ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. No. 2. ON THE CAUSES WHICH HAVE TENDED TO IMPEDE THE PROGRESS OF TrilS COLONY.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 3, 6 May 1843, Page 3

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. No. 2. ON THE CAUSES WHICH HAVE TENDED TO IMPEDE THE PROGRESS OF THIS COLONY.

To the Editor of the Southern Cross. Sm, — In my last letter I endeavoured to point out the absurdity of that system of "puffing" which is so much practised in the colonies, and the injury likely to be inflicted on our colony by imitating the example of others. While I did so, I would not for ore moment wish to insinuate that our own settlement at least has sustained any loss in this respect. In some of tho neighbouring settlements it cannot be denied that the system has been practised to a great extent, but Aucldand and the Bay of Islands are not only exempt from that vice, but their inhabitants have never had a fair opportunity of making known even the ■many natural resources and advantages of each settlement — perhaps they have not suffered much on this score — but unhappily the same circumstance which prevented the evil, has al- i so deprived them of the means of making known and procuring the redress of most serious grievances, and the removal of innumerable hindrances to every species of improvement and advancement. — The inhabitants of this portion of New Zealand have laboured under every disadvantage, and but for their extraordinary enterprise and persevering industry, together with a most unshaken confidence in the capabilities of the country, despair and disappointment would have long ago seized upon them as their prey. Nothing but the recollection of former prosperity and the hope of a return of better times, and the firm conviction of the superior advantages of their position, viewing the country either as the seat of commerce and trade, or as the field of agricultural and pastoral pursuits, could have sustained the heart and courage of the northern settlers of New Zealand through the past dark days of peril, trouble and suffering. In thus speaking of the sufferings of the settlers, 1 wish it distinctly to be understood, Mr. Editor, that neither I nor any man in this part of New Zealand have ever or for one instant blamed the country Wo never could see that our

harbours were not as good and as safe as when they were filled with vessels. Our climat9 was as healthy, as delightful as ever, and the land no less productive than before. Thcss fads were bef >re onr eyes, evident and sensible ; but, though they have kept up our hop^s, they could not remove the sense ot present suife - ing, or the feeling of honest indignation i-,r.-i manly anger. We are now, I trust, on thu eve of a change for the better, and as a gui'lofor future conduct, and with a view of hawi^' - ting by our experience of tho past, it may bi well and wise, calmly to consider the various causes which have for. a time marred ow prosperity. Good may in this rosj^c-l i\ r >"- I from" evil. Adversity is often the b'jsi and the most salutary instructor. The temporary confusion — the consequent check which our colony has sustained, although they nave no respect whatever, been the result of an;.' wise providence on the part of our rulery, aiii the undubitable effects of the most inonst,rou--, and gross ignorance of the science of o>-l government and social happiness, may still .resolve themselves into the elements of a fuuro and a more permanent prosperity. At the T>n - sent moment, notwithstanding the fiery iriul we have gone through, we stand alone am>^~ the great colonial convulsion — amidst ..r-; wreck of the other Austrab'an colonies Ntv.Zealand stands conspicuous in having sufterH nothing from, the causes which have been In such fatal and fearful operation in tho ocliO.'x The failures in New South Wales and tho other Australian colonies, instead of inmr-&<;" us, have tended on the contrary in an eruine/iv degree to our advantage, in as much as the;-'' who can escape from the general ruin with %.ny portion of their fortunes, are fast beta&i-ir themselves to our settlement, as into a pljic-; of secure and safe retreat. And were the <-:-- cumstances of our colony a little better kno"- . and the local government any thing wise an 1 judicious in their operations, or deservinc; *■./:-■ shadow of confidence, we should be crowd- 1 with refugees from New Holland and Van 11.-:-men's Land; as it is, even they are crying to our shores and to our country, urukr the certain assurance that, if speedy fortunes are not to be made, prudence and patience <*' ! I insure to every man an easy and a comfortr..i>> living, and under the expectation that the impediments which at present oppose the regress of this settlement, will speedily atrr^^r. the notice of the home government, and i-.--removed by a change ia the local adminstration. I am, Sir, yoiiTs, &c, VERITAS. April 27 th, 1843. (7b be continued.)