Original Correspondence.

New Zealander, Volume 3, Issue 127, 18 August 1847, Page 2

Original Correspondence.

To the Editor of the New Zealander, Sir, — Understanding that Government con* templates the election of cottages, in or about Auckland, for stranger Maotis, I beg leave to oifer a few remarks upon the subject. It appears lo me, that considerable advantages would be t'eltt both by Natives and Europeans, were this inclination carried into cQ'ect; the more so, if some of the houses should be put up in the town. At present the natives who come from their Kainyas at a distance from Auckland, and tho-u who come in from public works, also „ta distance from the town, have no shelter in wet weather, during either day or night, except miserable tents, or what they obtain trom the precarious hospitality of the white people. There are indeed, a few natives who rent houses, but, if they have the inclination, I suppose they have not the ability, to lodge many of their country men. If a line of cottages were put up at the Maori market-place, or some central part of Auckland, the inconvenience would be obviated ; the Natives would be shelt eted, and our own countrymen would be saved from the disagreeable choice of either turning Natives from their doors injthe pitiless storm, or of marching a host of

half-drownecl natives into their small abodes, without, in many cases, knowing any thing of their character, or state or health. lam not an advocate for separation, but I do not conceive tiie body of the Maories, as yet, to be fit visitors to every Englishman's castle. There are buildings for the Maoris at the settlement of Nelbon, and they are rcgulaily resoited to b> the few Natives in Blind Bay, when they go to the town with their produce. From some cause, however, they wore, at the time 1 saw them, allowed to get out of repair, w iudous broken — dirt accumulated about them, &c, but such a state might be prevented here, by ap pointing a public oflicer to look after the stale in which they would be kept, and by allotting a portion of the building fuud for the purpose of repairs. 1 think the natives might be very justly called | upon to bear a portion of the expense of this J supposed under taking, by voluntary contributions, or otherwise, as to the authorities might seem meet. bhould these views have your approval, I hope \ou will keep the subject before the public. I leinuiu, Sir, Your's &c, AN INHABITANT. Auckland, 17th August, 1817.