New Zealand Colonist. FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 1843.

New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 92, 16 June 1843, Page 2

New Zealand Colonist. FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 1843.

We had intended to have acknowledged, with suitable courtesy, the notice which the Editor of the Gazette has been pleased to take of what appears to have been the ■ unexpected compliment on our part, of quoting with approbation one of his articles. But we were checked in our purpose by the somewhat mysterious sublimity in which our contemporary has enveloped his ideas. In fact, though sorely ashamed, we are compelled to confess, that we ‘ cannot understand what is- his meaning. In- this dilemma'we can only express our gratitude for the favourable mention which we imagine—for even on this point we must speak doubtfully—that he has made of us,■ and promise‘to repay the favor on the first convenient opportunity. We must, however, at the same time, congratulate the'worthy Editor, upon the infinite skill he has displayed in converting, so far as the mode of printing can have that effect, two lines of poetry into doggrell. 'We suspect that’he intended to make them pass for original, 'and in truth even Pope himself, should he ever see the Gazette, which perhaps is. not likely, would hardly recognise them for his own under their present dress. Possibly, however, the learned Editor thought he was quoting Chevy Chace or the Babes in the Wood, and printed the l : nes accordingly.

We have received some numbers of the Nelson Examiner. Our contemporary has entered at some considerable length upon the topics to which we have recently adverted in connection with the position of the settlers in this district, and their claims upon the New Zealand Company. We are pleased that this should be the case,-because it is in proportion as the question is agitated and examined in all its bearings, that the real strength of the position we have taken will become apparent. We shall in our next number print’ the article in which the claims of the Port Nicholson settlers are attacked, and shall make it the subject of a lengthened comment. '

It is not perhaps surprising that the: views entertained upon this subject should be different at Nelson from those which we at Wellington entertain. The’settlers at the latter place have comparatively no subject of complaint, and they have at the same time no foundation for any further claim upon the Company. The experiment in colonization which we made, had been carried out to a sufficient extent to demonstrate its eventual success before they became partakers in the enterprise. The profits of the Company had been previously gained by us, and it was out of the land which our contributions had acquired that the Nelson settlement was formed. We cannot, therefore, be surprised that our neighbours, should dissent .from the opinions we entertain,- and consequently this difference of opinion in no wise diminishes our confidence in tlie soundness of the views we have adopted.

The general aspect of affairs at Nelson appears prosperous; and there are indications of progress, which though perhaps slow, are seemingly well assured. The settlers there seem to have betaken themselves witli energy to the cultivation of. the soil, and they are at the same time persevering in their efforts to discover some means of turning the flax to account. If the Company could sell the whole of the lands within the district, or had sufficient confidence in the settlement to continue emigration upon an extensive scale, we should, no doubt, witness a rapid and gratifying progress in the settlement.

We are glad to notice the cheering intelligence of the reports received from the several whaling stations on our coasts. It will be perceived, by the subjoined particulars, that the take has already been very great, amounting in all to thirty-six. Mr. Wade’s station, Kaikora, 12; do., Palliser Bay, 3; Messrs. Wallace’s station, Cloudy Bay, 2; Mr. Levien’s do., do., 1; Mr. Wright’s do., do., 3; Mr. .Price’s do., Peraki, 6; Mr. Wood’s do., do., 4; Mr. Hames’ do., Kapiti, 4; and Mr. Jillett’s do., do., 1.

A great many whales have been seen, and the season promises in every way to be successful.