Maori Magnanimity.

New Zealander, Volume 4, Issue 239, 13 September 1848, Page 2

Maori Magnanimity.

We have, we understand, been led into error in stating that Maconochie purchased land from Paora, under sanction of Governor Fitzroy's proclamation. The purchase, it seems, was effected in direct contravention of one of the provisions of that proclamation. This, however, in no way detracts from the magnanimity evinced hy the vendor in returning the money for the land sold ; nor is it calculated to impair the force of our observations upon the besetting evils which prevent the honest acquisition of the native lands. Is it not disgusting that the British Cioivn should be sullied by its trafficking in those very lands — that it shou'd be degiaded to the position of the Monster Land Shark grasping at the soil, and doling it with a grinding and a grudging spirit to the subjects for uhom it professes to be the faithful trustee ? Faugh ! Is this the legitimate interpretation of ; the treaty of Waitangi — the shadow of the land to the Queen, the substance to the Maori 1 ? If so, at all events, Her Majesty, and Her Majesty's most honorable New Zea- [ land Company, contiive to pick up a few substantial crumbs, at a very easy rate, — foi Mhich, as may be seen by proclamation of the Slh instant, she exacts a " sovereign consideration" — five and ten pounds per acre being the lowest rate, of the 'R.oval Amo \ Can New Zea-

land alvance under Midi a system'? What capitalists ill emigrate to a place uhcic impositions and 1 evictions, tbv mo>t 1 union, ,ui<! the most obnoxious, meet him at runy turn 2 Who Mill muleitake a four m fne monilis \o) t ig< I ..sa)hthe Tiuns. (o [uyiv.enly .sJnllinos per acic foi nuddltu<> land, when m the vrcb* sail they can procure the \eiy best lor four shillings '? ff Ihe Cunvn vn i, play the middle man in land, let if he in a commercial spinl. Let a fair commis-sinn be cli.i'^eil upon f.nles cileclcd by ihe Nativ: to the ['-inopean. 1( is a giov? lnjnsliee to ihe Engh.h nation thus lo ciush one of the faiicst of bin posn^r.ions. Lvm) \r us Vu.u; and Fuiihy tn ns AcQ'isiirov 1 These should be the Colonial Watchwoids— foi on then acromplishmcnt depends the question of colonial prosperity.

Masonic Dinnhj. — On Monday lad. the Masons ol Auckland and ihoir fi lends, opened the m>\\ Masonic Kail at Wood's Hotel, intli a public dinner— C. W. lAoflv, Ksq., in the chair- The entertainment was enlivened by the Band of the sSlh Regt.

LrcvT.. — On the Ist instant Mr. William Giace, of Pijnk-sticcl, (one of the attorneys of the Four Couils, Dublin,) km admitted as an Attorney of the Supreme Couit of New Zealand.