WELLINGTON EXTRACTS.

New Zealander, Volume 2, Issue 92, 6 March 1847, Page 3

WELLINGTON EXTRACTS.

We are glad to have lo record any signs of improvement amongst the aboriginal population. Tbe employment of natives with the white* on the roads, at present in progress, has produced, and ii producing, the most beneficial results.— Not only are the Maories thus employed beginning to appreciate the benevolent motives of the Government, but it has already effected a marked change in their conduct. We find that the native labourers, far ftom squandering their earnings, are expending them in the purchase of European clothing, and other articles, which their increased knowledge of civilization leads them to desire. In numerous instances the blanket has been laid aside, and moi c suitable clothing pui chased in lieu of it. The natives are also anxious for the completion of the roads. They begin to feel that the presence of the white man

is useful lo themselves, and with this feeling: growing in their breasts, we may rest assured that the days of couunoiion are rapidly approaching to an end. — Wellington Independent % Jan. 30. The Murderer Pktomi.— Potomi, the linn ilcrcr of the boy Hobman, for whose apprehension a reward of £100 has been oflVred, contrived to reach Manaualu, and joined the rebels under Rangiliaeata, on Saturday afternoon last, repoit sa}S that Rangihacala has sent in an oft'ei to Major Richmond to deliver up the murdcicr, provided the reward is forwarded by the paitios taking him in custody. It is also said that Itangihacatu would have protected him, piovided the mmdered poison, had been a soldier, but having killed a boy he will give him up. We aie told that two policein mi left Waikaime on Monday night to take hi n into custody. — Ibid, Feb. 6. We have heard that Thompson, Uuupai aim's sou, and Mai tin, llangihibaeata'a nephew, and other friendly unlives, are taking stops for the apprehension of Petomi, and hope in a few days to biing him prisoner to Wellington. We hope lefote the appioach of winter, means will be •la I. en to break tip Rangihaeata's party, and either to lake him prisoner, or drive him into the interior, w hcJC he will not have the power of occasioning further mischief lo the settlers. — Spectator, Feb. l>. A Sign of the TiMts.— -The natives of Otaki intend erecting a (lour mill, the motive power of which will be water, on the banks of the stream close to the spot where there pah is ci ected. This fact, so indicative of the pi ogress making by the aboriginal population speaks volumes. And they do nol intend ineioly to talk and agitate the subject. They are raibing a capital of .£3OO, fifty pounds of which is already fcubscribud, and lorwaided to Wellington for in vesiment. Within three months they purpose placing the whole amount in the Savings brink. Tliu natives intend to employ Euiopeans lo perform mechanical labor icqiiiied in erecting the mill, suppl) ing the manual labor from amongst themselves. In like manner mechanics w ill be re- < quired throughout the country. The natives as the) progiesb, w ill require other and more substantial houses, and mills must be ci ected in other Jocdities and on sites convenient of access for the stiiionnding population. When the mill is completed «it Otaki, a w lute man must be hired lo superintend the uoiking of the same. Thus MCbhall find the various trades taking loot among the Mamies, and with property acquired, and a knowledge of its value, natives w iil not be found interfering for the future with dtbluibuiicet, m hether amongst themselves or their white brethern.—lndependent, Feb. 10. Within the last few days, a largo meeting of native chiefs has been assembled at Otaki, for the purpose ofconsidering matters affecting the peace and vvelfaie of the two races. The fact of Rangihneata stopping the traific on the coast wa« brought forward, and the various chiefs present expressed themselves strongly in favor of keeping the road open at all times. They also urged the native** to preset ve peaceable relations with the Europeans, and urged the benefits resulting to loth races by so doing. Rangihaeala has been compelled to succumb, and there is> every probability that parlies travelling the coast will be unmolested for the fuluio. The chiefs have likewise pi omised to use their best endeavours to secure Petomi and forward him to town. Should Rangihaeata refuse to give him and the other wuiderersup, the mililaiy will have to make further acquaintance with hi in. —/£/'</. We stated in our last number, that an easy and practical line by which a load can be cariied had been discovered between the lluttund the Wai rarapa valleys. So few obstacles present themselves, that b) the end of the summer llieie is every probability that ihe Wai i aid pa dibit ict •will be opened to Wellington by means of a good dray ro id. — Ibid. On Monday a very elegant entertainment was given on board the C'«//<Vy>c by the ollicers of that vebsel to their fiiondsand acquaintances in Wellington. The invitations were very numerous, and as the day proved exceedingly line, the allair passed off with great eclat. The company assembled bbortly after 12 o'clock, and enjoyed an excnibion to the heads and round the harbour. In the evening dancing commenced in a lent funned on the deck and lilted up with great taste •with vai ions coloured flags. The pai ty broke up at an early hour in the morning the guests being highly gratified w itli their days amusement and will) the hospitality ami attention of their gallant eutertaiueis — Spectator, Feb. 3. Murder.— The Royal William, which ari ived on Saturday from Altai ou, brought as prisoner a German oft he name of William Kreutel, ■who is charged wsth the crime of wilful muider. It appeals that Kreutel, who was carpenter of the Gorman whaler llama, then lung in the harbour at Port Lcvi, had deserted liom his vessel, and with another sailor wasal the house of llea. phy, a seitleral Poit Cooper, on the evening o the 30lh December, w hen the deceased Mr. lirnest, who was thud mate of the Ilansa, came in in company will) the Doclor of the ve.ss.el, and t'xptessed his anxiety to get on board : — shortly after « ards he left the house will) the Doctor and commenced loading his gun. Aflei the yun was loaded, Ueaphy let t the house lo get his boat ready, and on his return found the prisoner had taken Mr. Ernest's gun, and ran away with it.— The deceased and Uie Doctor went in pursuit of the piiumer, uho presented the gun at I hem, ami after taking a deliberate aim, shot the deceaiicd in the left side, who shortly alterwards expired. The prisoner was secured and taken beloreMr. WaUon the police magistrate at Akatoa, and was I'ul'y committed b) him to take his t/ial on the charge of w ilful murder, at the March fcittingb of the Supieme Court.— lbid.

Wesi INDIG3.--Juines Maeanley Higginson, Esq , bis bfcii gazeticd as Govenior-Geiural and Comniai dcr-ii). Chief of the Leeward Inlands, in the place of bn » liar Uri Vu/.ioy, ricently a)'|n)inted to New Sou !i W.-i - . • M.. ln^i;iris(in was L'rivate Secretary to ti.i. ir'vawn wi in i il t,l Canada, Lord Metcalfe. Tlie selec ion oi Mr. IJiugni'-oii to this honorable post is mobt granfym,; lo tho,u wlio have beeu in official coinniunicauon with him,~WeBlfc}»n Missionary Nutices.