Original Correspondence.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 663, 15 April 1865, Page 3

Original Correspondence.

To the Editor of the takanaki herald.

Sir — On looking over a file of the Southern Cross, received by last steamer, I could not help remarking the great difference in the line of action taken by the Auckland settlers on hearing of the murder of the Rev. Mr. Volkner, and that of the Wellington settlers on hearing of the murder of Captain Wakefield with his companion*" at Wairau in the early days of Now Zealanq. The difference is so remarkable, that believing ie worth recording, I have availed myself of the columns' of the Herald to do so.

In 1842 the population of Wellington scarcely numbered 100 for the 1,000 that the statistics now show as Auckland settlers ; yet this small body of Englishmen, on hearing of the Wairau massacre, immediately came forward and tendered their services to the New Zealand Company's Agent, Colonel Waketieid, volunteering to cross the Strait and endeavour to rescue sucu of their countrymen as might have escaped the slaughter, and at the same time execute summary justice on the natives for those murdered. In those days we could not command the services of steam transports ; the oniy vessel in H.M. Bervice was an old brig which happened fortunately lo be in harbour. Her captain placed her at the disposal of the authorities, who soon had more volunteers than would till her, numbering among their ranks J.Ps., and all of any standing, no haggling as to rate of pay or rations, one thought only engrossing their attention, that of bringing the murderers to justice, even if ai the cost of their own lives. But Providence willed otherwise. The brig on reaching the Heads was driven back by a fierce south-easter, and remained in Worsens Bay some days. During her detention there Rauparaha and Rangihaeata had with their war party reorossed tho Ktraii/ and taken refuge in their stronghold at Waikanae, thus rendering pursuit at that time impracticable. I would remark, Mr. Editor, that Colonel Wakefield (a civilian), with the J.Ps., took upon themselves all the responsibility attached to these proceedings, the Imperial Government having no other offioera in Wellington than the Collector of Customs, and I think, Resident Magistrate. Auckland was then the favoured seat of Government, which, by tho bye, had just been removed from Rnp a ell r" n nrt "air? to Rmt nome speculating

officials. It never entered tho heads of the Wellington people to seek aid from Auckland, or to offer rewards for the apprehension of the mur- ; dururs. An emergency arose ; thoy as Euglishtnen'met if;, and knowing the justice of their i cause felt that Providence would protect them, j Now for the contrast. numbers j amongst its present population several thoua Lnd well trained and armed men, accustomed to' native warfare, besides the Imperial troops stationed in the Province [ and at Tauranga. -There is always one or more of H.M. steamers in. port, with generally a large fleet of private sels." And yet with such means at'the command 'of the authorities nothing was done ; no one Was willing to take any authority on himself, but one And all cry out for aid from Wellington, now the •Wat of Government. True it is that H.M. steamer 'Eolipßß left for Opotiki, but this was solely owing to the noble-heartedness of her brave commander, Gaptain Freeman tie, who by so doing has added another proof to the very many we* j already possess of the eagerness of the British -s&ilor^to succour the distressed. Why could not some 800 or 400 volunteers have gone in, tha Eolipse to Tauranga and* obcupied the redoubt. . c By so doing Colonel Greer could hay.c commanded asuffioient force to have punished the murderers' and recovered the prisoners. - Would not this 1 have appeared' better in tho 'sight; of the English people than that of offering ' rewards fot the apprehension of the murderers? Rewards to whom I should like to know P To the friendly natives I suppose — friendly as long -as it suits them— friendly as long as thoy perceive we are the strongest — friendly as long as they are bribed by.a pusillanimous Government — men who hafe ' (with, a few honorable exceptions) shown them- , selvesan their true colors when the fitting,time arrived. .Yet these are the men the patriotio jw&tlers of Auckland would enlist to do their work and administer justice. No wonder the South desires separation— pray who would not ? To be connected with a province whose only thought is self and self only, is far from being an honour; a province whose loudest cry is for more military assistance, urging as a reason their inability to keep some 3000 or 4000 savages in order, and yet themselves numbering over 21,000 males. Such men deservo no consideration. Enervated by a large and lavish Government expenditure, they are unable to realise the fact that for the future they must depend on their own resources and meet any emergency as it arises. Let them be told once and for ever — hold I your own or you deserve to lose it ; this plain ! language will be the best, it is soonest under- ! stood, and requires no interpretation ; and at J some future day they will thank the Government ! that had the courage so to speak. An Old Wellingtonian.