"
'Then I consulted my Executive Council, and I found it the autocrat,
unwilling to let me do anything at all. I believed that, if left to
myself, I could fashion something which would secure the gratitude of New
Zealand for all time. I fancied I was capable of that: as I had visions
of a new form of constitution being helpful, far beyond New Zealand. In
the end, when my thoughts had bent to a shape, I went up into the
mountains between Auckland and Wellington, camped on Ruapehu, in a little
gipsy tent, and set to the task. A few Maoris accompanied me to carry the
baggage; nobody else, for I could not have drawn the constitution with a
cloud of advisers about me.
'Where did I get my inspiration? Oh, by talking to the hills and trees,
from long walks, and many hints from the United States constitution. I
sought a scheme of government which should be broad, free, charged with a
young nation's vitality. But the greatest merit of my constitution, was
that the people of New Zealand could alter it at any point, should they
desire to do so. That was why it appeared to me unnecessary to ask a
number of leading men: Did they approve what I was doing? I aimed at a
most liberal constitution, and they could change it to their wishes as
time went on.'
Sir George held man's highest education to be that, which taught him the
rights and duties of citizenship.
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