THE SETTLERS’ PETITION.

New Zealander, Volume 2, Issue 100, 1 May 1847, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE SETTLERS’ PETITION.

J [From 1 tile Nelson Examiner.]

; [The following Tetter from Mr. Charles Bullcr, to whom' was entrusted' the 'Petition'from.the Southern; Settlements for presentation, has just been received by Mr. Domett] " . . Sin,—! feel much obliged to yourself and the inhabitants of the Southern Settlements of New Zealand, for the very handsome manner in which you have entrusted me with the Petition to Parliament. - You will not, I am sure, disapprove of my presenting it without attempting to raise any discussion. The' altered state of circumstances, but above all the change of Ministry, and’the presence of Lord Grey and Mr. Hawes in the Colonial Office, had so changed the course of policy to be ad'opted, that I thought .it most unwise, and at any rate unnecessary, to stir the subject in Parliament in' any other than the practical- form in which it was brought before us by the ministerial measure. The establishment of self-government ih ; New Zealand will, after a short interval, place your future fortunes almost .entirely in your own hands. Allow me to express ,my gratification, howeyer, in being selected to present a petition drawn with such singular ability and industry, 1 and giving sp : sound and' wise a view of the past history and actual condition of the colony. Such au exhibition of the soundness and moderation of your views, under circumstances that might have, driven ordinafy irien to frenzy,'is the best, promise for the fitness of the people of New Zealand;to govern themselves. ’ ' You may rely on this, that the interest which I have shown in New Zealand, and which has earned, -ipe this mark ,of your confidence, will never cease. I trust that hereafter it may be exhibited, not in asserting.your rights against oppression and mismanagement, but in sympathizing with and furthering the, progress which I sincerely anticipate. ■ ' l: '- , Believe me, sir, • - r ' ‘ • Very faithfully yours, Torquay, Charles Buli.ee.. Oct. 21* 1846. - ..THE NEW REGULATIONS. <i. '' [Copy of a Despatch addressed; to Colonel Wakefield, 1 dated London, October; 1846.

Sir, —Having laid before the Court your Despatch of the 23rd of April, 1846, Nelson, No. 7, 40, with its enclosures, respecting the proposed regulations for the disposal of land, and several numbers of tli e' Nelson Examiner on the same, subject, I am instructed to inform you, that the Directors have learned , with equal surprise and disappointment the manner in which have been received the arfangeiiients framed with the,express desire of benefitting the settlement, and with the belief that in the results, at least, the objects of the settlers might be thereby attained. The dissatisfaction expressed in the several documents which have come under notice, is evidently based upon a misapprehension of the intentions of the Court; and of the practical effect of some of the arrangements proposed; but as it is impossible, previous to tlie sailing of the Elora, to enter into this important subject with the fulness it demands, it is deemed better to abstain altogether from the discussion of particular, point on the present occasion. The Court entirely approves of the discretion, you exercised in suspending the operation of the regulations in question ; and, having no desire to adopt any measures in reference to the Nelson lands which are not considered by those who have made purchases calculated to remove the evils complained of herefore, it directs that you will abstain from acting'on its former instructions until the whole subject shall have undergone' a careful reconsideration. This will be done with the, least possible delay, and the results communicated to you at the earliest opportunity.

I have the honor to be, sir, Your most obedient servant, T. C. Harrington, Secretary,