NEW ZEALAND COMPANY.

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 33, 17 January 1846, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND COMPANY.

That the work of colonization is, — to use the words of the Company's petition, — " consonant with the ancient policy and constitution of Great Britain, beneficial in itself, and honourable to its promoters," — will not be questioned by those who have reflected upon the proper objects and natural consequences of colonization ; — upon the principles of the British constitution; — and upon the character and genius of the English people, and the singular part which they perform, in the carrying out of the destinies of the human race on earth. It must, also, be acknowledged, that in conducting the details of colonization, interest is a more effective stimulus than a mere sense of duty ; therefore these details are more likely to be better managed, by private associations, properly superintended, yet under the contioul of government, than by paid officers of the crown, however active and zealous ; and had the New Zealand Company confined its attention to the proper fulfilment of the objects, which it proposed on its original formation ; it would, not only have best promoted its own ultimate interest, and acquired mucl) honour ; but it would also have contributed, in an eminent degree, to the advancement of the colony at large. But while it is admitted, that the Company has introduced into these islands, a numerous body of settlers, of character and respectability, unequalled in the annals of emigration and colonization; yet, it has been a source of deep regret, to all unprejudiced, impartial observers of its operations, since 1839, that it has permitted itself to be diverted from the pursuit of its legitimate, avowed objects, by an unwise and persevering indulgence in hopes and views that ought never to have been entertained. Regardless of the merited reproach of unjust ambition ; not disheartened by the open, declared discouragement, and uniform opposition of the Home Government ; nor, as it would seem, pausing to consider other difficulties, almost insuperable ; it has, from the very outset, — sometimes openly, sometimes covertly, yet always with the keenest ardour and diligence, been striving to obtain the monopoly of the colonization, and the internal government of these islands. We have been led to these prefatory remarks on perusal of the statement, detailing the interviews and correspondence between Lord Stanley, and a deputation from the Court of Directors of the New Zealand Company, which led subsequently to the amicable arrangement, declared by Sir Robert Peel in the House of Commons, on the Bth August. This statement we publish, this day entire, conceiving it to be a document of the greatest interest, to all settlers in the colony, and on it we shall make some few remarks. The subjects for discussion and arrangement, were placed under five heads. I. The Company's Lands. 11. A Loan to the Company. 111. Pui chases of land, by Europeans, direct from the Natives. IV. Seat of Government. Y. Future/jovernment. In the first discussion on land, after agreement, as to the number of acres to be contained in the Crown grants, to be issued immediately, at Wellington, Nelson, and Otago ; there was a difference of opinion as to further grants, and it was agreed to submit the matter to the arbitration of two individuals of high character and station. Subsequently, it appears, that Lord Stanley became magnifically generous, for in reply to the applicarion of the Company for 150,000 acres at Otago, and 150,000 acres in the valley of the Wairarapa,— he consents to the Com-, pany receiving in the former instance an un-

conditional grant, for 400,000 acres, from which they are to select, "the 150,000 acres proposed, and also such further quantity thereof, as they may desire, and to re-convey the remainder to the crown," — and as to the latter, his lordship extends the grant to 300,000 acres, and will direct the Governor to use his best exertions for securing the immediate consent of the natives to their removal from the land which may be selected. In departing thus, from his previous safe and wise policy, in not sanctioniug any crown grants to the Company, unless they had proved their titles to the same, before the Commissioner, and that the money awarded by the Commissioner, in any disputed title, had 'been accepted by the natives; we think that Lord Stanley [has renewed a source of endless strife, and probably a sequel of bloodshed between the Europeans and the natives. To those who have carefully watched the whole system and policy of the Compauy, ever since their embarrassments commenced, it must be well known, how artfully and perseveringly they have endeavoured to persuade the government, to issue to them, unconditional crown grants for land, of which they have assumed themselves to be proprietors, and then for the government to arrange with the natives, either by paying them exorbitant prices, or by depriving them, by force, of possessions, which they do not wish to alienate. HithertOj Lord Stanley has been firm and consistent, in his opposition to the scheme of relieving the Company, from the consequences of their primary, unjust proceedings in Cook's Straits. All the impediments, experienced by the Company, in carrying out their colonizing operations, with the subsequent results, have arisen, solely from the imperfect purchases of their agent, from the natives, and by his taking possession of, surveying, and offering to the j choice of purchasers from the Company, lands, not wild and waste ; but lands which were in the actual occupation and cultivation of the natives ;— and the sale of which was disputed by them ; and which had not been reported on by the Commissioner. The Directors at home, as soon as they became aware of the mischievous imprudence of their agent, in the colony, endeavoured to relieve themselves from the consequences, by asserting that the agreement with Lord Stanley, that they were to receive four acres of land, for every pound sterling, proved to be expended to the satisfaction of Mr. Pennington, — carried the construction, that the government were bound to give the company land, according to the number of acres awarded from time to time, without any reference to the validity of the company's purchases from the natives, and that the onus of satisfying them, or securing the alienation of those portions of land, selected by their agent, remained with the government. But how could the government remove the impediments thus occasioned, solely, by the inconsiderate haste and deceptive injustice of their agent? It could not convey titles to the company, which it did not itself possess ; for the natives had not alienated the land to the Crown. Neither, could it be expected, according to any reason or justice, that the government should complete by additional large payments, the purchases of the company's agent, declared by the Commissioner to be imperfect, without further payment to the natives, — and which had been asserted to be perfect, and fully paid for, and for which, they had taken credit in their account rendered to Mr. Pennington, of their expenditure. The government did all, that could reasonably be required, — by offering to secure the company in the peaceable possession of their lands, to which a valid title was proved before the Commissioner ; while, at the same time, the company's agent, neglected to perform that which he promised, and which had it been promptly done, would have, at once obviated all difficulties, and prevented the subsequent attempts at extortion, and the unjustifiable tresspass on the lands of the settlers, by the natives; in fact, Colonel Wakefield did not fulfil the agreement entered into by him, at his own instance, with the local government, — -namely, that the company would make good its alleged purchases, by further payments to the natives, in any cases, which the commissioner should decide that a complete or valid purchase had not been previously effected. We shall dismiss this part of the discussion, — as to the company's lands, — with calling the attention of the local government, to the great injury inflicted on this district, by the retention by the company -of so many town, suburban, and adjacent country allotments. It is well known, at least by those who understood the policy of the New Zealand Company, that when they selected land, at Auckland, and in its neighbourhood, to the value of £50,000, as part of the award of Mr. Pennington, it was solely with a view to mislead the government, with the idea that the company would send emigrants to Auckland ; and it was also with an intent and hope, that by holding in their hands so much of the town and neighbourhood, the progress of Auckland would be retarded. It must be perfectly evident now, that Otago and the Wairarapa Valley will engross the whole attention of the company, and be the destination of all the emigrants that may come out under their auspices, for some years to come ; therefore the

Home government should revoke the sales of land to the company in this district, and order the local government to dispose of them immediately by public auction at the quarterly sales. The application of the Company to Government for a Loan, requires but little remark. We consider that Lord Stanley would naturally suggest to the company, that they should pay up their capital, — and refund the dividends which the shareholders have received, to the amount of £44,697 ; before applying to the government. The company, are already in debt, to the amount of £76,500, borrowed on the security of their unpaid capital. Why not pay up their capital, pay off their debts, and continue their colonizing schemes with their own money, instead of increasing their debts by borrowing ? On the Purchase of Land by Europeans from the Natives, it was natural to anticipate strong remonstrance from the company, as it might interfere with their sales of land. However, Lord Stanley's reply was indefinite and vague, merely stating, that " although the purchases actually made, must, of course be respected, it appeared to him an impolitic measure." On waiving the right of pre-emption, for merely a nominal fee, we have repeatedly expressed our opinion and conviction that such system must be continued. It may suit the purposes and views of the New Zealand Company, that the government should attempt to maintain the right of pre-emption and to sell land, at the- legally authorised rate of twenty shillings per acre ; but the time of such unwise, absurd, and impracticable system is past, never to return. If Lord Stanley will not accede to the natives, henceforth, disposing of their lands, as they please, he must fill New Zealand with soldiers, before he can enforce the Treaty of Waitangi, in that respect. If it is desirable, that the whole native population should be united, and combined in purpose against us ; if the colony is to become a camp, and the tocsin of war is to be sounded through the length and breadth of the land,— there is no more certain mode of bringing, speedily about such a state of affairs, than by declaring to the natives,— that the government will not buy, and that the natives shall not sell to Europeans, their surplus lands. We trust Governor Grey will act on his own responsibility, on this question, and we would also, remark on this subject, that the best mode of allaying, in the native mind, any latent distrust and suspicion, as to the disposal of their own property, — would be to employ, forthwith, the chiefs and their tribes,, in the districts southward of Auckland, in ' opening roads into the interior,- under the direction and supervision of experienced surveyors. These roads would be through their lands, and give access to distant districts. The natives, then could dispose of property, which now is unavailable, and they would be quickly sensible of the advantages, to themselves, of making such roads, and of having Europeans located near them. Such wise, feasible policy, would do more to tranquilize and secure peace among the natives of the Waikato and Waipa districts, than all the absurd, theoretical schemes of the Colonial Office. The Seat of Government in New Zealand, has ever been the greatest cause of the opposition of the company to the local government. Every attempt has been made for the last five years, to fix the seat of government at Wellington. Books, pamphlets, newspapers, petitions, memorials, and letters have all been resorted to, in order to carry their object. Nor has the Company disdained to resort to the art of puffing, in its most approved modes, in furtherance of their plans. Views with all the deceptive effects of artistical touches, andjcolours, were not forgotten, in order to induce the belief, in England, that Wellington was not only the best port in New Zealand, but that it was the only eligible locality for the capital. The only sound argument in our opinion, for Wellington being the capital was, — on its establishment, the great number of most respectable Europeans, in comparison with any other settlement ; but its disadvantages, in other respects, have tended wholly to counteract such plea ; for one fifth of the number landed at Wellington, from England, have left it for some other settlement. While, on the other hand, the European population of Auckland, on account or its excellent position, has been steadily increasing, and the number of inhabitants, at each settlement at the present'time, are nearly equal, being about four thousand. Therefore the question as to the future seat of government, depends solely, in our opinion, on the local advantages*, — as regards commerce and internal agriculture as well as to the proximity of the native population. With a harbour equally difficult toapproaoh or leave, encompassed by huge and precipitous mountains; having but little available land in its vicinity, and no internal communication by land or by water, with the fertile districts of the interior ; now deluged with rain, — now the sport of the demon of the storm, as if it were the very arena for the pranks of the elements,— Wellington will never be the capital of New Zealand, and Lord Stanley has very properly set the matter at rest.

As to the Future Government of the Colony, the views and suggestions submitted to Lord Stanley, by the Company, through Lord Ingestrie, and assented to in great degree by his lordship, are more matter for future, than for present remark, being chiefly as to local municipal regulations, which future circumstances must dictate. Whatever may have been the causes of the obstacles hitherto experienced by the New Zealand Company, — it is to be hoped, that for the future, that neither the irritation arising from memory of the past, or petty jealousy, on the one hand, — nor extravagant views, and inordinate ambition on the othc.-, will disturb the real good understanding, which now, for the first time seems to exist, between the New Zealand Company and the Colonial Office. For it must be evident to those who have calmly and dispassionately reflected on the ultimate consequences of their disagreement and continual collisions, whether in Parliament or in Downing street, that perfect harmony between the Home Government and the New Zealand Company in England, with cordial co-operation of the Local Government and the Company's agent in the colony, are indispensable, more particularly at this crisis, for the security and prosperity of the whole body of settlers. j