We are happy to say that we have at length succeeded in forming the society of which we spoke some while ago, for examining and turning to account the natural resources of the colony. As we have already stated, the principle upon which it has been formed is the bringing together from all clashes of society, those who are willing to turn their attention towards such an object, the possession of available knowledge, practical or scientific, being the only qualification reqv-ed. It was indeed high time that some attemi of the sort should be made. No man doubts but that we are dependent for our seeming prosperity upon Commissariat expenditure, and upon our share of the Parliamentary grant; and few feel secure that either the one or the other will be much longer continued to us. The Chancellor of the Exchequer hard pressed for money—foiled in the attempt to increase t lie income tax; significant hints thrown out in the mother country, that the New Zealand grant is a heavy dram upon her, and that it is full time that so stout a bantling should be weaned; awkward recollections of promises once made that this should be a self-supporting colony ; Ireland almost in open rebellion, England herself menaced with war, while double or treble our fair Colonial allowance of military force has been hitherto suffered to remain jut here, —he must be a bold man who would take upon himself to predict the continuation of such liberal assistance for another year. Let us take time by the forelock, and ascertain to a certainty what we ha\e really left to fall back upon, should a le-action come, and our present sources of revenue be dried away. If nothing else be gamed, there will beat least the comfortable feeling of increased security against a complete collapse. One objection to the formation of any such society as this, we have so frequently heard made, that it has become worthy of nonce, as an indication of the prevailing impression and temper of the settlement. Again and again have we been answered, when advocating the scheme, in these very same words:— '■ What is the use of doing any thing now ? Government interference with whatever we attempt, is certain ; e\ery possible check is placed upon private enterprise . let us wait for better times." The objection ts not unfounded, but still is hardly applicable. It is not in the hope of dving any thing that this society has been organised, but lather for ascertaining what cm be done , tint the colonists may be enabled clearly to see their way, so soon as the pres-
sure which now weighs so heavily upon them shall be taken off. Let us at least be prepared for those better times, when they shall at last arrive. .. The first meeting of the society will be held on Saturday evening next, at seven o'clock, at the editor's house, in Mechanic's Bay.
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Bibliographic details
Anglo-Maori Warder, Volume 1, Issue 21, 14 September 1848, Page 2
Word Count
488Untitled Anglo-Maori Warder, Volume 1, Issue 21, 14 September 1848, Page 2
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