Original Correspondence.

New Zealander, Volume 4, Issue 233, 23 August 1848, Page 2

Original Correspondence.

To the Editor of the Nexu Zealander. Ma. Editor, — It fs a most marvellous thing to me, that at tills time of day no effort ha* been made, either by Government or mercantile men to establish a steamer to run out of Manukau, from Auckland to We'hngton, calling; at New Plymouth and Wanganui, on the route,, for the purpose of promoting the interest of this Colony, so rapidly rising in importance from year to year: I have no doiut that in the siiter colonies, many are looking on with astonishment at this neglect. Whether we look at New South Wales or Van Diemen's Land, we find that every advantage ia derived from the intercourse kept up by steam — and distances which used to take days to measure, are now accomplished in a few hour*. And why not m New Zealand? It seems that the voyage from Auckland to Port Nicholson, at p esentpe formed by the East Cape, is at least 550 milei ; while that from Auckland to Wellington, via New Plymouth and Wanganui, is only 300 — within fifty miles of half thedis'ance. In conversing with one of the principal Chiefs the. other day. the Wherovvhero, I was struck with h ; s reasoning on ih s subject, with respect to the dispatch that might be maintained from place to place, in communicating with the Governor respecting the state of thing 3 along the Western coist, particularly among some turbulent spiiits as le Rauparalia, and Rangihaeata. &c.' about Otaki, and Manawatu— and he painfully felt the want of steam, or some propelling power, having to travel, with hi* companions, over the long line of road betwten RangiMkei, and Waikato Heads, a joutney of between 2 onJ 300 miles. The Settlers, also, in New Plymouth and Wanganui, painful y feel the want of this communication. I was astonished, also, in reading an account in your paper latfly of a me-ting having been called in Auckland, for the purpose of considering the advantages of steam, that so few were present. Let the spirited and enterprising men of Auckland and Wellington, and of the other settlements, call the attention of hi* Excellency the Governor to this subject, and at once exert their influence to remove this barrier to the comfort and prosperity of the Colony. I hope, too, Mr. Editor, tuat the time is at hand when your New Zealander will tome out with steam. From one among the Ngatiruanui Tnißru Taranaki. July 21, 18-18.