under its much longer subtitle, Travels in Southern Waters is based on the journals of Lieutenant the Hon. Herbert Meade and his time served on HMS Curaçoa and HMS Esk. He spent time in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands at a critical time in European exploration and colonization. Covering the period from December 1864 through to November 1866, Meade was an eyewitness to many events of historical significance. The book includes: — The Tauranga Campaign and the aftermath of Gate Pa. — The colonial struggle against the Pai Marire movement. — A trip to Lake Taupo on behalf of Governor Sir George Grey. — Abduction, ultimate escape and return to Auckland via Napier. — Patrols around the Pacific Islands and the politics of the region. — The Fijian wars led by Seru Epenisa Cakobau. — A critical look at missionary expansion and activity in the Pacific. Meade’s critical eye and wry sense of humour makes this both an informative and enjoyable read.

Lieutenant the Hon. Herbert G. P. Meade was the fourth son of Earl Clanwilliam. After joining the Royal Navy, Meade first served in the Channel Squadron, before being assigned to the Australian Station. In December 1864, Meade accompanied a party, sent by Governor Sir George Grey, to the Maori around Lake Taupo. He was then sent on a tour of the South Seas, visiting Norfolk Island, Niue, the Samoan group, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. He then switched to HMS Esk and did much the same, before returning home to Britain. In 1868 at the age of twenty-seven, Herbert Meade was tragically killed in an accident in Portsmouth, England. He was experimenting with a new torpedo design in the back room of a house on Union Street, Portsea Island. The torpedo exploded, causing fatal injuries to Meade and an assistant, and he died after "ten hours of intense suffering."