PRIVATE DEBENTURES.

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 7, 19 July 1845, Page 3

PRIVATE DEBENTURES.

To the Editor of the New-Zealander. Sir,— ln your last number appeared some very proper remarks on the practice, exclusively confined to this settlement of the colony, of small traders and publicans, issuing trumpery dirty scraps of paper, as substitutes for genuine sterling coin. You are not perhaps aware tlmtan attful expedient, to avoid payment of them, is now adopted by some parties. It is this,— when a number of these dirty, illegible scraps arc collected, to the amount required, namety, five shillings, payment is refused, unless they are all for the same amount as, all for three-pence, or sixpence, &c, so that in fact, unless a person has little or nothing to do, it is not worth his while to take so much trouble. But Sir, as an old settler in this and the adjacent colonies, I would, through your columns remind the residents of Auckland, that this pernicious system of paper money, commenced in Hobart Town, some twenty years since. At first, it was confined to some ten or dozen most respectable merchants, who for the greater facility of commercial transactions, issued notes of one, two, or three and four dollars, and once or more frequently during the week, as circumstances required, a person, paid by the whole, went round, and exchanged the notes of the several parties, receiving the balance in specie, upon a plan similar to the clearing system of the London bankers. This was a wholesome state of paper circulation, because parties were bound to pay, on presentation, of one or more, the whole amount in specie, and these notes were considered so good, that in those early days, before specie had been brought into the colony, the Govern n ent received them for duties, &c, at the Colonial Treasury. But, in a very short time, every petty shopkeeper began to manufacture money, the printed forms for dollars, &c, could be cheaply purchased, and at length the system was carried to such a height, that even the sailors, from the vessels m the harbour, could pass notes with their signatures, professing to be residents in the town. At last, the fraudulent who had issued more than ; it was convenient to pay, or their means justified, began to disavow their own signatures ; therefore, all confidence in any, was at an end, and the system terminated, by the honest taking up their issues, an.d the dishonest becoming rich by denying their own handwriting. So soon as the Dffdalus arrives with the specie a similar action, I fear will take place here, and therefore all persons should at ouce be on their guard, and discriminate between that paper circulation issued by substantial honest men, and those sent forth without any means or intention of repayment. I am Sir, Yours, &c. Argentum.

To the Editor of the New Zealander. SiR,--The publication of the following "Query," in your esteemed Journal, will much oblige not only the writer, but very many others, who are deeply interested In the reply. " fP'hn are the parties benefited by the contribu- " tiom raised in Sydney, Hobart Town, and Auck- " land, for the unfortunate sufferers at the Bay " of Islands ?" It is a question, Mr. Editor, which those who so generously came for«va'd on the occasion, have a ri«;ht to demand an answer to ; — to feel satisfied that their intentions hare been fully carried out, by those who were entrusted with its distribution, and that none but actual suffereis have received any portion of it. The name of each one who received any portion of it, should be published, stating the amount and also to what amount they had sustained loss by the Maories nt the Bay of Islands. Yours. respectfully, Fair Play.

I [We insert the above letter, being the most dispassionate among; many others we have received, on the same subject. In all charitahle contributions, perfect satisfaction in the distribution of such funds to all the claimants cannot be expected, and we are of the same opinion, expressed in a former number, when remarking on the same subject, that many who have come to Auckland as refugees, have bettered their condition and circumstances ; yet, at the same time, we agree with our Correspondent that none but actual sufferers should participate in the generous bounty of Sydney, Hobart Town, and other places, — and we take this occasion to publish the liberal donation, but as yet little known, of Sir Eardley Wilmot,of £50. We know not who were the almouet* of the fund, but we doubt not satisfactory account of their stewardship can be rendered ; — if not, publicity and notoriety of abuse always bring remedy or disgrace.— -Eu.]

To the Editor of the New Zealander. SrR, — I take up the pen to address you as I promised last week, to draw your attention, (if it has not already com* 1 under \our ohseivation,) to a certain structure in the course of erection in the Government domain. lam comparatively speaking a >oung settler here, but as 1 think 1 know thecustom of other places, my observations may not be deemed presumptuous. Fiistthen, 1 believe that the Government domain was reserved by Governor Hobson, the then Governor of New Zealand for the purpose of erecting in it, at some future time, when thp more flourishing state of the Colony would permit, a Louse for the occupation of Her Majesty's Representative, ac commodating himself to the meaner site in the present Government House. In New Zealand, how ever, under thepresent administration, things are entirely changed, v.i\& the Government domain, is according to repoit to be converted into a site for a permanent Maori settlement. Can )ou Mr. Editor, answer the questions which suggest themselves to every observer. Why is this? Are our ruleis so completely infatuated that nothing will open their e)es, to the evils of Maori conciliatoiy policy, andnolw ithst.mding the daily fatal proofs of the injudiciousness of such a com so, they are determined to puisne their way to the utter destruction of all European interest, oven to the endangering the lives and pi operty of the Auckland citizens. What possible advantage do the Government expect to obtain from having such an exertion close to, almost in the heai i of the the ton n ?—? — Is this bouse now building to in* considered (he head quartets •four WaiUto allies, for the pre: servation of the lives and propezt) y( her fin-

jesh's subjects rcsulont in the Capital of Nlmv Zealand ? Are we so utterly lost, that the Governor and authorities of this Colony must put J thoinst'ves under the protection of the natives? But what iuotection are we to obtain, and against whom? The head-quarters of the chief whose protection we are now courting, and who report sa>s is to be located in the domain, is so close to the town, that upon any given signal agreed — say hoisting the Government house flag half-mast high, as a signal of distress, — can, at his present abode, be seen; and his powerful and valuable aid immediately afforded. Again, — what is to be the cost of this erection, and out of what source of revenue is the amount to be defrayed ? Does it come under the head of " Supplementary Estimates," " Public Works" or " Secret Service Money ?" This is a question the public are entitled to ask and have answered' — nor, I trust, will any sneer or sarcasm uttered at the Council board, when next the Legislative Council meet, prevent the independent members from asking the question and enforcing an answer. Truly, Mr. Editor, taking a retrospect of the current events oi the past year, and observing that every step has been to forward the (falsely called) interests of the Maori, against, not in conjunction with those of the British, and viewing the bitter haivcst which we aie now reaping fiom the consequences of such foolish, morbid policy, 1 cannot but deeply mourn over this silly concussion to giatify the still more silly pride and unwarrantable wishes of the natives. I am, Sir, Your's, &c. C. J.

[We most readily insert the above letter, on a matter, which we had out selves intended to have made some observations. The Chief to whom this unwise acquiescence to the well known encroaching desires of the Natives, has been granted is Te Wherowi.ero, head of the Ngatimauta Tribe of the Waikato. If he and his numerous tribe had no abiding place, near Auckland, when they came on their trading or pleasurable excursions to Auckland, from "the Waikato, some excuse might be made for such misappropriation of the Domain, of the Representative of the Queen of Great tiiitain: butTe Wherowhero.and his brother Takewaroa, alias E Kat, have a most beau- j tiful spot, v ith an excellent house, and abundance of cultivable ground for food, at Pukapuka, on the western bank ot the Porewa, within a shorter distance from Auckland, than the Pah of Nga te Whatua tribe at Orakei. Such abode was quite sufficient for all the wants and purposes of the Ngatimauta tribe, for the ridge is extensively and productively cultivated, and at ]ow water, the lesidentsare within an houis' walk of Auckland. Of all Chiefs therefore, residing at a distance, we think that TeWherowhero had the least claims lor such indulgence. We are quite awaie that it was politic to conciliate the great leader of the Waikato ttibes during the late important crisis, aud individually Te Wheiowhero is an excellent desetving Chief, but we think that permission should not be granted to any Natives to leside on such a spot. Peisons have purchased suburban Allotments aiound the Government Domain, on account of the privacy, and to be free fiom the annoyance of unpleasant neighbours, and it was never anticipated by them that Maories would be dwelling in Auckland Park. As to the cost of the erection to which our Correspondent alludes, we believe that the Governor incurs solely the expense. If such a building had been erected at Pukapuka, it would have been quite as useful to Te Whero\vhero,and he and his Natives would be sufficiently near to the Town, not only for their ownpmposes, but to lender any assistance that might be requited in case of actual uarfaie with other tribes.— lio.]

To the Editor of the New-Zealander. Sir,— Your coi respondent "Watchman," in your last number, has endeavoured, with much propriety, I consider, and great earnestness, to draw tiie attention of tlie Colonists to the exist ing immorality amongst us, as being- the cause of many of the calamities that have beiallen this, at present, unhappy land. He has pi escribed a remedy— and one which none who call themselves Christians, to whatever sect they may belong, can, I think, reasonably object. He has been backed by another correspondent in your same number, " Churchman, 1 ' in suggesting the propi iety of a day being set apart for public humihatjor und pra)er : but, as jet, their recommendation lias been unheeded by those who should lead in such matters. Hitherto, it wouM seem, both Government and people have been depending greatly upon the"' own wisdom, tlieii strength, and their ingenuity, in the qi eat work of colonizing these islands. The ruleis have, In their combined knowledge, framed and passed, repealed and re-passed many laws and ordinances for the guiddnce and control of the inhabitants; and the Colonists, on the oilier hand, have not been idle in suggesting each his own individual improvement and amendment, while their trading speculations have been going on, and great attempts made to develope the hidden and visible resources of the Colony. — But, it must be confessed, that the whole of this combination of exettion has almost been spent for nought — and we now find ourselves engaged in deadly conflict with the original inhabitants, for whose protection the British possession of New Zealand has been ostensibly taken up. Now seeing that all ovr endeavours to arrive at prosperity have been fruitless and unavailing, might we not with all piopriety call to our aid the assistance of a Superior Being — one who has been long experienced m the Governorship of the Nations, and who can raise or lov er them at His will.— Surely our piide must now give way to humility j and the presumptuous power we have assumed, in becoming the self-appointed protectors of a i ace of God's creatures, must be given up to Himself, and His protection sought for our own and the natives' preservation. But perhaps it may now be deemed unnecessary, by our dignitaries, to attend to the call of your correspondents, inasmuchas danger appears less imminent, — the refractory natives having ietreated from their stronghold. But, "we

sliouJd not hollow till out of the wood," let us beware of on ing " peace, peace, while there is no peace." The natives who have caused so much bloodshed are still, it is supposed, in existence 5 but however it may be, it is ~ur duty to recognize our Maker — and we should do so as a Colony. I do not wish to occupy much more of your space, else 1 should advert to some of our misdeeds as a community, and whereby we must have offended the Righteous Being who in his providence hath placed us here. The Colonies, it is to he regretted, afford many opportunities for indulgence in vice : and the immorality that is obliged to seek darkness for its perpetration in our mother land, too often stalks forth unblushingly in our Colonial streets in broad daylight — and frequently the journals of the place pander ( to such licentiousness, when they might be the happy means of giving amoral tone and instilling proper principles into the minds of the community. In Auckland, nevertheless, it is a pleasure to reflect, that some of the papers have contributed to advance the morals of the people j and several of the inhabitants have Striven, by the establishment of Temperance societies, to arrest drunkenness in its fearful progress. This rice is alluded to by " Watchman," who says that "he who is accessary to another man's sin, by making him drunk, &c, or in any other way tempting him to sin, is an enemy to his countn, and must answer to his God." — So' also say the promoters of the above societies, — but they go still further, and maintain, that he who unnecessarily partakes of intoxicating drinks, in however small a degree, sets an evil example to all who surround him, and is instrumental in perpetuating a custom which has made men sin, and often, brought upon nations the just displeasure of God. It is a pity that such institutions have not been succoured by the more influential Colonists, for if they had been encouraged amongst us, there might not now be so much evil to deplore. Similar societies have been instrumental of great prosperity in many countries of the globe — and their establishment here should have been fostered rather than retarded. Mechanics' Institutes, public libraiies and schools, sabbathschools, and all such institutions should also be earnestly encouraged, not only by the people themselves, but also by the rulers, who ought to be the patrons and chief movers in their establishment ; for the principle laid down by Solomon, respecting the training of jouthful minds, will also hold good when applied to yonng Coloj nies or nations. Let an impression of sound morality and religion be made upon the minds of the community in its early days,and the benign effects will be seen and felt in the riper jeari of the Colony. Seeing that you desire to give publicity to any observations tending to advance New Zpaland, I leave the above in your hands, and remain Your's &c, WARDER.

To the Editor of the New Zealander. Sir, — In your last week's number, I was glad to find two letters on the importance o\ referring the present state of the colony to Almighty God, by observing " a day of public humiliation, lasting, and prayer." One by a ' Churchman ' and another by ' Watchman.' Such a course I conceive would be perfectly consistent with our cirrum&tances, unless it can be shewn that we have no sins to confess, no evil threatening us, or that we are entirely iudepen<lent of God, and can avert the danger that has so long been hanging over us, without His interference. If we are able to prove that the statements of Watchman are false, that neither Sabbath breaking, nor profanencss, m.r drunkenness prevail among us, as a community, that we are not in circumstances of great perplexity and distress, and that Almighty God cannot) help us outol our difficulties ; theu the letters referred to, are uncalled for, and the recommendation to fasting and prayer vain and idle. But if we are not able, as I presume we are not, to deny any of the positions, then the suggestion is wot thy the serious consideration of a professedly Christian people. And 1 felt extremely sorry on reading your editorial remark* to find you endeavouring to nullify the good effect that these letters might have on the public mi od. Ist. By calling it a "presumptuous sitting in judgment to ascribe our calamities to our sins." Now, all history both'sacred and profane, proves the position taken by 'Watchman' that in proportion as nations have sinned agaii.st God, they have been punished. And I submit, that to a->sert as much, is not to sit in judgment on otheis, but simply to state an historic fact, which cannot be denied ; and the infeience from which, is irresistable, vn. that God is fighting against us. I 2nd. By your remarks on the comparison between the natives and soldieis. The compaiison you deem " unjustly harsh, and inapplicable," and to, prove the religion of the native " hollow aud hypocritical," you instance the treatment of our wounded men. Here there seems to be misconception and-eonfusiou. The only compir.son I can find m Watchman's letter betweeu the soldiers aud the natives is m reference to Walker's successes and our defeats. And can the fact be denied, that that chief has been signally sue cessful in his engagements with the rebels. How do you account for his repulsing with only 120 meti, Hekes forces amounting to upwards of 400 ? Have we accomplished any thing like this ? The other comparison in Watchman's letter, appears to me to reler to the native aud co'onists generally, and can any man at all acquainted with the native character, deny his statement. If you have travelled at all in the land, you must have observed among the Chrisliau natives, a strict religious observance of the Lord's day, regular attention to the 'daily worship ol G')d, and as a nation, entire freedom from the abominable sin of drunkenness. Can you say as much for ourselves as a nation ? The treatment of the wounded, can only apply to lleke and his followers. But how does his conduct prove the religion of Walker and his people, who have fought our battles to be " detestable hypocrisy and duplicity." And by what logic can you make the acth of the rebel natives to prove that the Chiistiatnty of all the natives around us, is " hollow and mere pbarasaical fanaticism ?" Your proof is inapplicable, and does not at all invalidate the reasoning of Watchman. If he bad compared our soldiers nith Heke, your proof would have beeu in point, and your inference legitimate, but as no such comparison i- made, your inference falls to the ground, ami the statements of Watchman are uncoturadicted, and are neither unjustly harsh nor inapplicable.

3rd. Your quotation from Uncle Toby is also sadly calculated to mislead the class of men to whom it paitieularly applies, and placed as it is in opposition to the Scriptural sentiments contained in Watchman's letter, evidently designed to prevent the impression that that letter might make. Uncle Toby is no nuthoiity in such matters. The Bible is our only guide to immortality, it treats with man as man, n ithout any regard to outward distinctions, declaring in reference to cveiy man, whether he be soldier, sailor, or civilian, whether he diuil m tho iiold ot battle, or in the bosom of his family, — " Except a nun be born ai;ain, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." And Uncle Toby ought never to be quoted •as authority on such subjects by a man who prolesses to believe his Bible. Of your concluding: remarks, I fully approve, and in my opinion they concede all that Watchman contends for,— "justice, mercy, and punishment, will be strictly rendered by Omnipotence." Does not tliis sentence contain the gut of all th.it Watchman says ? And may not our defeats in the present war with the natives be taken as an intimation that Omnipotence is justly punishing' us for our 6ins, that ' the day of vengeance,' your old poet speaks of, has overtaken us ; and if so, where is the injustice, or harshness, or presumption of Watchman's remarks, — and why attempt to render them ineffectual, by your animadversions upon them ? My concern lor truth, and the welfare of this troubled country, must be my excuse for the length ol my remarks. And though a newspaper may not be the place for religious discussions, yet 1 am ot opinion lhat a public Journalist ought not to shrink from defending the truth of God, or from bearing public testimony against public sin, any more than he would from speakiug out on public abuses of the htate, or rebellion against it. Nor will the advocacy of scriptural principles ever disgrace bib journal, or lessen it in the estimation of its readers. And I hope the " New Zealander ,'' will ever be a failhlul echo of its own motto, — " Be just, and fear not . let all the ends thou aim'at at, be thy Country's, 77/y God's, and Truth's.'' I am, Sm. &c. ALPHA. July 17, 1815.

[To the above communication, accusative as it is of ineligious opinions against us, for our few quiet will-intentioncd remarks on the letter of •' Watchman," in our last number, we give a \A<xce in our columns, although we think our leadeis will not be much edified by the lengtlienod eastigation to which we have voluntaiil\ i-iilunitted. The language is stid-ng — we might tay, to ourselves, rather more ; but as it is in }>olitios, so it is in religion, men greatly difler,— and on the latter most sacred subject w e are of opinion that humility, forbearance, and forgive nebs are essential duties. — Ed.]