Original Correspondence.

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 43, 28 March 1846, Page 3

Original Correspondence.

To the Editor of the New-Zealander. Sir, — Next to the maintenance of her Ma- 1 jesty's authority in this colony, the fixing of the capital is of immense importance, — to the settlers liere, of paramount impoitance. The NewZealand Company and its settlers leave no sfone unturned, to obtain the removal of the seat of Government to Wellington 5 it is natural enough 1 for them to do so,— but the other settlers, and the government both here and in England, may ! and ought to call upon them to state some cogent reasons of a commeicial and political nature, to justify the keeping afloat this idea, much more the adoption of such a serious step, at least in the present critical state of the colony. While we sincerely rejoice at the establishment of a cordial spirit between the Government aud the Southern settlers, let us follow liieir example in promptly addressing his Excellency on this most important subject; the Governor having visited the other settlements, will now be able to set the matter at rest, and it is our fault, if we do not speedily give him an opportunity of so doing It is greatly to be regretted that his Excellency was received with such mute silence on his arrival here, and still more that his success at Ruapekapeka, was insufficient to raise a note of congratulation. A Public Meeting should be held without delay, and a committee appointed to prepare an address, aud to wait upon his Excellency on his return here. Let them prepare statistical and other documents, which would bear on the subject, such as an outline plan of the district 100 miles round Auckland, and an enlarged plan of the settlement itself, with the country ten miles round, shewing the purchased and occupied lands, and the cultivations j the navigable rivers, harbours, creeks, plains, woods, &c,; the English aud native population, and settlements j the Imports and Exports; the situation of the Mines ; and the other commercial resources and advantages peculiar to this division of the Colony might be described. AH these items might be compared with the other settlements, if it was thought desirable so to do. Let the document be such, in fact, as might and would challenge the strictest scrutiny and investigation, .Some may please themselves in thinking that the capital cannot be removed j but let us beware of a false security, unless we exert ourselves to the utmost, we are in danger at least of its being kept, as Sir R. Peel says, "an open question." The Parliamentary influence, which' has caused Lord Stanley to quail before the Company, may yet cany this his last stronghold, and we may repent too late of our apathy and negligence. In the eyes of the English public, this settlement is nnreptesented j the Company by their Directors in Parliament make it to appear that they are " New Zealand," and by their influence on "the daily and periodical press, so fully occupy the field of view, that this settlement is almost a nonentity. The affairs however, of New Zealand generally, have of late, been prominently bronght befoie the public, and if they had the means of comparing the numerous aud singular advantages which Auckland undoubtedly possesses, as the capital, — they would give a verdict in its favour notwithstanding all the influences which the Company may use on the other side. If we wish to place the claim of Auckland fairly before the Governor, we owe it to his Excellency,— nay, we owe it to our ourselves, and to our friends in England, to prepare such a document as the one alluded to, and to> take such other steps as may be necessary to support our views, It may even be the means of eventually reconciling the Company to this place and district, and thus obtaining their co-operation, instead of experiencing their jealousy, dislike, and opposition. They would see that the claim of Auckland remaining the capital, does not rest merely because it was the pet choice of the late Governor Hobson. Let the Company immediately occupy the town, suburban and country allotments, chosen by Mr. Bell heie, as their agent, more than two years ago, and proceed to colonize them in the spirit in which that arrangement was made with Lord Stanley, and then they will have a fair opportunity of judging whether or not Auckland is well chosen, and should remain as the capital of the colony. 3 I am, Sir, Your's obedient, AKARANA. Auckland, March 24, 1816.

[In this letter, there are many excellent suggestions well worthy of the serious consideration of the settlers of the Northern District. We, ourselves have nevsr anticipated a change of the seat of Government, for we cannot bring our minds to believe, that a British Ministry, would ever sanction such a dereliction of honesty and good faith. Yet we allow the urgent necessity of being active to prevent such an event. We consider that there are arguments, circumstances, and facts insuperable, to removal of the Government from Auckland, and we purpose devoting some considerable portion of our columns, next week, to this important subject.— Ed.]