New Zealand Colonist TUESDAY, MAY 2, 1843.

New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 79, 2 May 1843, Page 2

New Zealand Colonist TUESDAY, MAY 2, 1843.

We have heard from more than one source, that attempts have been made at Nelson to deter passengers from proceeding to this place, by representations as unfounded as they are ungenerous, of the 9haracter of the harbour, and the nature of the country. It would be a matter of regret to us. to find that such was really the case. We have no apprehension of injury from any such representations. The real advantages of the Port, and the undoubted capabilities of the district, are too well established. But if such a proceeding were really adopted, it would tend to destroy the kindly feeling which exists between the two communities, and which, founded as it is upon the circumstance of a common origin, and kept alive by the existence of a common interest and common wants, would, in spite of distance, unite us into one body whenever a benefit was to be acquired, or a wrong to be resisted. Such a result is to be deprecated, for the sake of both Settlements. We have difficulties enough against which to contend, and not so much power, as that we can afford to encounter the additional evils of jealousy and discord. It is probable that the conduct to which we refer prevails only among a few persons, influential neither by their number nor by their position. So far at least as the feelings of the p e ople of Nelson can be collected from the Examiner, there are certainly none but the most kindly sentiments entertained towards their fellow colonists at Port Nicholson; and these sentiments are heartily reciprocated here. We rejoice in every thing which tends to accelerate or to confirm the growth of the settlement at Nelson. We have nothing to fear from its rivalry, and much to hope from its assistance. In its strength our stability will, be increased. If it become a numerous, wealthy, and augmenting community, the necessity for some further and more extensive measures for the administration of justice, the maintenance of order in these settlements will be more imperatively felt, and must be provided for. By the adoption of such measures we must be equally benefited; and we may even anticipate from them more direct and immediate advantages. And in addition to this, any augmentation in the wealth of the Nelson settlement, will give a fresh impulse to the trade of this port, and will thus directly turn to our profit. In the same manner we cannot advance without conferring upon the Nelson settlement similar benefits. Upon every ground, therefore, we are bound to assist and to support each other; and detraction from the undoubted advantages of either place would be, consequently, even more impolitic than ungenerous. We should not have referred to this topic, were it not that in all such matters it is the

most prudent course at once to call the atten tion of the intelligent and influential portion of any community to the existence of practices which they do not suspect and not sanction ; which they may be able to check when once brought under their notice; and which if not checked might occasion painful and injurious results. That representations of the character to which we refer have been very assiduously inculcated among those emigrants whp intended to proceed to this place we cannot doubt. But we are equally certain that the good sense and good feeling of the community will at once repress the practice when once they are made aware of the facts of its existence.