Original Correspondence.

Taranaki Herald, Volume VII, Issue 345, 12 March 1859, Page 5 (Supplement)

Original Correspondence.

To the Editor of the taranaki herald,

Sir,— When I promised to furnish you with a re. port of the interview which Messrs Thomas King, H. Atkinson, Humphries and myself had with His Excellency the Governor the succinct statement of Mr Thomas King had not appeared in the Taranaki News. Mr. King correctly states that we went merely as private individuals and not as many have erroneously supposed, as Members of the Provincial Council. Two facts I will mention as Mr. King has omitted to do so. If the visit of his Excellency should not lead to the immediate acquisition of land from the Natives it will be productive of a better understanding between the Government and the governed. The settlers have hitheito beem impressed with the idea that the authorities were not anxious to purchase land for us. It has been commonly remarked " they are out of our Province and do not feel our position." The frank and unieseived manner in which his Excellency received us and his evident desire to elicit suggestions affecting the interests of the community completely removed all preconceived unfavouiable impiession. Nor has this frankness been exclusively confined to the Goveinor ; the government officeis have shown a willingness to impart information touching our lelations with the aboiiginal race hitherto invariably withheld. These facts induce confidence and will enab'e the settlers to meet their difficulties with better heait in the hope that something will shortly be accomplished for their benefit. With reference to the native feuds his Excellency stated that in addition to the troops stationed here, the officer in command, had instiuctions to call for the whole Militaiy force of the colony should circumstances require it, and in the event of sucli emergency eveiy sinew of war at the disposal of the Government would be forwarded. With such assurances in connection with the assertion of the Colonial Treasurer that whenever Mr Pan is can effect the purchase of a large or small block of land fiom the natives the funds will be immediately placed at his disposal, the Taranaki settlers must admit that the Government are not unmindful of their interests. I am, Sir, yours &c, F. U. Gledhill.