Original Correspondence.

New Zealander, Volume 3, Issue 168, 8 January 1848, Page 2

Original Correspondence.

To the Editor of the New Zealander. Sib,— lv your paper of Wednesday, you noticed the distreuing occurrence of Sunday afternoon, when our residence and effects were consumed by nn unaccountable fire. There are two statements in that notice, ■which I beg you will do me the favor to correct. It it there stated that "the whole range of buildings teas thatched" This is a mistake : the various buildings were shingled, except Mn. Kempthorne'i, which, as you rightly observe, was detached from the rest. In reality it does not alter the case» since old shingles on a fltt veranda at this season of the year, ignite as readily and bum as rapidly as thatch. 2ndly. — Your statement " that the Natives present showed no disposition to exert themselves in putting out the fire," &c, &c, can only apply ta a few individuals, who, star.ding on the opposite hill, as they say, observed the commencement of the fire : the great hulk ot the Nativei manilested every disposition of kiudness, though most of them came too late to render assibtance, having been assembled with me for Divine service, at Oraki, when the calamity took place. It is worthy to relate that on Tuesday last, a great body of Nativei came to my preieut abode in order to express their sympathy, and to present me with 100 large ketes of potatoes, as a token of their affection. I am, Sir, Your's &d fee , G. A. KISSLING. Punewa, Jan. 7, 1847: