The New Zealander.

New Zealander, Volume 5, Issue 363, 6 October 1849, Page 2

The New Zealander.

l',e just and lear nut: Let all the ends '.lion aintv't at, be thy Country's, Tliy (iou's, ami Truth's.

SATUHDAY, OCTOHER C, 1849.

We have received by the Sir John Franklin Sydney papers to the 20th of September, and, by the kindness of Captain Lillewall, the Sydney Herald of the 22nd, containing the latest English news. The Parliamentary intelligence is valuable, j chiefly as filling up vacancies in the previous arrivals, but we have not much worth adding to our former summaries and extracts. One day's later news, however, is interesting, as containing the discussion in the House of Commons, on the 4th June, on the introduction of of the Australian Colonies Bill. Mr. Hawes, in moving for leave to bring it in, gave a sketch of its objects and provisions, which was, as might be supposed, a condensed view of the matter advanced in the State Document which appeared in extenso in the last three numbers of the New Zcalander. As a convenient epitome of the scheme, however, it deserves attention, and shall be given in full in our next. Mr. Gladstone declared himself friendly to the measure, but mentioned some points which he desired should have due consideration. He wished that, as far as practicable, the franchise in the Australian colonies should be extended, a matter he thought of importance for the working of a free colonial system. On the question whether the Legislative body should consist of a double or a single chamber, he thought the evidence was in favour of double chambers, which he would suggest should have power to consolidate themselves into single chambers. After a passing remark or two on the civil lists and transportation, the Right Hon. gentleman stated rather strongly his objection to any attempt to bring about an uniformity of tariff in the colonies by the authority of Parliament. Such an extension of Parliamentary fiction was not necessary, and might be dangerous. .. Mr. Y. Smith urged the expediency of postponing the measure for a year or two, until the opinions of the colonists vrere ascertained in relation to it. He reminded the House " in what a ridiculous position they would be placed, if this measure were to be sent out and then repudiated by the colonies. That had already m the case of the New Zealand constitution, and surely they had no desire' to repeat that experiment.". .Mr. MiCGREGOit eulogised the measure as the most liberal that had ever yet been brought forward in relation to the colonies. With regard to the tariffs, he understood the intention to be to allow the scale of tariffs to be adjusted by the colonies themselves, only taking care to prevent collision between' colony and colony. . . Lord John Russell made some guarded observations on the question of one Assembly, or a Council and an Assembly, dwelling on the objection urged by many to the formation of a Council in New South Wales, that there is not there (as in the United States) a class of persons qualified by property and personal influence in their respective neighbourhoods to form a Body to whose decisions independent men would bow; the Council would therefore be composed of mere nominees of the Crown, interposed between tne Executive Government and the Assembly. There might be only one House now, but, some years hence, two might be constituted. He was willing, however, to leave that and all other parts of the subject open for further consideration.. .Indeed, the whole discussion was conducted on this understanding, all the speakers (but especially Mr. Gladstone) holding themselves 1 free to alter or retract any opinion they

then expressed. . . Leave was given to bring in the Bill. Mr. D'Eyncourt had obtained leave to introduce a Bill for shortening the duration of Parliaments. This was carried by a majority of 46 to 41 ; but, at subsequent stages and in fuller Houses, there is little doubt that the result will be different. An interesting conversation was raised in the House of Lords, on the presentation, by Lord Brougham, of a petition from Episcopalians residing in Scotland praying that they might be placed under the superintendence of Bishops of the United Church of England and Ireland.. .The Bishop of Cashel supported the prayer, declaring that he could not communicate with the Scotch Episcopal Church, her doctrines leaned so much more to the Church of Rome than to that of England. ..ln the course of the discussion , the Bishop of Oxford, is reported to have denied the Romanist leanings of the Scotch Episcopal Church, — but we almost think the report must be incorrect, as the ultra-Tractarian— the thoroughly proRomish tendencies of that Church, especially in her Communion Office, has been abundantly proved by Sir'W. Dunbar, Mr. Drummond, and [ other clergymen, and, indeed, can be established by the most satisfactory evidence. There had been two intermissions in the | proceedings of Parliament ; first, for the Whitsun holidays, and afterwards by an adjournment from the Ist to the 4th of June. ! Multitudes continued to emigrate from Ireland, and many of those who remained were dying of hunger. A large number of female paupers (chiefly from Cork and the neighbouring counties) had arrived at Plymouth on their way to Australia.

The new French Ministry had been formed, with Odjllon Barrot as President of ths Council and Minister of Justice. The New Legislative Assembly of France had elected M Dupin, senior, its President, by a majority of 338 to 182 over Lrdru Rollin. The Pope's Nuncio at Paris had protested against the Ffench intervention in Rome ; but one of the first acts of the New Cabinet is said to have been to send orders to General Oudinot to prosecute the attack on Rome with all vigour. No fresh movement of the troops under his command had been reported, however ; and the Romans continued as determined as ever to resist to the last, and as active as ever in making preparation to do so.

There is scarcely anything that can ?je called news from Canada. The latest papers received were chiefly filled with comments and speculations respecting the outbreak. Action seemed to be suspended until the result of the memorial and deputation to the Home Government should be ascertained.

California seemed to engage even increasing attention. Extracts of some length in relation to its affairs and prospects will be found in our other columns. The London Daily 'News of June 4 gives as its latest intelligence that 3000 emigrants were at Panama awaiting opportunities to proceed to San Francisco, which could not easily be obtained, as a single person was charged as much as 300 dollars for passage in a sloop of the most wretched description. Robberies and serious affrays between the inhabitants and the emigrants were constantly occurring, and the emigrants were obliged to submit to the most gross extortion on the part of the natives. The prospects of those who might arrive at California were not much more inviting. The Government of the United States had given notice that, a? soon as they had force to do so, they would drive all foreigners off the land where the gold is -, and in April, Customs' Officers and others, to be immediately followed by troops, had left Washington to carry into effect the United States' Laws and Regulations. " Before this time," says the Sydney Herald of September 13, " they have doubtless arrived there, and commenced operations. This will have the effect of driving some 15,000 Englishmen, Frenchmen, Mexicans, Chilians, and Sandwich Islanders, into the town of San Francisco, where they will be met by the thousands who are flocking there from all parts of the world. Who can tell what amount of distress and misery must ensue ? Hordes of people will be unemployed j there will be no houses to shelter them, with a winter as severe as England. Deep, bitter distress will be the lot of thousands." Our Sydney contemporaries are faithfully doing their duty in warning intending emigrants to California of the dangers and sufferings on which they are rushing. But it seems to he in vain. The Herald, from which we have just quoted, has advertisements of eight ihips to sail immediately for " the gold region," and we are informed that " among a large portion of the population there is a perfect mania on the subject." Not only persons working at low wages, but mechanics who have saved a little money, publicans in good business, t?nd others well to do in the world, are hastening away. We again quote from the Herald — " Scores of houses at Redfern and Chippendale, and on the Riley estate, have been offered for sale to pay passage money ; and we are informed that, from the number of intending sellers, house -property in those localities has decreased in value thirty per cent, within the last two months." As an

additional testimony to the prevalence of this wild excitement, as well as an exposure of con of the means by which interested parties promote its spread, we take the following from the Metropolitan (a weekly paper lately commenced in Sydney): — " The mania for emigration to the gold-fields of California still, we regret to say, exists in full force ; and we are compelled to think that some evil influence is at work, whose breath continues to fan up the embers of speculation , whenever good sense or thought may have deadened them. When we * learn that a certain body has offered to pay the passage to California of sixty of their fellows, in order to raise their own wages by causing a scarcity of workmen, we cannot help referring some of these outrageous reports of the benefits of California to this source. " We may note here — and with our views of Californian adventure, it must be with an expression of regret — that, although emigration from our port for California is not so extensive as 'some have reported, yet the official return for the quarter ending on the 30th of last month, [published in yesterday's Government Gazette, states its amount as 46 males, 10 females, and 8 children — in all 64:.

The injurious effect which the introduction of' Convicts would inevitably produce on the Native population of New Zealand, has always been on« of our most insuperable objections to the extension to this Colony of that unjust and impolitic scheme of the Home Government for getting rid of the convicted felons of Great Britain and Ireland. The Maories themselves have shrewdness enough to see this matter in its true light, and need no other prompting than is supplied by a simple explanation of the subject to induce them to protest against it both intelligently and earnestly. Some time ago we published an eloquent and forcible Native Petition to the Queen, assigning cogent reasons for the prayer, — " Now, what we say is, do not send them here ; Madam, if convicts are sent here, we shall all be involved in trouble ; this will make us dark (grieve as), ami evil will arise out of such things to both you and us." We find by the papers lately received from the South, that another numerously signed Petition to the same effect has been forwarded, which we copy as well worthy a place in our columns : — PbtitioiV to the Queen from the Ngatfawn, Ngatiiaukawn, ant 1 other tribes against tire introduction of Convicts into New Zealand Waikariae, May 5, 1849. Lad , the Queen,— We salute you. T/iii is our second address to you. It U occasioned by a report from Eng'and that criminals are to be brought to work in this country. We are alarmed at this report ; and determined to write to you, nud request that that class of person* should not be allowed to come here, but that they should continue to be tent to the penar colonirs. There arc whites here as well as ourselves the natives to perform the work to be done here. W» h ive heard a bid account of that clasi from those whites who take sn interest in us ; and we lmva heard a bad account of them also from some of our ovm people who have been at Port Jackion and Hobart Town. If they are admitted into New Zealand this island will then become like Port Jackson and Ho. Bart Town. They will escape into the woods and the mountains, and have recourse to bad practices, and even (he ndulti, who are now being instructed by the ministers of Christ in things which are new in this country, that is, who are acquiring knowledge in schools, and being instructed in the faith of Christ, Some of that clais have already been here at K» piti. We were beginning to turn our attention to ro igion. They said to us Christianity it bad ; Maorici are foolish for becoming Christians; how will you get food ? how will you get clothing ? This was the language of that clais of persons ; and it deterred many of vi from worshipping the Great God. For these reasons we importune you to keep them away from thii country. There are already here quite evil disposed persons enough, who are ready for mUcliief, although there are no convicts to icrccn them by msnbinjr their criminal acts to them. At present we can discover who are the bid penons among vi— murderers and other criminal*, and can deliver them up to be dealt with according to your laws. If you are pleased to attenl to this our petition our hearts will rejoice Thit petition is from vi— the persons who obey you in there tr.bes :— Ngatiawa, Ngatirauk&wa, Te Paneiri^ ' Ngatitoa, [It is signed by more than 300 peri :ns who are the leading men of the tribes.] Incomprehensible as are the principles (if principles at all there be) which guide our Downing-street rulers in their Government , of the Colonies, and strangely as the result often contradicts which might be most reasonably predicated of their decision in any given case, we think we may regard the Convict Question as settled, so far as this colony is concerned * and believe that the direct infliction of the threatened eril is averted. It is not so certain, however, that the contamination may not reach us indirect/?/. At all events, if it should not, we and other neighbouring colonists shall owe no debt of gratitude for our escape to the Gov-» ernment of Van Diemen's Land, who, — with ' the view (as the Hobart Town Advertiser candidly admits) of freeing themselves from "■ the worst part of the population," — are granting conditional pardons,— a condition being that ' the convicts receiving them shall leave that ' colony. The Ganette has accordingly contained announcements of numerous conditional pardons, " not available in Van Dieme»'s Land." This expedient is certainly one of the most bare-faced and unjustifiable pieces, of selfishness it has been our lot to meet with. The effect may be to relieve Van Diemen's Land ; but it will relieve it by transferring a portion of its exiles into adjacent colonies which were not doomed by the British regulations to receive them, and in which they will be released

from the restraints by which it was intended that they should he in some measure controlled. We cannot wonder at the indignation with which this abuse of SirW. Denison's privilege of granting conditional pardons is regarded by those who are most likely to suffer from it ; and, although our own remote position may afford us a protection from its operation, we do not the less fully join our New South Wales contemporaries in their protests against it, and their call upon other Executive Governments to meet it by any antagonistic enactments, which may be constitutionally competent, and called for by circumstances. If the authorities of Van Diemen 's Land can grant conditional pardons which are not to be available in their own colony, what is there in reason or equity to prevent the authorities of New South Wales or New Zealand from declaring that such pardons shall not be available in tfteir's either ?

Water. Mills erected by the Natives. — During the very few years which have elapsed since the first Water Mill belonging to Natives was erected at Aotea, the Maories have manifested an anxiety to obtain these very useful machines, and a willingness to make efforts and sacrifices in order to procure them, which afford highly gratifying evidence of the progress of industrial civilization among them. It will he remembered that at the late sittings of Council the Governor presented a return of six flour mills erected at a cost of about £1160, within a circle of fifty miles round Otawhao. Another is now in course of erection in the upper district of the Waipa, on the Mongapa, a tributary of that river. The Ngatimaniapoto tribe has long been scattered over a great extent of country ; but several poitions of the tribe are collecting at Mohoaonui, where they intend to reside for the future in a body. It is an interesting fact that one of the first _ things to which they are directiag their attention is the erection of a -mill for the purpose of grinding their wheat, which they are growing in large quantities — (a good exchange for the rotten maize which they have been accustomed to eat !) They are raising the necessary fund by general contribution, each division of the tribe supplying its proportion. Last week, one of the chiefs left £7, the produce of his pigs sold here, in the hands of a gentleman in this town, to he paid over to his friends who are shortly expected to purchase the stones. Mohoaonui is a fine position for a native settlement ; and though it is at least 200 miles from Auckland, there is a water communication the whole distance, except the portage from Manakau into the Waikato. It is connected with the Wesleyan Mission Station at Waipa, and xvill be under the religious care of the Missionary at that place.

Friendly Islands.— The following brief narrative of an occurence at Tonga has reached us from a source on which we can rely, and may interest some of our readers. About two or three years ago, a Frenchman landed there, and notwithstanding the general leluctance to admit foreigners amongst the population, was not prevented by King George from residing in the island. It happened, however, that,— from what cause has never been satisfactorily ascertained — his house was burned down. The man then went to Tahiti and, after some timereturned, making a demand for 600 dollars as compensation for his loss. The captain of a French vessel of war which arrived had also been influenced by his representations, and strongly favoured his claims. Although King George and his people were by no means of opinion that he had any right to compensation, and although his character and conduct had not been such as to secure for him much personal esteem or regard, the King and his Chiefs determined that, for the sake of peace and with a view of getting rid of one whose presence amongst them was the reverse of agreeable or beneficial, they would make up the amount and hand it over to him, which was done accordingly. These are, we believe, substantially the facts of a transaction which rumour might easily magnify into a new French aggression in. the Pacific. That the French may be for various ends, willing to make such aggressions as they perpetrated in Tahiti, we have little doubt ; but, so far as we can learn, there was nothing in the affair at Tonga beyond what ive have now stated.