[From the Spectator, March 22.]

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 185, 20 September 1845, Page 113

[From the Spectator, March 22.]

The Times of this morning gives some good advice touching New Zealand. The accession of that powerful organ is significant as to the drift of influential public opinion. Another token is the City petition cited by the journal. It is a remarkable document : it presents in a condensed form what we believe to be a correct view of the whole affair, finishing with a demand for good government in the colony, and justice to all. The petition is signed by 1 15 of the first mercantile names in London: very few such, firms have withheld their signature, and in each instance' of exception the abstinence is to be accounted for on distinct grounds apart from the merits of the case; for the merchants of whom we speak are of such a class that they, may well have connexions in 4he Cabinet itself. * * ♦ • • When discreet and influential persons all around look grave and talk in this way, it is plain that they have a distinct notion of what it would be right to do. We shall see whether the test is too severe for the good sense and right feeling of those concerned. Mr. Charles Buller has announced that he will bring forward the general question of. New Zealand after Easter : there is time for reflection : the recess intervenes, and Ministers will be remote from the distractions and' not inexcusable asperities of nightly questioning. There is opportunity for some change. If statesmen could for once rise above parliamentary human nature, approach the question in the spirit laudably professed by Lord John Russell, and consult together, not to exact humiliation for the past, but to do the best that can be done for the future, assuredly no party would venture to keep among the petty personalities which Tiave been hitherto selected as the ground of discussion. Neither the parties interested nor mere spectators can desire to see the mischief prolonged.