NEW ZEALAND HERALD AND AUCKLAND GAZETTE. SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 1841.

New Zealand Herald and Auckland Gazette, Volume I, Issue 7, 21 August 1841, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND HERALD AND AUCKLAND GAZETTE. SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 1841.

Among the Wellington Spectators, which we hare received by the “ Jane,” there is an article in the Supplement of 30th July, by which we regret to find that the same unjust and ungenerous feeling exists towards his Excellency the Governor, that had evinced itself, on various occasions, since the first arrival of the Settlers at Port Nicholson. This article professes to be “ a brief review of the acts and omissions of Captain Hobson, since he has been Governor,” but it is merely a tissue of artful insinuations and false assertions, couched in no very delicate language. It is very evident, that the remarks of the Wellington Spectator were penned not so much in reply to “ How should the Settlers receive Captain Hobson?” —as to circulate in England, and elsewhere, an exaggerated mis-statement of facts, accompanied by erroneous assertions, in order, if possible, to prejudice the minds of the Public and the Colonial Office there, against Captain Hobson. “ Audi alteram partem,” is a Ciceronian maxim and appeal as good in our day, as when used in the Roman Forum. The character and conduct of His Excellency require neither explanation nor jus. tification among those who have been more immediately located near him, but by persons fai distant the circumstances under which Captain Hobson entered on his appointment as Governor, are very imperfectly known, viz.—the uncertainty as to his reception, and acknowledgment of the Sovereignty of the Queen, by the Native Chiefs—the numerous Land Claims —and the Settlement of Emigrants at Port Nicholson, without the sanction, at that time, of the Home Government. These were all difficult questions to grapple with, and we conceive that the Governor evinced sound judgment and discretion in communicating direct with the Colonial Office all his proceedings—so much for “ the charge of moral cowardice.” We quote the first passage : “ Immediately after receiving the appointment as Gover. nor of New Zealand, Captain Hobson entered upon a correspondence with the Colonial Office, which we consider is cha. racterized by a desire to fill the office without any responsi. bility ; to be a mere automaton —a King Log—in fact. The fear of not being able to state to the Colonists, upop every occasion, that be is contiolled by instructions from the Colo, nial Office, is so intense, that to our minds it exposes Captain Hobson to the charge of moral cowardice ”. The next cause of complaint against the Governor is very speciously worded, and alludes indirectly to th _t memorable transaction of Captain

Pearson, of the “ Integrity .” There is no mention of the real facts either previous or subsequent, to the transaction.

“ Captain Hobson arrived at the Bay of Islands in January, 1840. This settlement was formed at the same time. For five months we had no communication with our Governor ; we were left to ourselves, and proved by the state of the settlement that our affairs could not be in better hands. With what was Captain Hobson’s connection with us marked 1 With a belief that we were disloyal. How came lie possessed of that belief! Upon an idle ex parte statement. Without abiding proof he hastened to do two things grossly unjust on his part, and which might have militated equally to our disadvantage, He sent down soldiers to destroy us physically—and a dispatch to the Colonial Office to crush our reputation at home.”

Now, what is the real truth ? When the Settlement was first formed at Port Nicholson, and the numbers increased, some of the gentlemen not satisfied with ordinary measures for the protection of persons and property, until Government could arrange such matters, began to form themselves into a conclave, and to play at “Members of Council,” &c. This self-constituted Council, however, very soon found that they had been rather too precipitate in establishing their own form of Government, and taking upon themselves to put a Captain of a vessel into irons. A Dispatch from the Directors, with the opinion of Serjeant Wilde accompanied with advice of immediate dissolution of all such combinations, occasioned the M. C.’s. to vanish, like Banquo's Ghost; so that when Mr, Shortland arrived in the Integrity, there was, fortunately for them, “ no abiding proof cf their disloyalty,” or any overt act of illegal authority, requiring direct cognizance. The next paragraph is expressive “ of the determination of the Settlers to obtain a reputation for moderation,’’ as follows : “ The settlers felt these acts as they necessarily would; but to prove their forbearance, and determination to obtain a reputation for moderation, instead of denouncing their authorthey called a public meeting aud voted him a loyal and congratulatory address; and Colonel Wakefield was requested to proceed to the Bay of Islands, and present it in person ’,. All this is very true in the abstract, but it is deficient in the details.

When they found that the Governor was determined to establish the supremacy of the Queen, and to uphold the Laws, instead of encouraging any tendency to Democratical Government, they wished, in a sporting phrase, “ to try back ” and instead of Somes’ Island being mounted with four guns, and the heights at the back of Thomdon lined with the intrepid Settlers determined to have a Government of their own, “ or none,” they called a Public Meeting, and voted the Governor a loyal and congratulatory address,’’ &c. To dispassionate persons this very fact, by their own account, must prove the Settlers at Port Nicholson either arrant cowards, or accomplished hypocrites. Next comes “the acts of Mr. Shortland, for which they hold the Governor responsible.’’ We happened to be in Port Nicholson during the time, and we venture to assert, without fear of contradiction, that the Settlers at Port Nicholson are very much indebted to him for his firmness and decision on all trying occasions, as well as for his forbearance and conciliation whenever they could be shewn without compromising his positive duty. Mr. Shortland had a most arduous duty to perform, and notwithstanding the remarks of the Wellington Spectator, he secured while there the fear and obedience of the disaffected, and the respect and esteem of all from whom they were worth obtaining. How Mr. Shortland’s services have been appreciated is best shewn by the confirmation of his appointment from the Home Government. We now proceed, “ Not to an act of omission, but of active hostility. Captain Hobson sent here and advertised for mechanics. We protested against removing our settlers with the Colonial Funds, as a gross abuse of the power confided for the gene, ral benefit ”. According to the late Adam Smith, labour, like water, will find its level in any country. In Port Nicholson and its immediate neighbourhood, as there was no land to cultivate, consequently, the influx of emigrants had occasioned all labour to be very abundant, far beyond the necessities of the small town of Wellington ; therefore it was an act of kindness and justice to the persons who had been deluded there, to give them an opportunity of coming here. The few troops that accompanied Mr. Shortland, are then stigmatized as a force intended, “ physically to destroy the settlers.” Their removal is equally censured and considered, “as unjustifiable as sending them 1” So that nothing

seems to please them, and in consequence of this, it appears, “ they voted an address to the Queen, praying the removal of Captain Hobson.” After which comes the following paragraph, as silly as it is insidious “ We find that £41,000 has been received from Sydney # and £21,000 from Land Sales ; That Captain Hobson, up to July, or io eighteen months, had expended this amount; or about £40,000 per annum. Howl when? and where! are questions yet to be answered.

Granted that it is £41,000 —but we rather believe it to be £31,000 —and £24,000 for Land. What has Captain Hobson, individually, or as Governor, to do with the expenditure ? At the first formation by Government of a Settlement or Colony, there must be a great outlay incurred to establish the various departments, but here is no proof whatever of expenditure —it is merely of receipts. We pass over the discursive and irrelevant remarks as to the Governor delaying his visit, and come to the last, though not the less false insiinsinuation to the prejudice of Captain Hobson.

“ More than two months since, Captain Hobson, upon declaring the separation of New Zealand from New South Wales, authorized the release of prisoners who were in goal on summary conviction ; though he did this, not the slightest effort has been made to give prisoners in Port Nicholson the earliest benefit of this act.”

Nothing can more plainly evince the base spirit which pervades these remarks, than the above quotation. It is hot a difference on any political point, or on any colonial measure, but it is a direct accusation, that Captain Hobson would suffer local or political feelings, supposing any did exist, to influence him in the exercise of clemency and mercy to the unfortunate prisoners. In the very same sheet which contains the article on which we are commenting, we find the “ Government Order,” of the 3rd May, 1841, in which his Excellency extended to all persons in all the Prisons of New Zealand, Her Majesty’s most gracious pardon ; and the Police Magistrates of the various Districts , (o/ course, Port Nicholson included,) were required to furnish immediately the lists, &c.

Then come* the conclusion—“ How ought we to receive Captain Hobson ?’’ We reply—As every true Englishman will t always receive the Representative of his Sovereign. We now conclude our remarks. Certain it is most unfortunate for the settlers of Port Nicholson that the position of their location in this Colony had not been more judiciously chosen most unfortunate not only for themselves but for the Colony at large. Such a body as first congregated at Port Nicholson, comprising wealth, intelligence, respectability, and high connections in the Mother Country, brought to this distant region all that could be wished for the establishment and prosperity of a Colony. Let them be assured that they are duly appreciated —but, also, let them ever remember, that without a strict observance of the Law’s, and without good Government, such advantages are of no avail.

With respect to our worthy Governor, we entertain but one opinion. Let him pursue the same manlv course he has already commenced, and he will, as he so justly expressed himself at the Public Dinner at Auckland, —“without any sacrifice of public duty, without giving way to the opinions of any party or individual, or compromising himself in any way —secure the loyalty, affection and respect of all classes in New Zealand.