Original Correspondence.

New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 546, 9 July 1851, Page 2

Original Correspondence.

To the Editor if the Niw Z a'imler. Sir, — I observe in a late number of the Wellington Independent some remarks upon an official statement by Sir George Grey, that "a large portion of the most intelligent membei s of the community felt with him that the immediate introduction of Representative Institutions would be impossible." As to the truth or untruth of this statement, so far as legards the South, the Southrons may answer for themselves; but we are bound, in neighbourly honesty, to acquaint them with the re.il state of feeling in the North upon the queition. In few words, the case stands thus : — When the provisions of Lord Gkey's constitution were made known to the Northeners, the scheme was scouted by them at once, partly on account of its inapplicability to the country, and partly thtough sympathy with the native population, upon which the prosperity of Auckland so much depends. For that Native rights vveie grossly infringed by the too famous instructions — in spite of the many attempts that have been made to deny the f.ict — is now definitely admitted. The refusal of what was offered of course precluded them from clamouring for a new one, and they have accordingly always expressed thennehes with much more reseive on the subject than the Cook's Straits settlers, who hrd professed their willingness to accept. But the geneul feeling herf, has always been in favour of immediate self-;',oveinment: Governor Grey's intimation of the unfkness of the Northerners to be entrusted with it, and the unfavourable comparison which he drew between them and their Southern neighbours, would alone have been sufficient to provoke it, had no other cause been at work. I myself, indeed, have been always upon principle opposed to the early concession of representative institutions to British Colonies — an objection that diminishes, of course, with time — and in tbe conduct of two several

I u')lic journal* have steadily suj ported that opinion: but am bound to bay — lest public journals should be appealed to in support of Sir Gfcoitoi: (jiify s asset on, — that I stood almost alone in it. Moreover, with reg.nd to the pmliculir claims of the Co>k's Straits settlers, 1 havp already, in coupon with the Ncr hprn settleis, given them my be« support; ioi the iim,« reason, that local self-government had been promised to them, and tbat in a choice of evils, a breach of promise was the greater evil < f the two. I am, Sir, your*, &c., Miioiros.