REFUGEES FROM THE Bay of Islands.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 104, 12 April 1845, Page 3

REFUGEES FROM THE Bay of Islands.

On Monday night last, 11. M. S. "North jar," Capt. Sir E. Home, Bart., arrived i the harbour, from the Bay of Islands, nil brought near ninety more persons, who ire been compelled to leave their homes iseek new abodes and occupation in this gtnct. — We understand that there still -main about one hundred more persons in je Bay of Islands and neighbourhood, aiting opportunity to come likewise here. fe know not the views or intentions of the ,oca! Government towards the very nuierous unfortunate persons, driven from irious pursuits, now congregated in Auckind; but we would suggest that they should have land allotted to them, so liat they may erect dwellings, and in some legree obtain a subsistance by raising food. n their destitute condition and unforeseen ircumstances, for which they themselves ire not blameable, all common ordinary ales or regulutions should be discarded. To those who were agriculturist at the Bay, n its neighbourhood, land should be given ;j the Government in this district ; and to 'hose who had dwellings and were followag some trade in Kororarika, allotments, ir parts of allotments should be given in :iie town : this might be done on a prin•iple of exchange, the lands at Kororarika everting to Government. — The autumn is 'ast waning, and every day is of moment a erecting dwellings by native labour, and breaking up ground, before the wet weather rad short days arrive. — ■ The Government should not, in this unprecedented disastrous emergency, weigh too nicely their measures towards these truly unfortunate individuals. Land itself is now of no value, and Government have plenty on their hands from tho last sale and elsewhere, and some spot might be chosen on which numbers might be located together, so as to form a village or township, within a short distance from Auckland. Indeed, we see no reason why the Government should not resume possession of the town and suburban allotments set apart for, but not yet purchased by, the New Zealand Company. They will never be taken possession of by settlers sent out by that Company, and reserving them, only prevents the occupation and improvement <ot the town and neighbourhood. — The allotments in Mechanic's Bay would accommodate numbers, and keep the population concentrated. We doubt not that if the Government would adopt some generous — aad we add hut just — scheme in this respect, it would induce many of these houseless fugitives to remain here, instead of leaving the Colony — and that they would receive great and liberal assistance, in various ways, for their dwellings and cultivation, from the residents of Auckland and aeighbourhood. By the arrival of the schooner "Russell" from the Bay of Islands, on Thursday morning, we learn that a reconciliation has taken place between the contending natives in that neighbourhood. After the first skirmish between them a Icorero took place, in which Heki declared that in his attacks on the flag-staff and military he had been actuated "by no motive of personal aggrandizement, but for the honor and interest of all native chiefs. After the usual discussion Heki and Nene shook hands. The "Russell" left the Bay of Islands on Sunday morning.