The Auckland Chronicle. Wednesday, January, 24, 1844. CUSTOMS.

Auckland Chronicle and New Zealand Colonist, Volume 2, Issue 25, 24 January 1844, Page 2

The Auckland Chronicle. Wednesday, January, 24, 1844. CUSTOMS.

“ The diminution of Customs Duties, of Port *' Charges and Pilotage, with a view to their ulti•‘mate removal, will be brought under your consi- •' deration.”— Vide, His Excellency’s Address at ihe opening of the Legislative Council. lThe entire tone of the Address delivered by His Excellency the Governor at the opening of the Legislative Council,“coupled with the energy ,■which has characterised the whole of Iris proceedings since assuming the ireins of Government, must convince us that we are now blessed with a determined to adopt all possible means to assist us, and it is necessary that the Colonists should now also adopt a decisive line of proceedings, that the Governor’s exertions,

and theirs, shou d go hand in hand, and thus together redeem the Colony generally. Nature has doubtless formed New Zealand to be a great < ommercial and agrb ultural country. It is needless to advert to the causes which have hitherto worked against its well doing; they are well known, and clearly defined, and being so, it is easy for us to avoid the rocks on which we have hitherto been wrecked, and to learn from the sad experience of the past to pursue a safer course. The remark of His Excellency heading our present article, is one that has been much canvassed by, the public generally, and commented on by the press. , A Contemporary seems to think that file measure of declaring the Ports of New Zealand Free Ports, is one which can be speedily adopted, and free from objection. We regret we cannot coincide with him. We think‘'there are some very weighty obstacles to be overcome before it can be possible to effect so great a change, obstacles, which if not absolutely insurmountable, must be the work of time to remove, it is very clear however, that an extensive modification of the Customs Ordinance is contemplated, and a consequent reduction of the vexatious changes and forms to which the Coma ercial Interest is now subjected, and such, modification will be one of the foundation stones upon which the prosperity of this our adopted country must be erected, Let only a moderate change take place, and the time will be short, before we shall see our harbour studded with the whaling ships of England, France, and America, who gladly exchanging with us the produce of their fishery, for our supplies, will keep us furnished with, a staple article sufficient to offer inducement for vessels bound to England, from sister colonies to seek cargoes from us ; thus the way will be open for our Commercial prosperity. Trade will necessarily encrease, and the shipping and commercial interest find this a depot worthy their serious consideration. English capital will soon be with us to an unlimited extent. The tide of emigration will set in upon us, and population (the wealth of Colonies), will increase. Then follows the natural benefit to the agriculturist, who will find a market for his produce of an extent sufficient to induce him to cultivate all available ! and, and thus by degrees will the face of the country be covered with prosperous farmers, and a happy and contented peasantry.