CORRESPONDENCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume I, Issue 45, 15 November 1851, Page 6

CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the Lyttelton Times. gj B) —The question that arises with the promoters of the Canterbury Settlement at the present juncture is to retain its people here. This induces me to offer some reason why both capital and labour will take its departure, both to Australia.aud the adjacent settlements, A general impression prevails, that in any of the adjacent settlements botli capital and labour may be employed to better advantage. The Discovery of Gold in Australia.— On this subject much might be said, and the nefarious acts that have been committed in California may be held up as a bugbear to frighten people from going to the diggings in Australia; in that case, it is only just to examine the respective merits of each place. California versus Australia. —California is a place where all law, or, more properly speaking, obedience to the law, is set at defiance by a selfelected body who style themselves the "Vigilance Committee," whose illegal and violent practices are strongly censured by the Governor of the State, and the extent of their evil proceedings may be pretty clearly estimated from the irrefutable testi - mouy of Captain Hughes of the " British Barque Timandra;" how few, if any, have escaped like this gentleman, how many thousand whose names are now ■wrapt in oblivion, have been victimised to glut the barbarous desire for murder in the Yankee Savage, how many, spotless of crime, have had their souls yelled into eternity by the semi-barbarian who boasts of liberty, equity, and justice, while the very knife reeks in his hand with the blood of its victim. Turn from this foul land of murder and devastation. Look to the fair and healthy clime of Australia, look to its flocks, its herds, its crops, and, above all, its British laws and British justice. And again, as if the Angel of justice had descended in judgment against the Californian Assassins, and had poured into the lap of injured Australia more golden treasure than can be found in the blood-stained Land, in reward for her tribulation, —advance Australia, —whose inhabitants are well known for their kind, grand, hospitable feeling towards the stranger, and although gold, glittering intoxicating gold, has, for months past, been pouring into her lap, crime, heinous crime, is a stranger at the diggings ; the very reverse is the case iv California, then what comparison can be drawn between the two countries; Australia must now advance with a Californian rapidity, yet her well organized police, and above all, a well-disposed community, will ensure prosperity to a land that, ere long, must •Sgxirstsmnngstths iifuidT/s : then who" will :btr^~ ».'-~:i ■ as to stem an occurrence so stupendous in its effects to the adjacent colonies, —who can stop the tide of emigration ? Let me ask one question, is the Canterbury settlement at present the best place to invest either capital or labour 1 if so, both the wearied Pilgrim and Shagaroon will gladly make it their resting place. I am, Sir, Yours, &c. William Taylor.