New Zealand Colonist. FRIDAY, MAY 12, 1843.

New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 82, 12 May 1843, Page 2

New Zealand Colonist. FRIDAY, MAY 12, 1843.

Our contemporary, in a former number, denied the truth of our assertion that there had been a relaxation or suspension of the Company’s operation's with respect to road 3, bat in his last Gazette admits “ that there had been a considerable number of hands discharged.” How the reduction of the labourers employed, agrees with the statement made that the Company’s Agent was determined to proceed more vigorously than ever in the construction of roads, we are at a loss to conceive; yet our contemporary (and we give him credit for his clear-sighted-ness) finds no difficulty in reconciling this apparent contradiction; our o'wn obtuseness must plead as an excuse for our viewing the ‘ affair in a different light.

Captain Sinclair, of the Richmond, from Pigeon Bay, has informed us that on his arrival there he heard that Mr. Dean had been molested by the Maories, and that they had pulled down his stockyard. He, in consequence, applied to Mr. Robinson, the magistrate of Akaroa, who very promptly* in company with a French gentleman, visited the spot, and told the Natives that if they did not reinstate it forthwith he would send the French Man-of-war there. On his return Mr. Robinson told Mr. Dean that he should have applied to him, and not given any consideration for settling on the land in the first instance, as it Was an inducement for annoyance; at the same time that he would justify him in resisting the interruptions of the Natives, and applying force to force, and that he would likewise swear them in as Constables, which offer we believe it is their intention to avail themselves of.

We understand that the brig Luna is under seizure, for a smuggling transaction, committed at the Bay of Islands. Captain Taylor was requested to report, that the schooner Colombine, Strattan, was at Wanganui when he left on Monday, and was to sail for this port on the Thursday. Captain Sedgwick, of the Osprey, states that they had a splendid run frosa here to Hong Kong of 48 days, and that they were 64 days coming down from Manilla. The settlement of Hong Kong is in a very flourishing condition, numerous houses and large stores being erected. Shipping w;as very numerous (about 200) and freight exceedingly low, so much so, that 12s. per ton had been accepted, and some had returned in ballast. The Osprey is freighted with sugar, rice, tea, coffee, and cigars.