BAY OF ISLANDS.

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

BAY OF ISLANDS.

In this, our first number, we have given a narrative of all the events, which have occurred at the Bay of Islands, from the commencement of the rebellious proceedings of Hone Heke down to the present time, inclusive of the despatches of Lieut. -Colonel Hulme to His Excellency the Governor, which were published in the last Gazette. We have adopted this course, in order that the columns of this Journal shall record, fully, an event and its consequences, which must, most deeply, affect the future history of this Colony. On Sunday evening last, the barque British Sovereign arrived from Sydney, with the headquarters of the 99th Regiment, and following officers :-— Lieutenant-Colonel Despard, Major Macpherson, Lieut, and Adjutant Dearing, Lieutenants Beattie, Johnson, Dr. Galbraith, Ensigns Symonds and Blackburn, Dr. Meen, and 200 rank and file. The brig Victoria, and the schooner Velocity, having on board troops, sailed, on Tuesday evening, for the Bay of Islands ; and it is anticipated, that nearly the whole of the forces, now in Auckland, will follow this day, under !the command of Colonel Despard. They will be accompanied by four guns, under the command of Lieutenant Wilmot, Royal Artillery, son of Sir Eardley Wilmot, Lieut-Governor of Van Dieman's Land, who lately arrived from Hobart Town, with Messrs. Boyd and Kerr, retired Officers of the same corps, as volunteers on service in this Colony. We think the cold wet season far advanced, for field operations in New Zealand, and unless very prompt advantage is taken of the fine weather, before the full moon, great difficulty 'in proceeding in the bush, and severe privation to the troops will occur. The latest accounts from the Bay of Islands state, that Hone Heke has intimated to the Government that he is anxious for peace ; but not less inclined to carry on the war, if His Excellency the Governor prefers fighting. — He states that he has been sufficiently punished, by the destruction of his pahs, his canoes, his provisions, and the loss of so many of his followers — for the little crime, which he has committed, of cutting down the Flag-staff : to which, he was instigated, he declares, by French and American people, who told him that the English would enslave, ultimately, all the natives. Heke likewise urges, that the lives of all the Pakehas, at Kororarika, were at his mercy, and that he prevented, not only the slaughter of those who left it, but also of the Missionaries and others, who have remained. He is anxious, that the Government should let him and Nene fight out their own quarrels and not interfere. However rebellious and unlawful the conduct of Heke, it is very far different to that of Kowaiti and Pomare. Heke displays a nobleness of character, with feelings that, under other circumstances, would be deemed patriotic ; and he has, certainly, proved himself not to be so sanguinary as many applauded heroes of civilized nations.

We understand that some project is in contemplation, and at this time, under the consideration of His Excellency, and Executive Council, to assist the sufferers of the Bay of Islands, and other parts to the Northward, so as to enable them to resume their several avocations, in Auckland and the adjacent districts. Such an object is not only most praiseworthy, but it is highly politic, in the Local Government. Very many of the greatest sufferers have already left the Colony } with the remnant of their broken fortunes ;

and many others, arc only deterred from the same act, by their extreme poverty. On the first emergency, to find employment for those accustomed to daily labour was promptly and humanely done by the Governor, and the new extensive works now in progress by the Ordnance departmont, will most "probably prevent much distress during the winter months. But, it must be recollected that numerous as are those who have been expelled from their homes, accustomed only to obtain their livelihood by daily labor, yet there are very many who gave that employment; and who were engaged in agriculture, in the coasting trade, and in other commercial pursuits. It is this latter class, who have not only most just claims on the consideration of the Government, from their recent misfortunes ; but they are most valuable to the Colony, as settlers. It cannot be denied, that one of the greatest benefits which the Colony could now receive, would be, the arrival of persons to embark capital, in various undertakings; and thus, to give employment to others, already here. Most truly then, will it be wise policy, as well as highly advantageous to the Colony, to keep such persons from quitting it ; more particularly as the greatest number are long residents, and have had much practical knowledge and experience, in their various pursuits. After recent events, every effort should be made by the Local Government, to restore confidence, throughout the Colony, and the best and surest mode to accomplish that end, will be to confirm the value of land and property ; and the first step will be a judicious, liberal, comprehensive plan, of promptly assisting the late unfortunate sufferers, who have been totally, or partially, bereft of their land, and other property ; evincing, on the part of the Government, not only sympathy, in their afflictions ; but an earnest disposition, to be so far identified with their future efforts, as to prove to the settlers at large, that the Government have truly the advancement, happiness and prosperity of the Colony at heart. We hope soon to be enabled to lay before our readers, further particulcrs on this most deeply interesting subject ; which will have great effect beyond the Colony, and have considerable weight as an inducement to emigration from the adjacent colonies. Fire. — On Tuesday evening, last, the inhabitants of Auckland were much alarmed by a fire breaking out, at the slaughter- house and premises of Mr. Buckland, in Albert-street. The quantity of fat on the premises occasioned, for a time, great flumes, threatening much danger to the surrounding houses. The t>oldiers of the 96th were quickly on the spot, and, with the exertions of other inhabitants, prevented any extension of damage beyond Mr. Buckland's own premises.

To the Editor of " The Neui-Zealander." Sir,— The announcement' of your- Jonrnal prompts mo to tresspass on yonr columns, on a matter most interesting, and aflecting>vitally the trade and commerce of the Port of Auckland, and as su;h, I jam certain that you will insert the few observations with which I now trouble you. Since the re-establishment of the Customs, there have been new and most vexatious regulations imposed. Ships are not allowed to discharge caagoes but between the hours of 9 and 3 o'clock, aud after the lattei hour, all Custom house business ceases. Now, Sir, if there existed in Auckland quays, wharfs, or jetties, at which, boats or small crafts, could discharge at any time of tide, perhaps while there is, unfortunately, so little trade to the port, no great inconvenience would be experienced, but to those who know the state of the tides at Auckland it is quite obvious that at every change and full of the moon,— being half the year iv point of time, —landing goods between the hours of nine and three o'clock is perfectly impracticable. At change and full of the moon, it is high water at Auckland about lial f-past six o'clock, consequently at nine o'clock, it would be half-ebband the water would be quite low until thiee o'clock, wheu it would be about half flood $ so that it is quite clear, that fur 14 dajs out of every month, the tide will not permit boats oi* small crafl to come near to the beach. Surely, Sir, the hours might be extended to 5 o'clock. 1 am Sir; &c. &c. An Importer.