THE MAORI MESSENGER. Auckland, August 14, 1851. THE SHIPWRECKED FRENCHMEN.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume 3, Issue 69, 14 August 1851, Page 1

THE MAORI MESSENGER. Auckland, August 14, 1851. TH E SHIPWRECKED FRENCHMEN.

Since publication of the last number of the " Maori Messenger." the surviving officers and crew of the late French corvette " Alemene," amounting to one him Ired and ninety two souls have sailed for Tahiti. It must be matter of pleasurable reflection, as tvell to the Native in to the liuropeau inhabitants of New Zealand, that the utmost kindness and consideration had been manifested towards these unfortunate mariners by both races ; and that in quitting th;-se shores, they departed "ltd ft warm and grateful sense of the attentions they experienced. No class of men could have conducted themselves more nobly than the Nguticpas; an I the humanity which prompted them to feed and shelter these destitute sufferers will cause them to be held in proud and honourable estimation wherever the story of their generosity shall be told. The voice of a grateful philanthropy, which would shrink from narration of deeds of sanguinary but bootless strife, wid treasure ihis practical illustration ot° the blessed parable of the good Samaritan, rei ording the charity amid other memorable chr jnicles of especial benevolence. The sojourn of these Frenchmen in Auckland is not without its moral. We need but look at them, from the moment of their first compulse- y landing to that of their grateful departure, to become feelingly alive to the hateful absurdity of war, and the great and unspeakable blessings of peace. Well may War be reynrded.as a bitter curse. Ami well and wisely do great nations carry forbearance to its utmost limit, rather than shock humanity with such an iutolera'.le infliction.

How much more delightful is it to behold, ns we hava here so lately done, the brave men of France and England occupying one barrack in common.and intent upon offices of mutual kindness and good will. From his Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor down to the simple private soldier ot the sStl»Regt. such has been tlie ense. Each has done his utmost to evince a friendly and nfl'ei donate interest for the stranger; and both have parted with lively sentiments of esteem. Could any triumph, purchased at the cost of widows tears or the lamentations of the fatherless orphan equal this? Impossible! May God grant then that war may speedi'y cease throughout the world I Nothing could exceed the honourable and orderly conduct of these French seamen during their stay in Auckland. Every arrangement having been made for their conveyance to Tahiti, they were assembled in the square of the Albert Barracks on Wednesday the tfOth ultimo. Having been formed into line;—asa Parting compliment,—one which it is Susturanry to pay to English troops wlnfii landing or embarking—the Band of the 58th Regt. placed themselves at the head of the column, playing the men to the Roman CnthoKc Church, where they heard Mass, and thence to the point ot embarkation. The streets were crowded with people, and the greater portion of the 58th Regt. accompanied their French guests to the beach. And thus parted the warriors of two nations whose meetings and whose partings have unfoitunately much more frequently been traced in characters of blood than chronicled by expressions if regret and esteem. Next day, all stragglers having been received on board the American ship Alexander, that vessel weighed anchor, and ere night-fall had passed entirely out of sight.