ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 65, 14 March 1843, Page 2

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the New Zealand Colonist. Wanganui, 27th February, 1843. Sir,— rAs Wanganuians, we feel indebted, I believe I may say unanimously, to a correspondent, in yout paper, of the 7th February last, for his strictures on the name, which the New Zealand Company has given to this ( town. No doubt it will be of very slow adoption ; and all seem agreed that, if it ever came into general, use, an accent must crown the final vowel, for the sake of somewhat euphonizing the inapposite appellative. We have nothing to urge against the noble patrinoindividually, nor do we now set down aught in malice; but there being something in a name,, we desire to learn, before the . baptism be officially confirmed, what his lordship has ever done for the genus homo in, general, or for us of the same, in particular, to entitle him to such distinction on the map of New Zealand ? We are quite contented with the name it has hitherto gone by ; but if an English patronymic be the fashion of the day, would not Cook’s 7 town, or Cookston, be more grateful and appropriate ? We have Wellington , Nelson, Russel, and Auckland —all great names, no doubt, and wprth'y of such commemoration; though, in so far as regards NewZe.tdand, and touching the honor of the matter, they class of the fpigefoonsgjnere nati. But, poor Cook 1 whose name is allied to tHis pountry by words and deeds i Qf endurino-import, has not,' in- so far as my topographical knowfbdge extends, a clod of the soil perpetuating his-memory, save a barely,swarded hill in the vicinity of your town, and a fern-clad knob in the centre of ours ! I am, sir, Your obedient servant, • CRISO.

(To the Editor ofthe.New Zealand Colonist.) WanSanui, 4th March, 1843. Sir, —Should you deein .the following communication worthy of a place in your interesting publication, you are at liberty to insert it, . It was our good fortunewith many others, to receive an invitation to a Scotch Kirn, or Harvest Home, and being anxious to witness the proceedings, we were happy to attend on the occasion; so, rigged out in our Sunday toggery, wfe joined the numerous throng of persons proceeding to the farm. It would be useless for us to enter into detail, as many in New Zealand, being Scotch Settlers, are fully acquainted with the subject. There were'assembled all,the world and his wife, afl the saying is, and after viewing ten magnificent stacks of corn, we adjourned to the house to partake of the good things provided by our worthy host Mr. Bell, who, with his wonted hospitality, gave a courteous welcome to all. We certainly made a nice small tea party, as more than forty guests were assembled on the occasion. The barn, hung with festoons of evergreen, and decorated in the most fanciful style, presented a lively appearance, and bespoke the taste of our worthy hostess. The bagpipes and fiddles did their duty, while a plentiful supply of usquebaugh tended to cheer the spirits of the downcast; the. song went; .briskly round, while the many twinkling feet of Others joined in the mazy dance, foi 1

“ Hornpipes, jigs, strathspeys , and reels, Put life and mettle in their heels ." "I Nor must we forget to mention that several Maori chieftains, whose names we really forget, seemed quite an fait at reeling and jigging; and shared in the amusements with the greatest glee imaginable. The evening passed gaily away, ■ till the festivities were prolonged to a late hour, and it occurred to us that never before had so many happy faces met in New Zealand on a similar occasion. Mr. Bell's remark to his fellow Colonists was truly worthy of him, “ Go ye .and do likewise." Mr. Bell undoubtedly deserves the highest encomiums for having surmounted obstacles which deterred so many others, and we sincerely hope that the result mhy realize his fondest anticipations. It is an undeniable fact that his farm alone has produced a more than sufficient quantity of grain to supply all the Settlers at Wanganui. Others may, we trust, he induced to follow his example, and proceed directly to their country sections, when the Land Claims are once finally adjusted. There are, we regret to state, too many of our fellow Colonists create difficulties where none really exist, and comparatively few possess the enterprising spirit of Mr. Bell.

I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, ALPHA.