His Excellency's Reply. Government House, Auckland, December 30, 1843.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume I, Issue 38, 6 January 1844, Page 3

His Excellency's Reply. Government House, Auckland, December 30, 1843.

G*NTLEMEH, In acknowledging how much I am gratified by the expressions, the tone, and the valuable subfitance o{ the AddresB by which you have been pleased to honor me, aB the fiepreaeutative in this Colony of our beloved Sovereign. I am most desirous ot asiuring you that, hawever undeserving I may feef myself of the complimentary language in which the first part of your Address is couched, no effort shall be wanting on my part, to realise your hopes, and do

justice to Her Majesty's confidence ; while Divine Providence permits me to enjoy health and capability. Allow me also to thank you most cordially for your kind congratulations on the safe arrival of Mrs. Fitzroy and my Family. She, like myself, is deeply interested in the improvement of New Zealand, and, among her own sex, will do all she can to promote their eternal as well as temporal wilfare. Most painful indeed it is, to find such distress and depression, prevailing here, as well as in almost every other Colony, and in the Mother Country. Tne causes which have led to the distress of our countrymen in New Zealand, demand the utmost attention and immediate counteraction as far as may be practicable. The temporary embarrassment of the Local Government is a cause of distress unlikely to last many months. The present state of things is undoubtedly very bad ; but I see no reason to doubt of future prosperity. An equitable, as well as speedy settlement of the Land Claims— harmonious intercourse with the Aboriginal Inhabitants — i course of policy calculated to meet mutual interests, and therefore unite rather than dissever ; and a steady perseverance in truly Christian conduct, will doubtless be rewarded by prosperity and happiness. Meanwhile let us all put our own shoulders to the wheel. Let us help one another as much as possible. Casting aside uncharitable and acrimonious feelings, engendered by. doubt and distress ; let us heartily rally, and earnestly exert ourselves; each in his station, and, with God's blessing, success must follow. I agree with you that it would be improper for Government to take possession of lands, validly purchased from Aborigines, but m excess of the quantities allowed to Europeans in New Zealand, unless to prevent warfare. I trust that the Natives of New Zealand will fully respect and admire the equitable Government of our Sovereign. No oue is more desirous than I am myself, that the Natives of New Zealand should enjoy the full rights of British subjects, as soon as they are sufficiently advanced in civilization. , The power of selling their land to whom they please, was withheld from them by the Crown for their l own benefit. lam authorized to prepare for other arrangements more suitable to their improved, and ; daily improving condition. j lam extremely desirous that restrictions on trade should be removed, and commerce made as free as possible ; but measures tending to this end must be I deliberately and most carefully planned. A due portion of the revenue of this Colony will be ■ conscientiously applied in public works ; and, as far as circumstances will allow, the more distressed of our countrymen, will be employed upon them. A re-survey of lands will be effected where absolutely necessary, if the evils consequent on such a disturbing measure should appear to be decidedly less than those now existing. A cheap and expeditious method of compelling payment of small debts is a measure absolutely necessary, about which I shall deem it my duty to confer fully with the Legal Advisers of the Government and other Gentlemen of recognizsd ability. The punctual payment of Salaries, and other obligations of* the: Government will be attended to as scrupulously as the means at my disposal will admit, and future liabilities will be most jealously scrutinized. No more pardoned offenders, whether apprentices or others, will be sent to this Colony before Her Majesty's Government have received & report on the subject from me : but I hope that, pending the ultimate decision of Her Majesty? due charity of feeling will be exercised towards these youths. Again thanking you truly and fervently for your kind, loyal, and patriotic Address, I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, Your very obedient humble servant, ROBERT FITZROY, Governor.