The New-Zealander. SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 1845.

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 1, 7 June 1845, Page 2

The New-Zealander. SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 1845.

Be Just and fear not : Lot, .-ill the ends, tbon airas't at, be thy Country's, 'iliy CJod's, and Truth's.

On the first issue of a new journal, as candidate for public approbation and support, some exposition of political principles — some explanation of its objects, are deemed due from the projectors. To enter upon all the topics which are generally embraced, on such occasions, in the mother country, is not the present purpose ; for it would, in truth, bo superorogatory, — inasmuch as it would be impossible to perform, with certainty, promises and professions such as are generally put forth in similar declarations. In an infant Colony, and more especially this far distant one, the resources of a journalist, for Foreign intelligence, and general information from England, are limited, and only attainable as arrivals from Europe may occur. Limited, however, as are the sources and channels of information from without the Colony, the paramount object of a Colonial journal should be to advance the Colony itself ; and in proportion to its endeavours and success, in such views and purpose, so will be its true value, and its just claim to public support. In a Colony, with comparatively limited population, there cannot exist any such differences, in political opinions, as in older densely populated states : — the only sensible politics, for all classes, is unanimity in promoting the advancement, welfare, and prosperity of their adopted country. Such, then, will be the politics of " The JMlw-Zealander." In this Colony, at the present time, has arrived a most momentous crisis. This state of affairs has been brought about by conjoint causes : on the one hand, — by the restless, insubordinate, lawless, and, in some cases, treacherous conduct of the Natives, on various occasions, — more flagrantly at Tauranga, Wairau, and, more especially, at the Bay of Islands ; — on the other — by the neglect and apathy of the Home Government, in not sending sufficient military and naval force to protect tfie settlers, as well as to enable the Local Government to enforce obedience to the Laws, — to prevent outrage, — and to punish rebellion by the Natives. To this latter cause, may be ascribed the existence and action of that mistaken philanthropy hitherto evinced towards the Natives by the Colonial Executive ; which, we conceive, can only have had weight on those very serious important occasions, either — from consciousness of inefficiency of physical force to punish crime ; — from strong prepossession towards tho Aborigines, combined with imperfect knowledge and slight experience of their character; — or, from the undue influence of the erroneous opinions and blind prejudices of others. Wise and humane, — the former from absence of sufficient power to act offensively ; and the latter, from forbearance and clemency towards first offences, and infractions of the law by the Aborigines ;— as it may have been, to have acted so leniently towards those Native aggressors and rebels; yet past events, so raught with undeniable proofs of the real character of the Aborigines, most plainly indicate to the Local Government that a very different system and policy should henceforth be adopted. ITie ftfture measures of the Local Government towards the Natives, therefore, we shall most narrowly and carefully watch, — " British Authority must be Vindicated ;" and although earthly power never, more truly, or beautifully displays its sacred heavenly character than " when mercy seasons justice :"— yet, " We must not make a scarecrow of tho law, Sotting it up to fear the birds of prey, And let it keep one shape, till custom make it Their perch, and not their terror."

On the Financial and Internal policy pursued by the Execntive Local Government, due vigilance will be exercised. If their measures are marked by prudence and judicious economy, but with proper regard to the full administration of all requisite government, tending, obviously, to advance and benefit the Colony, they will be applauded and supported; — if' common sense, sound argument, and practical, experience prove them injudicious and prejudicial to the interests of the Settlers, they will meet with continued exposure and severe animadversion. It will be our endeavour, also, to give a faithful record of all passing events, within the

Colony ;— so that our journal may bo acceptable, and read with interest, in England ; and we shall be no less assiduous, to disseminate among the Colonists, every species of information, that may be worthy of attention, or conducive to their interests, not only to direct and excite their industry and cntcrprizc ; but also, with a view to promulgate, in other and distant climes, the existence of the numerous, various, valuable resources of this Colony ; — and to this end, we earnestly invite communications, on any subject, connected with the mineral, ! vegetable, and other products of these Islands, that may be available for export : — and so, to advance their Agriculture and Gommercc. To support the Religious and Moral character of Society, throughout the Colony, will ever be our anxious study ; but we conceive they are not promoted by a journal which is made the arena of theological controversy, or the medium |of prosyletism. On religious opinions and tenets, we shall ever be silent, being convinced, that they cannot be more out of place than in the columns of a newspaper :--- such subjects arc too sacred, — and their mention and exposition should be confined to their proper | sphere. In conclusion — we would rather fulfil than profess ; — and if we do not insure success in our undertaking, we will endeavour to deserve it.