The New-Zealander. AUCKLAND, WEDNESDAY, MAR. 28, 1866.

New Zealander, Volume XXIV, Issue 2615, 28 March 1866, Page 3

The New-Zealander.

AUCKLAND, WEDNESDAY, MAR. 28, 1866.

He Just and four not; I,ot all tliermla thou ni u’st at, be thy Country’s, 'Thy Ooo’.s, nml Truth’s.

We fire glad to find that the Superintendent has been able to fix so early a day for the payment of an instalment in money to those persons whose claims to compensation for losses by the war had been heard by Mr. Beckham, and recommended by hi.a for the consideration ot the Government, By reference to outadvertising columns, it will be seen that the Provincial Treasurer announces that on and after Saturday next, onethhd of the amount recommended in each case by the Commissioner, will be payable on application at the Treasury. The Government has wisely shown consideration for the necessities of many of the sufferers, by not delaying this payment until a now investigation could have been held, ft is, however, we are informed, settled that a new and searching investigation shall be made, and that each one who seeks to obtain the public money must produce such proofs of his claim as in an ordinary action for debt in a District Cmivf would be sufficient to secure a verdict in his favour. There can, we believe, be no real hardship in this proceeding for the bona fide claimant, whose grei vance all must wish to sec redressed; but but there will be hardship, and it may bo some small danger too, for those who would abuse the public sympathy, and by dishonest representations seek to make a profit of the general calamity, ft is probable that from this latter class there may be loud wailing and indignant remonstrance. The conditions of present payment, we observe are peremptory; everyone who shall receive money must enter into a bond to refund it, if upon enquiry it shall be found that he was not equitably entitled to have received it; the conditions we have been informed will* be in substance as follows :

The case of the claimant will bo treated as closed, and pritna facie made out for t!io amount stated in the Commissioner’s (Mr. Beckham’s) report. Tbe agent of the Government may give notice to the Commissioner that ho desires to be heard in reference to the case, and the Commissioner will appoint a day for the purpose. Due notice will bo given to the claimant of the day appointed. On the day of hearing the Government agent will offer any observations, and also produce any evidence lie may think fit. It shall bo competent for the claimant to offer any observations or evidence in reply, either then or at a time and place to be fixed by tbe Commissioner. After hearing the case the Commissioner will give a certificate to tbe effect that he is satisfied that the claimant is entitled to the sum specified in his former report, or to a less sum, or to nothing, as the Commissioner shall think fit, and such certificate shall be conclusive. If the Commissioner shall certify that tbe claimant is entitled to a sum in excess of tbe fouin advanced to him, tbe Superintendent will grant a certificate to tbe effect that such sum is due by the Province to be satisfied, ns may bo hereafter arranged. If the claimant has received in advance any money not covered by the Commissioner’s certificate, he will lie required to repay the tame under the above bond.

It is to be hoped that much practical good may result from the distribution of the sum of about £23,000, which will bo required to meet the first instalment of these claims. There never was a time when the facilities for the employment of capital iu agriculture were