New Zealand Colonist. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1843.

New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 58, 17 February 1843, Page 2

New Zealand Colonist. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1843.

We have really perused with some surprise the article on the subject of the Land Claims, which appeared in the Gazette of Wednesday. We will neither waste our own time, nor that of our readers,, by exposing it in detail. Such a task is, in truth, needless ; for we suspect that very few of its readers have taken the trouble to understand it. But the questions which it raises, without apparently the least conception of their importance, are really of a nature to demand the serious consideration of every body in the Settlement.

We have understood, though only from rumor, th&t in consequence of some circumstances which have recently transpired in evidence before the Commissioner of Land Claims, an attempt has been made, or some preliminary proceedings have been adopted, in order to procure from the natives of Te Aro a confirmation of the New Zealand Company’s title to the land which they claim, and that the natives have positively refused to agree to or confirm any sale. Now this, assuming it to be true—and we believe that, at present at least, it is not very far from the truth—affords an opportunity of testing the validity of the principles laid down by our contemporary. Within the district claimed by the natives of Te Aro, are situated the largest warehouses, some of the best constructed and most expensive dwelling houses: upon one country section, Mr. Martin has expended, we believe, upwards of 1,100/, in clearings and improvements; and more, perhaps, has been done within that district than in any tract of a similar

extent. Now we ask, not of our contemporary, because we know what, upon reflection, will,be his answer, but of every person of common sense, whether it would be endurable, or' even conceivable, that the Settlers should b 6 deprived of their residences and places of business, turSled out of their clearings, and ruined, in drder tfiat the natives might have what to them woulcl be of no value, or at least of none in cotnphrison with that which it now possesses ? We say, that the very idea is preposterous, and that its execution wbuld be impracticable. To attempt to argue a question like the present upon any maxims of courts of law, or to talk of obtaining from the Company compensation with costs, is idle in the extreme. It is not a question of right between man and man, to be settled by technical rules. It is a matter of grave public policy to be determined by those principles which, in such questions, Governments have always employed in their solution. If argued as our contemporary argues, it would be a question of the existence or the ruin of this Settlement, which would be settled at the next Supreme Court by an action of ejectment on the part of some individual Native. But it is one of those points which no Government ever has, or ever will, permit to come into question. No Government can, consistently with its own highest functions, allow to be brought into question, the very basis upon which a Settlement like this is established. And we are quite assured that if any such result as that which appears probable, had been anticipated with regard to the town of Wellington, some provision would have been made in anticipation by the Government for the quieting of the titles of the Settlers, by providing the means of adjusting the nature and quantum of the compensation to be given to the Natives. But neither the New Zealand Company nor the Government, have ever learned from Col. Wakefield that these questions existed. On the contrary, at a time when it was a matter of perfect notoriety to every person here, that the Natives of TeAro denied having sold their land, and were resisting the surveys, the New Zealand Company, in reference to some statement on the subject made, we believe, by Mr. Shortland, contradicted it, on the sole ground that they had never received any intimation of any such dispute. It was not to be anticipated that they should take measures to provide against dangers of whose very existence they were ignorant. And we may suffer in the prolongation of a state of excitement, and to some of uncertainty, solely because the Agent of the New Zealand Company has not adequately informed! his principals of the nature and extent of the objections to his claim, urged by the Natives. And this suggests one other consideration : the settlers must put their own shoulder to the wheel. It is now more than three years since Colonel Wakefield was informed that the principal Chief of Pipitea, and the majority of the natives of Te Aro, who had not signed his deed, asserted that they had not sold their land. In that period what has been done to extinguish these claims—what to provide for their adjustment, by means of compensation to be given to the natives, if it should appear that they had not sold? We cannot say—Nothing. But we can say, that having always felt a considerable interest in the question, and having taken some pains to ascertain the facts, we have never heard of any measures taken for the purpose. The question, therefore, now comes for settlement laden with the accumulated difficulties of three years. And it will be, probably, no light matter to remove these difficulties. But will the settlers leave their interests to be treated with the same apathetic indifference with which all questions touching the claims of the natives have hitherto been treated ? or will (they not rather, seeing that a crisis has arrived in- which they are personally interested, take some measures for urging upon the Government their peculiar claims ? We trust that, for once, the I nterests of the settlement will prevail over the feelings of party, and that in this matter all settlers will unite to further their common

cause

If it should happen that the Commissioner is of opinion that the people of Te Aro, for instance, (we put this merely by way of illustration), have not sold their land• and if it is

found impossible to come to any compromise with them on the subject; it is to be presumed that the Commissioners will make his report. This report will, we should imagine, be trans mitted to the Home Government, and it ought to be accompanied by a memorial from the settlers, stating their case, and praying the Government to do what is a matter of almost daily occurrence in England, to take these lands for the great public purpose of founding a Colony—giving to the natives compensation to be awarded according to some equitable basis. We feel quite certain that such a memorial would obtain instant acquiescence, and that claims so just and reasonable would beat once recognised.

We end, however, with what we have before said in this matter. The claims of those Settlers who have occupied and improved land must be maintained.

The first exhibition this year of the Wellington Horticultural Society took place at the Exchange on Tuesday last. The day was exceedingly fine, and the room was thronged with visitors, who appeared to be very much gratified with the number and variety of the articles exhibited, particularly in the class of vegetables, which, for size and excellence, could not be surpassed; and an impartial visitor must have left the room fully convinced that the climate and capabilities of the district of Port Nicholson will amply reward the exertions of the Colonists. Where all was so good it may seem almost invidious to particularize, and, in many instances, the disappointed competitor could scarcely regret failure in a contest with so many opponents, when the claims were so nearly balanced. We may be excused, however, in referring to the specimens of potatoes, which were very excellent, and to the carrots exhibited by Mr. Molesworth, who obtained both prizes. The two objects which attracted the greatest attention were a Netted Cantaleupe Melon, grown under a frame on Wellington Terrace, by E. Johnson, Esq., measuring twenty-seven inches in circumference, and weighing ten pounds, and two frame Cucumbers by F. A. Molesworth, Esq., the largest of which measured twenty-three inches in length, and seven-inches in circumference. The Wheat, of which several samples were exhibited by different Settlers, was magnificent, and the merits of the two successful competitors were very nearly balanced. In the class of Flowers, many interesting specimens were exhibited, and several of the rarer kinds to which extra prizes were awarded, attracted great attention by their beauty, and were satisfactory proofs that the Horticultural spirit is daily gaining ground amongst us. Capt. Rhodes also exhibited some seedling Peach trees and Oaks raised in the Colony, which we particularize as they arrived too. late in the room to be submitted to the notice of the Judges. There were also some fine specimens of prepared flax from Wanganui and Otaki, exhibited by Messrs. Johnson and Moore.

There are two interesting facts to which we are anxious to draw the attention of our readers. The first, is the spirited competition of the Natives for the prizes offered to them. There were twelve candidates in this class. The other fact is the growing interest felt by the cottagers and working “classes of the Colony towards the Society. The number of Subscribers from among them is daily increasing, and a reference to the,.list of prizes will shew that many of them are among the most active and successful competitors. Another gratifying circumstance must not be lost - sight of. Some of the best specimens of flowers and vegetables were sent from gardens at Wade’s Town. One Gardener there (Mr. Scutchings) obtained eight prizes. Another (Mr. White) obtained the prize for Barley, competing against opponents from the district of the Hutt. The prizes for the best Cottage gardens at Wellington were also awarded to two gardens at Wade’s Town. These facts are most honourable to the industry and perseverance of the inhabitants, of this suburb, and are the best answer to the statement "that the hills of Port Nicholson are barren,’’ and to Mr. Churton’s statement" that the winds are the scourge of the place, and that nothing can withstand them and prosper.” Our friends in England may be informed that Wade’s Town is situated on the hills (part of the Tinakore

range) at the North Western extremity of the town. We suspect that those who have expressed these hasty and incorrect opinions would gladly retract them, were they not recorded in print. On thew hole, the exhibition may be considered as the best which has taken place since the formation of the Society. Several additional Subscribers names were received, and Mr. Molesworth has very liberally contributed the sum of five pounds for himself and family. His Excellency the Acting Governor, during his stay here, also subscribed to the funds of the Society.

We are informed the next exhibition will take place the first week in April. The following is a list of the prizes awarded to the successful exhibitors:—

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

JUDGES For the Dahlias—k. Ludlam, Esq., P. Earl, Eso . Mr. Fuller. 1 For Vegetables— P. Earl, Esq., Donald, Esq., Mr. Miller.' For Fruits and Flowers — A. Ludlam, Esq., Mr. Fuller, Mr. Brady. For Wheat, Barley, and Oats— All the Judges. VEGETABLES, First Prize. Dr. Featherston, 12 Potatoes (from English seed). Dr. Featherston, 12 Pods of Peas. C. Pharazyn, Esq., 6 Pods of Beans. R. Stokes, Esq., 6 Kidney Beans. F. A. Moles worth, Esq., 2 Heads of Cauliflower. Mr. James, Wade’s Town, 4 Cabbages of 2 varieties. F. A. Molesworth, Esq., 4 Lettuces of 2 varieties. F. A. Molesworth, Esq., 6 Carrots. F. A. Molesworth, Esq., 4 Turnips of 2 varieties. H. Knowles, Esq., 6 Scarlet Runners. J. Watt, Esq., 6 Onions. Mr. R. Seed, 6 Leeks. Rev. J. M'Farlane, 2 Roots of Beet. F. A. Molesworth, Esq., 2 Roots of Mangel Worzel. . R. Stokes, Esq., 6 Stalks of Rhubarb. F. A. Molesworth, Esq., Sample of Wheat. R. Barton, Esq., Sample of Oats. Mr. White, Wade’s Town, Sample of Barley. Mr. Scutchings, Wade’s Town, Collection of Potherbs, (9 different sorts). Second Prize. Mr. James, Wade’s Town, 12 Potatoes. F. A. Molesworth, Esq., 6 Potatoes (Extra Prize). H. St. Hill, Esq., 12 Pods of Peas. E. Johnson, Esq., 6 Pods of Beans. Mr. Wilkinson, 2 Heads of Cauliflower. R. Stokes, Esq., 4 Cabbages of 2 varieties. F. A. Molesworth, Esq., 6 Carrots. E. Johnson, Esq., 6 Onions. F, V. Martin, Esq., 6 Onions (Extra Prize).' Mr. James, 6 Roots of Garlic (Extra Prize). R. Stokes, Esq., 2 Roots of Beet. Mr. White, Wade's Town, 4 Turnips of 2 varieties. Colonel Wakefield, do. (Extra Prize). E. Catchpool, Esq., 2 Roots of Mangel Worzel. Mr. T. Mason, Sample of Wheat. FRUITS, First Prize. E. Johnson, Esq., Melon. F. A. Molesworth, Esq., Cucumber (grown iu a Fjqnhe). E. Catchpool, Esq., Raspberries. Second Prize. F. A. Molesworth, Esq., Melon. Mi. Scutchings, Cucumber (grown in the open air). Colonel V akefield, Cape Gooseberries (Extra Prize). FLOWERS, First Prize. Mr. Brady, Dahlia. Mr. Scutchings, Wade’s Town, Seedling Pansy. Mr. Scutchings, 6 Pansies. Mr. Scutchings, Seedling Geranium. Mr. Wilkinson, 6 Geraniums. Mr. Wilkinson, 3 Balsams. E. Johnson, Esq., 12 Annuals. E. Johnson, Esq., 4 Stocks of varieties, 2 of each. E. Johnson, Esq., Bouquet of 2 Flowers. Mr. Wilkinson, Device. Mr. Hurst, Collection of Native Plants. Extra Prizes. Mr. Wilkinson, Dahlia. Mr. Scutchings, Stocks. Mr. Wilkinson, Gladiolus. , ' , Mr. Scutchings, Coreopsis. Mr. Scutchings, Holly oak. R. Stokes, Esq., Tigridia Pavonia. C. Clifford, Esq., Daphne Neapolitana. W. Swainson, Esq., Tiger Lily. R. Stokes, Esq., Hydranga. W T illes, Esq., Russian Violet. C. Clifford, Esq., Glycine Sinensis. R. Stokes, Esq. t Picotas. - . , v . Second Prizl. R. Stokes, Esq., Bouquet of Flowers. Mr. Hurst, Best Collection of Seedjs of Native Plants. H. Tiffen, Esq., 2nd do. , f Prizes for the NatiVeS, ; Eawa, 6 Largest Potatoes. Pumepi, 6 Second Largest do. Cottagers’ Prizes. Mr. White, Best 4 varieties of Vegetables. Mr. James, Second best do. JUDGES for COTTAGER’S GARDEN Dr. Stokes, E. Johnson, Esq. W- Mantell, Esq. For Cottagers’ Gardens at Wellington. Mr. James, Ist Prize. Mr. White, 2nd Prize. For Cottagers’ Gardens in the District OF THE Hutt. Mr. McHardie, Ist Prize.