AUCKLAND.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 167, 17 May 1845, Page 43

AUCKLAND.

[Extract from a prirate letter to a gentleman in NeUon, dated

Much 25th, 1845.]

1 believe it is true that the Waikato chiefs are just at present friendly towards us, because their income is pretty considerable from the sale of lands, at from 2s. to 3s. per acre, with a good chance of extorting a second or third payment — the Government having abandoned their own claim to a district designated as Government lands on the surveyor's plan (the district of Waipapa, beyond Papakura), and allows individuals to purchase them of the Maories. I arh, however, informed that Te Whero Whero siders that, as John Heki will take Auckland if he attacks it, it is his duty to prevent his becoming too rich and powerful by the plunder of a second settlement ; and therefore, although, the Governor requests the Waikatos not to interfere, he shall not listen to him or the protectors, but think it right to' anticipate John Heki, by proceeding to occupy Auckland, and there protect the Governor and protectors against John Heki.

The only extent of land worth occupying about Auckland is south of the Tamaki and on the south-east of the Manakau harbour — the Papakura and Waipapa districts. Respectable settlers have already been there plundered and beaten ; and, on applying to the Governor for redress, have been informed that they have placed themselves beyond the pale of protection — being fourteen miles from the capital by an easy horse or cart road. It is perfectly obvious, and now felt and acknowledged by the disappointed settlers, that an entire regiment, permanently stationed at the capital, could not afford protection to the occupiers of land against the Waikato tribe alone, -whenever diminished income or jealousy of the Government, or caprice, shall incite the chiefs of that tribe to act on the aggressive. Such is the legitimate consequence of colonizing a portion of: New Zealand already sufficiently occupied by an aboriginal race. This was foresaen from the first by persons of common sense. Yet I had been told that had all the colonists inNew Zealand been placed at Auckland, it would not have alarmed the Maories, because they were so advanced in civilization tli,at they could appreciate the blessings of. civilization and British sovereignty. Wi hereas the great chiefs resent this usurpation of sovereignty exceedingly, and declare that they were enticed by presents and misrepresentations to assent to it. But, whether it arrive within five months or five years, sooner, or later the "Waikato tribe will follow the example of the patriot John Heki, arid make war on the British Government at Auckland.

, For about three weeks I exerted myself to be able to form a correct opinion of the character of the surrounding country and its agricultural and mineral resources. It is a \ery pleasing country to the eye, and most easily traversed on foot and on horseback ; but the fertility of the best land has been, in my opinion, overrated greatly. The bulk of! the occupied land is such as would only beirely repay the capital and industry of an experienced farmer ; and the bulk of the ■wjiole surface, especially north of Auckland for thirty miles, including the surveyed land, is 'not -worth having at a gift. From the g? eat extent of nice surface, had there been any natural pasture, it would have been a pi easant country for stock-keepers. The harvest has been unfavourable ; the •wheat dreadfully smutty, and discoloured grain and straw with wet. Agricultural op erations are everywhere at a stand still, fo r the simple reason that the farmers have not the means of employing labour, and this cojnfirms my judgment of the quality of the lafcd, whatever landowners and dealers may sajy or swear. I believe almost any estate could be purchased for ss. an acre in the settlement. A man who has a Government salary might afford to spend half of it in improving his farm for his pleasure and hejalth ; few others can afford the outlay ; atileast until a drought and famine shall occur in Australia.

'Potato Sugar. — The growers of potatoes in the British kingdom are likely to be benefitted by the exertions of the home sugar manufacturers, who are now determined to purchase all that comes within their reach. At the manufactory of potato sugar, at Stratford, in Essex, and other places, we understand that the " fruit of the earth " (potato) will be taken in any quantity, and at a fair price. We have no doubt that the juice of the cane is superior to the meal of the potato, but we have positive proof that the potato can make up in any quantity what is deficient in quality ; and as no one can question the nutriment in the potato, we do not see why potato sugar should not be as advantageous to the tea or coffee table as the potato is to the dinner table; be this as it may, we have it on good authority that three tons of the raw material will produce one ton of the manufactured article, and consequently the British manufacturers can successfully compete with the foreign and colonial produce. — Price Current.