TO THE INHABITANTS OF AUCKLAND AND COLONISTS OF NEW ZEALAND.

Auckland Times, Volume 1, Issue 4, 15 September 1842, Page 4

TO THE INHABITANTS OF AUCKLAND AND COLONISTS OF NEW ZEALAND.

Gentlemen, THE undersigned has the honor to address you upon the subject of the young Capital of New Zealand being without a public journal; and to lay before you proposals for supplying the deficiency. Having been originally induced to visit Auckland, by an expectation of being connected with the management of the late Herald, the attention of the writer has of course been frequently addressed to the subject: although circumstances, which have since led to the gradual decay and final discontinuance of that journal, prevented his forming any connexion with it beyond that of a voluntary contributor. The present political condition of the Colony, calls for some* few remarks from any person aspiring to the confidence of the Public, in conducting such a task, for it is well known that many persons have attributed the failure of former attempts, to the insufficiency of our present population, and the immature state of our society. The writer is of opinion, Gentlemen, that these objections form an especial reason, why such a work should become the anxious object of public protection and care. The attention of all classes of society in our native country, and the neighbouring Colonies, has been called, in the loudest voice of p-etension, to the work of colonization, in which we are engaged ; and our progress is watched with proportionate anxiety. An able, honest, and independent Press, therefore, is indispensably necessary to our justification, and no less requisite to our success ; —such an one as shall fairly reflect the prospects and progress of the Colony;— concentrating and exhibiting the effects of local experience, and the suggestions of practical knowledge, provoked and unfolded by our novel position ; —untrammelled by any party, uncontrolled by any subserviency,—it should faithfully condense the public voice, and exercise the irrepressible power of truth —for the common weal. The present aspect of our affairs is, unquestionably, one of considerable difficulty ; but no ! young Colony, however liberally supported by its parent land, has ever yet started into maturity without meeting obstacles to contend with : bow then can we expect, abandoned as we are entirely to our own resources, to consummate the great work in hand, without many checks. The sure and certain elements of prosperity are within our grasp; we require only courage and industry, guided by judgment, and wrought | out by time, to accomplish all that has been | predicted of our success by the most sanguine, i It is quite possible to correct the errors of inexperience, and retrace the footsteps of miscalculation, without falling into the qmgmire of despondency; and although the indications of timidity are most apparent, where we might most reasonably look for the voice of encouragement, we have still before u» the same bounteous natural prospect, which first tempted us forth into the field of enterprize :—it is not therefore without some confidence of support, that this effort to produce a practically useful and independent journal, is laid by its author before his fellow citizens; pretensions may be generally valued by a ratio inverse to their seeming ; he will, therefore, make modesty j the characteristic of his; he will plead the ! advantage of some experience as a journalist, j and a long intercourse with commercial and colonial society as bis partial qualifications. “THE AUCKLAND TIMES" shall be conducted, at all events with independence—its tone, though unflinching, shall be temperate : and its intending Editor avows distinctly that habitual regard for established institutions, which is the best guarantee for public and self respect. He has been warned that the freedom of recent political discussion has been likely to render him unacceptable to the friends and adherents of the Government — he trusts this will not prove to be the case—it is impossible not to form a decided opinion upon the great political questions now in agitation; but the undersigned has been principally anxious to promote the co-operation of all parties for the public good;—intestine dissensions in our infant community can only hinder our progress ; —the writer can entertain no doubt, but that the prosperity of the Colony is the ultimate aim of all. It is presumed, that the reception of this attempt may be considered a test of the soundness of this belief, and the Editor will look for support no longer—when he himself shall be tried and found wanting—-by a similar criterion. This new Journal is intended, at least as much to represent the Colony, fairly and truly, abroad, as to administer to domestic necessities ; the Editor, therefore, especially solicits the favor of public co-operation, by the supply of local and statistical information—-

such kind assistance will always be gratefully acknowledged and studiously recorded. Habitually observant of the; devotion and respect which is due to the fair sex, it will be the endeavour of the Editor to take care that the propriety and purity of the style—and the diversity of the contents of the Times, shall be calculated to secure for it as warm a welcome at the table of the drawing-room, as upon the desk of the study or counting-house con scious of the just and all pervading power o female influence, he will claim no merit for policy so obvious as this. No time will be lost iu commencing this Joui nal, so soon as a subscription list can be pre \ vided sufficiently extensive to pay the currer expences—beyond this, no immediate expecta tion of success is entertained. It will be pub lished twice a week, considerably improving upon the size of the Standard, without increasiug the price of that Journal—(fifteen shillings per quarter.) The support of the commercial community, to the advertising columns of the Times, is earnestly solicited. Such mode of patronage, while mainly essential io the journalist, is no less useful to those who kindly afford it. Names of intending subscribers will be received at the Printing Office, by Mr. John Moore, as well as by Your most obedient servant, HENRY FALWASSER, Intending Proprietor and Editor. Auckland, August 28th, 1842.