Original Correspondence.

New Zealander, Volume 2, Issue 77, 21 November 1846, Page 4

Original Correspondence.

THE GOVERNOR j HIS MEASURES, AND HIS ■ ' l ■' ■ COUNCIL. • ' "' ' ' To the Editor of The Neio-Zealaruler. Sib,— Our Governor has come tiitlier us ft <rfrrf maP;

by whose means a neighbouring Colony lias been extricated from great depression and perplexity, winch, if there were nothing: else to command it, should secure for him, and for his measures, a fair trial in New Zea. land. It docs not necessarily follow that because he has succeeded in South Australia, thattheietorehe will succeed here. The case of Mew Zealand will require great views and great energies in connexion with a full and minute acquaintance with local facts ; native character : their property, rights, arid true interests. All this must be superadded to the nsual qualifications required in a Colonial Governor. Captain Grey has been here one year, and has had his hands full enough thus far. But who will say that one year is time sufficient for the developement of views and measures, the gratmds of which are very imperfectly known to the public, and in some instances, no doubt, are pending on the answers expected from home. In reference to His Excellency's good intentions, it does not appear necessary that any defence should be set up, because they have not yet been called in question. And as to his being a clear and sound thinker ; one who has a quick perception, a strong understanding, and a sound judgment, seems not to be doubted. The general unanimity of his council may be taken as one proof of this. The Governor meets with scarcely any thing like opposition from any honorable member. But how comes this 1 The votes are only remarkable for their agreement. Nor will it be said that the members ot council cannot dare to offer opposition. If Mr. Domett be correctly icported as having been the writer of ceitain articles in a southern print, no one will say that daring and animus were wanting there It is true that certain, men of the movement party here, say, that as a member of the Legislative Council he is a failure. Well, but Mr. Donnelly has the gift of speech, and has availed himself of his privilege aforetime, but now he hears and is instructed. Most people who are well acquainted with Mr. Kennedy have considered him a man of sense and information, having about him the fiankness of a John Bnlli who, when his opinion has been honestly formed, does not easily surrender it. How then, does it happen that such men should be talked over, as the saying goes/to the Governor's views, unless those views commend themselves to their honest and candid judgment. No doubt these gentlemen will tell you that they never come into the views of His Excellency unless he can offer a better reason for them, than they themselves, or the newspapers can offer against them. ; And shall they be condemned because they follow the course, in behalf of which the best reason can be given I Nay, but they think differently now upon many important subjects from what they formerly thought. Perhaps so. liut is it any disgrace to a man, no matter who he may be, to be guided by evidence, and to be wiser to day than he was yesterday ? It requires agrcat mind to say, "I perceive that 1 have been in the wrong." As laughter is bad logic, so is obstinacy alike repugnant to the generous, to the brave, and to the wise. I will not say one word to you, Mr. Editor, on the evils and mischief arising from an abusive Press, dealing in personalities, and scattering " fire-brands^ arrows, and death," among all classes of a Colonial population. This has too frequently proved the bane of a new settlement. Such a thing, lam persuaded, yon heartily condemn as any of those who think that reason, and not abuse, must ultimately govern mind. But you will, I am assured, devote your best energies to get to the bottom of arguments, and fiom full data to deduce sound and swaying reasons and consequences. South used to say, " the r « asons of things generally be | in a short compass." Afto a time we shall have a re- | presentative government ; the ruinous Pound au acre upset price will be brought down to ss. and roads made through the land. Meantime let us suspend our judgment until we are in possession of. all the facts and reasons which guide the Governor, and give him credit for honestly and with ability, endeavouring to make New Zealand the great point to which the streams of emigration from other Colonies, and from the Mothercountry shall presently' set m. J 1 do not for one moment despair of seeing the maori an elevated,' peaceful and useful race, living in harmony with prosperous and happy colonists. The governor has a right to your views, «ud~a claim upon all the assistance which can be afforded from every quarter. His interests and ours run in pararell lines ; and let me impress on my own mind, as well as others, that in promoting the prosperity of a young colony, a cup full of benevolence will, do more than a barrel of vinegar. 1 am S*ir, Your's &c. HONESTUS.

To the Editor of the New Zealander. Sir, — Permit me through the medium of your paper, to contradict a statement made in a newspaper called the Auckland Press, published this morning, in which I am represented to have asked the protection of the Governor from certain offensive language, which I supposed was applied to me by the Attorney General. The facts are these. 1 asked the Attorney- General whether he meant to apply to me some harsh language, which he used in the course' of the debate upon the Native Purchase IJill, stating at ttie same time, that, as Ij w,as un3 or, the impression that he (lid, I thought i£ my duty to le'Council, as well'as to, myself toput the, question directly to, him. "Whereupon the A tiorney- General denied that he applied to me any language of an offensive character. I am, Sir, yours, "William Donnelly. Auckland, Nov. 18, 1846.

To the Editor of the New-Zealander. Sir,— -I have to request your insertion of the enclosed letter to the residents of the northern district of the Colony of New Zealand. I am, Sir, Your's respectfully, Thos. E.Conry, Solicitor, Shortland-Street. Auckland, 20th Nov. 1846.

To the Residents of the Northern District of the Colony of New Zealand. Gentlemen, — It will not be deemed egotism on my part, if at this crisis of affairs in the Colony, I venture to obtrude myself for the first time on the public notice, wjicnl state that I am agent for four- fifths, of the merchants and traders in Auckland, and earning of them. As a British subject I have sworn allegiance to Her Majesty and her two predecessors on the Throne. In doing, so, the oath of allegiance is reciprocal, and Iconsider, Her Majesty as my legal mother ; but that her authority delegated to Captain Grey, cannot make him 'my legal step -father. I will not comment on the recent local enactments, nor say how far they are subversive of British liberty, or British^ honor ; but I jvill aslc you to be wise'ih time, and if my suggestions can promote your objects, your success will he' my most ample reward. My advice to you is to convene a public meeting to take into consideration the recent Legislative enactments — to, have them analyzed by, and' subjected to, tlie opinion of a professional man of eminence in England, that it may be seen how far these enactments will bear the test. I would then say, you ought to name a sufficient Parliamentary "representative ; for the ablest' memorial you could' send, must be forwarded through His Excellency to' the Colonial Secretary in England. His Excellency sends a riding comment on it, whi»h will then answer his views^ not yours. How easy it would be to subvert the recent enactments, may be shewn by a.single instance. The Queen acquired lier title in New Zealand, not by conquest,

but by treaty, and by it Her Majesty guaranteed to the native chiefs their territorial rightsl There' is nothing to hinder any native chief from coming into Auckland and demanding a Crown Grant for the land which he holds— he is a British subject, and his demand cannot be questioned. Is there any thing then I would ask, to hinder these men, notwithstanding Her Majesty's Prerogative, an,d Lord Stanley's "VYaste Land Sales' Act, from exercising the privileges of a British subject in selling their own. The sooner you take an opinion on the recent legislative enactments and have yourselves represented in Parliament the better, for neither your wants "nor interests are represented here. I remain, Gentlemen, Your most obedient servant, Thos. E. Conky, Solicitor, Shortland Street. Auckland, 20th Nov. 1846.