NELSON.

Auckland Chronicle and New Zealand Colonist, Volume 2, Issue 14, 8 November 1843, Page 2

NELSON.

(From the Nelson Examiner.) We stated last week that the Maories were fast losing all lear and respect for the white man and his laws. Circumstances have since become known which strikingly exemplified the truth of our remark. On Alonday last the sheriff received from a European, who has for some time been living with the Mamies, a letter, in which the writer slates that he bad been informed by a Maori from Rati/Miaha’s camp, that that chief was making extensive preparations for attacking this settlement. Tliis information has been corroborated by a verbal oommimiration from a friendly native, who also detailed tbe plan of attack, and gave tl e strongest assurance of its probability. The expectation of such a visit was calculated to excite »o inconsider* able degree of alarm, not perhaps so much from a fear that the inhabitants Would Je nnable siftces** fully to defend themselves if the place was in a proper st.te of defence, h« from a knowledge that thereveise was unhappily thecise. The magistrate*, iu concert with the New Zealand Company’s Agent, immediately determined to send a boalto Wellington with despatches for tile authorities there, and to call iu a large nutnberof the men employed on the roads to complete the fortification which was begun when the news first readied us of the WairoO massacre, and which (unwisely, we think) has for some time been suspended. A public meeting was held on the following day, wheu the necessary measures for insuring the safety of the settlement were intrusted to u committee of public safety* The committee have since been at work, and we believe we may ussure our readers that, as far as they have they the power, nothing will be left undone winch the urgency of the case may appear to demand. The question,however, naturally forc»B itself on llS— Why arc the funds held in trust by the New Zealand Company to be expended in raising batteries, providing amunitiou, and paying hired defend our lives and property ? We think the English Government will find this difficult to answer. Ignorance of our defenceless condition cannot he pleaded, a» the Government had been warned by Capi. Hobson, in one of his despatches, that the small number of troops stationed at Auek- • and were quite inadequate to enforce obedience to tbe I it iv*. 1 lie number, character, and ferocity of the ahoi igsnes have also been long known. All sensible writers on the colonization of New Zea= land (and among them we may name Captaint fitzroy, tl.e present Governor) have shown the necessity of a strong torce being stationed here, at least while tbe natives are undergoing the transition from barbarism to civilization. The negl ct with which we have been treated i» therefore unaccountable, and leads to tbe supposition tbat the jives and property of 15,0C0 British subjects are beneaili the consideration of tbe Downing street philanthropists. If but n cousin of continental Royalty visits Lngland, Hteanieii and frigate* ure at his service, to oonvey him at pleasure ; and armies nud navies have heed raised to fight the battles of “allies,” from the friendship of whom it would puzzle politicians to point out the benefits that have ever resulted. It is possible that the neglect of which we sc justly complain arise! from indifference ? or have the Home Governtnen been bitten by the cant that the Missionaries, like so many Harlequins in our pantoniines.have totally changed the characters of the dramatis persona.', and that hoary savages whose tomahawks have been so often steeled in bunan gore, are suddenly

become quirt anil peaceable citizens ? Whatever the cai sfr which may have induced the Downingr street authorities to adopt the policy which has characteiized tile government of these islauds—whetlnr a mawkish philanthrophy, a niggardliness ofexpenditure, or utter indifference to the safety of the colonists —a great error has been committed, will ten times exceed that which would have prevented the evil. Putting aside the question of the value of the«e islands to the British nation, it has bound itself by the acts of its Government to pro tect ns, and, at whatever cost, the supremacy of English law must be established- The game of “ fast and loose ” has been tried, and has failed. Such has been the suppleness of the law hitherto, or rather, so ineffectual baveheen the puny efforts to administer it, that its power is no longer dreaded by white man or Mnoii, and the honestly disposed, in this settlement at least, may truly be said to retain their own by mere sufferance. The same course no longer be pursued. An outrage jras been committed which cannot be flowed to pass unpunished : and the conception by liatipraiaUa of'his true position—the knowledge evinced by him in his open preparations for a war of extermination, fiiat nothing leas than the lives of binfjielf and jijs son-in-law eau atone for their sayage enormity, are the plainest evidences of the falseness of the statements put forth respecting it by the Local Government and its minions. There is little use, then, jn blinding ourselves to the fact that open war between at least a portion of the two races is inevitable. Rauparalia, knowing his danger, looks it in the face like a man, though he is a monster, not withstanding the wheedling of George Clarke and his subs, tor (he craftiest chief in New Zealand is not to be otitogenerailed in dissimulation evpn fry that useful and disinterested class. Hows ever much we may hate or fear him for it, be is at least pursuing the only course which a brave but mjpi copld under the circumstances adopt, lie is fortifying his path for a determined resistance; and is using all his influence to increase his allies. persuasion is ineffectual, thrrat* are resorted to. Every day, therefore, which these rnupderers remain at large serves to increase fliejr power and our danger; and upless a blow is speedily stluck, we stroll have thp whole native population united and in arms against us. ’fire following are file measures have been adopted by tbc Committee of Public Safety, to protect the settlement in the event of an attack fropi the Maories:— To complete the fortification, and rpnder it a place of refuge, To clear the fern throughout the town, in order that it pjav afford no protection toanspemy. To establish an efficient watch at all points where the enemy can approach, tint rye mny not be taften by surprise. To drill and exercise in the use of fire-arms the tyatpli, and all volunteers.

POLICE OFFICE, NELSON.

An application was made on Tuesday last to George White, Esq., the acting police magistrate, for a warrant to apprehend Rauparalia and Ran* ghiaita on a charge of having murdered the late Captain Wakefield and others on the occasion ot the late massacre at Waiioo. Mr. Fox, as chairman of the committee of public safety, stated the nature of the application he wished to make, t». The Police Magistrate desired to be infertile i in what capacity lie applied, and on being mid that it was as chairman of the committee of public safety, said he could not recognize him in that light. The committee ot public »afety, lie said, was a body which, howevt r willing lie might bo to recognize out of doors, he could not in that court. Mr. Fox removed this d fficolty by construing to make application in his private capacity. Some discussion then arose as to the propriety of making use of of the depositions alieady taken as til* ground of the warrant appli. d for ; and Mr. White expressing his desire to have fresh evidence, Joseph Morgan was called and examimd as follows;—Were you at the Waiioo on the l?lh ol June last ?—Yes. With whom did you go*?—l was on Mr. Paiks ingson’s survey. Were there many persons at.Jth e Wairoo on the day in Question ?—There was a large number m men under the command of the Police Magistiate, many of whom 1 did not know. Had Rie Police Magistrate a warrant with him?—l do not know if Mr. Thomson had a warrant, but I saw him take a book out of bis pool er, and beard him desire Brooks the interpreter to ac= quaint Rauparalia that be had come in the mine oi the Queen to take him for having destroyed the property of the White people. Was this told to Rauparalia or to Rauglunita ? To both. I saw both of them their. What reply did they make?—They said they would not come, and desired Brooks to (ell tinPolice Magistrate that they were all armed. What said Mr. Thompson then ?—He said lie did not care, as his men were also armed, ami that he insisted they should come and answer to the charge of destroying the white men’s properly* Did yon hear the reply to this?—l did not, but Mr. Thompson desired the men might bo brought over, and was particular in ordering them not to tire unless himself and the gentlemen, with him were insulted. Had any armed men crossed the strtam at this time ?—No. What followed the order for the rpr n !•» adt anoe ? Tyrell and myself got into the canoe, followed by oihers. The Maories spread llnuiM-lve*, and fell buck, and among them was one wiih whom 1 bad a quarrel a lew days before respecting some clothesj be stole from one of our men. This man brought bis gun to bis shoulder as we advanced, which must have been noticed by Captain Wakes field, who said as we passed him “ Keep your eyes on them my men, they have their guns puinteefat us,” Seeing the gun pointed, 1 leaped from the canoe as soon as 1 had crossed, and stooped behind a bank, and tbc next moment Tyrell tell dead at my feet. Did you see tl,e Maori fire?—No, 1 saw him with the gun at his shoulder presented towatds us the moment before, .

Where was Tyrell struck?—ln the throat, and the bullet appeared to have gone downwards. In the position in which Tyrell stood coaid lie have been struck by a shot fiom the whites ? —He would have been stiuck in the back bad the shot been fired by our party. He was certainly struok in the throat. Are you sure no other gun had been fired ? —I am quite sure the first shot that was fired killed Tyrell. Did you see any other person killed afterwards? I did not see any oilier person fall, hut noticed Mr. Patchett lying dead. I also afterwards saw Mr. Cotterell give himself up to a chief, who tberes upon fired his gun in the air; but two other Maories seized him by the hair and’pulled him to the ground. Some discussion eHSued relative to the necessity of calling further evidenoe, when the PHioe Magis= trate said he thought it unnecessary that any further evidence should be adduced, at the present time, as he should decline granting a warrant, on the ground that it was impossible for him to execute one. Had he a sufficient power at his oominand he nriglit probably have granted it on further evidence. 1 Mr. Fox suggested that the assistance of the “ North Star’’ frigate and the troops on board that vessel might be obtained. Mr White was afraid he cottld not obtain that assistance: as, however, he did not wish to prevent the issuing of a warrant if his brother niagisa (rates thought it ought to be issued, he consented to adjourn the bearing till the following day, when probably some of the, local magistrates plight be upon the bench. • On Thursday, Mr. Foie renewed his application before D. Monro, Gr Duppa, C. A. Dillon, and J. S. Tyler, Esqrsi, justices of the peace. After some consideratioh the bench determined that the evidence already before them was sufficient, aud a warrant was accordingly issued, and signed by the three latter magistrates.-. Nelsun Examiner , October 14.

PORT NICHOLSON.

A meeting of the Committee of Public Safety was held on the llth, at whipb the reply of Sir G. Gipps to the memorial for tfoops was read. It was in compliance with this rqsmorial that the North Star was despatched. Sir G. Gippe states in It's letter that the troops put on board most return to Sydney in the same ship and not be landed 4 ‘ unless their services be absolutely required for the protection of the lives of Majesty’s subjects," and adds any departure from this would be “disregarding t]fe repeated instructions which ItaVe beep received from Her Majesty’s Government respecting the distribution of the military in the Australian colonies.” Reso* mtioris wete then passed to the effect that tbe Police Magistrate slioqld be applied to for a warrant to apprehend Rauparalia aud llaiighiaita for murder, and that Sir Eveiard Home be solicited to continue at Wellington, in consequence of the large assemblage of natives at Porirua. The followers of Rauparalia and Rsngbiatia are building an extensive puli at Porirua. Their common talk is the feebleness of the whites, whom they publicly state they cau “ cut up like cabbage.’ REPEAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE UNION. ( From the Freeman.) House of Commons, May| 15. J Mr. lleddington said lie begged to put the question to the light honorable baronet opposite, of which lie bad given notice on Tuesday last. In answer u a question put by the noble lord, the member foi King's Linn (Lord Jocelyn), the right honorable gentleman said that it was the declaration made bx the Sovereign, in 1834, of bis determination to maintain inviolate (hat great bond of nationa strength—the legislative union. The honouiabh :eutlemaii had said that was the declaration of tin ministry of that day. The reply lo the address iron both houses contained in it mattei which gave soim consolation for the Irish nation, and which was noi repeated now—namely, “that his Majesty was most an xioiis lo remove all causes of just complaint, and to sanctum every measure which would be likely to teudto the improvement of Ireland.” The question lie now wished lo put was, whether he was authorz <1 by her Majesty to report to the house that latter declaration of King William the Fourth ? Sir It. Peel said, the declaration ho made on Tu sdav evening hist was in reference lo an express and specific question put to him by a noble lord, the lion, member opposite (Mr. Reddington) bad now a'ked him whether he was prepared to stale that he was authorized bv her Majesty to say that her Majesty w».s prepaied to abide by another declaration made by King William in 1835, which declaration he believed was inserted in her Majesty’s answer to an address to parliament by his (Sir R. Peal’s advice, viz., that her Majesty would always co-operate with her parliament to preserve inviolate the Legislative Union with Ireland, and at the same time expressed her willingness to sanction any measure lor rediossiug the evils, and remedying the grievances complained of by that country. In answer he would vay, although the .version with which lie had been furnished somewhat differed bom that stated by the honorable member, yet widiuiit saying which was right, he would at once i i form the house that he was authorized by her Majesty t> state she would cosoperate in any measure for the pence and conciliation of Ireland. With respect to what ulterior measures it might be thought necessary to adopt in order to preserve tfie peace and tranquility of the country, he could not then by possibility enter into ; it would be ddlicii t to say wnat might he deemed necessary but there was one thing be could state, it was their earnest wish to conciliate evils and promote peace. They were determined to do all that was possible for Urn good ot Ireland. With respect to the poor laws, they intended to remove part of the evils winch existed ; that measure had been much misrepresented, in every case it was the wish and anxiety of the government to act feirly and deal out I impartial justice to Irdautl.

PROPOSAL TO ASSASSINATE MR. O’CON-NELL.-BOW STREET. (From the Times, June 1 6-J On Wednesday evening, after the closing of the court, a great bustle was observed, the cause of which was involved in mystery. It was however understood that ari order had been made by tbe Secretary of State to Mr. Twyford, the sitting magistrate, to issue a warrant for the apprehension of a man named Mayne, who was alleged to have sent a letter fo the authorities, offering, for a stipulated sum, to assassinate Mr. O'Connell, by shooting him. The person deputed to give the information, finding the court dosed, went in search of the magistrate, and ultimately found him at the At hen ten in club. Having accompanied the magistrate to the court to have the document made out, they were subsequently joined by other persons Connected with the government, for the purpose oi completing tbe exposition. The whole of the night was 6pent upon the subject, and Thursday night, before five ;o’clock, other calls, containing several offioials, drove to the court, -here they remained in consultation. The proceedings were conducted with great secrecy. We have been favored with the following particulars of the examination, which took place yestetday, at the home office, before Mr. Hall, chief magistrate of Bowsstreet police office, assisted by Mr. Burnaby, into the conduct of the individual sending a letter to Sir J. Graham respecting Mr. O’Connell. It will be seen by the subjoined extract from the letter that the writer did not ask for money. Tile following is an authentic account of the proceedings.*—The name of the individual at present in custody, but who will be libeiated on finding securities to keep tfie peace, is Sumtiel Mayer (not Hayne). He bad been for a length of time residing at Gloucester, and holds a situation in the custom house of that city, to which be was appointed by the preseut lords of the treasury. On Monday morning Sir J. Graham received a letter directed to the light lion, baronet’s private residence io Hill-street, apparently written in a rambling incoherent manner, in which the writer, observing upon what he terms “ the treachery of Mr. O'Connell,’' proceeds to say “ that he would undertake, as lie might be advised, to risk his own life against that of J\lr. O Connell’s.” It wasrheabove passage that caused the present inquiry. After the receipt of the letter, Sir J. Graham sent a communication to Bow-street, and was shortly afterwards attended at the Home Office by Mr. Twyford and Mr. Burnaby, when the deposition of tbe Right Honorable Baronet as to receiving the letter having been taken, a warrant was made out and placed in the hands of Inspector Otway, who at onoc proceeded to Gloucester aud apprehended the prisoner and brought him to London this morning. On the prisoner being informed by Mr. Hall of tbe nature of the charge against him, the evidenoe of Sir J. Graham being read over, and being shown the letter, he immediately, and without the least hesitation, admitted that he was the author; and on being asked what could have induced him to take such an extraordinary step, he replied that the night before lie had been dining with a party of Iriends, and bad taken 100 much wine—that he certainly wrote the letter, and posted it by mistake, having other letters in bis pocket—that be became immediately sensible ot the extreme folly he had been guilty of, and acquainted his Iriends of the act, and asked them it it would not be better to send another letter to Sir James Graham in explan? ation —but they looked upon this epistle as being so ridiculous, (bat they thought no public notice would be taken of M, and theiefmo he did not do so. He now exceedingly regretted what be had done., and hoped that, the contrition on his part would be tavorably considered. Alter consideration Hall told the prisoner that the charge against him wus one of a most s rious and important character, tbit no minister of state could have passed it without public notice. It had, uowever, been determined to admit him to bail, linn sell nr tbe sum of .£2OO, ami two securities In the sun of £IOO each, to appear at the next Jury Ses-ioiis of the Genital Criminal Court to ausw«i any charge that might be preferred against him. file required studies were entered into in the course of the evening, and tli - prisoner \yas discharged from custody.