New Zealand Colonist. FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 1843.

New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 94, 23 June 1843, Page 2

New Zealand Colonist. FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 1843.

-Wb are still without any positive or certain information; from * Cloudy Bay. All that is known appears to 'be' that Rauparaha, 'Rangihaiata, and' the -other' Natives, have returned td Kapiti and Mana; and that, consequently, those of the white men who were not killed'in the fray have been able to return home, or to assemble on'the beach waiting the- succour which they might expect from this place. It is also rumoured that the first shot * which seems- to have been fired accidentally skilled a Native woman, a niece of Rangihaiata,&ndthfcfc’A chief of some importance was slain. The numbers killed on each side are variously stated, but we gather that from six to seven whites and an equal number- of Natives were killed. Even this much is, .however, uncertain, and all beyond is mere conjecture. ... Thus has commenced the first serious contest between the two races. How soon, and at what point it will terminate, we do not pretend to foresee. With the exercise of a reasonable degree bf prudence and’ forbearance on the part of the English settlers, we see no reason at present-to apprehend any more fatal issue. But who can say whether the same causes which have already led to this disastrous conflict may not again-be brought into Miperation ; and if < so, it may not be so easy to foresee or to avert "the consequences with which a renewed collison would be pregnant. We do not expect that-'the > minds of the majority of our readers will' be in a sufficiently tranquil state to judge dispassionately of the circumstances which led to the recent collision, and of the conduct of those who-took part in it. The supposed interests - of ; the settlement, and the feelings which will be awakened by the death of our fellow countrymen perhaps forbid this. The annoyance which has long been felt, and which has lately manifested itself in nd equivocal signs at the injurious and needless delay in giving us possession of our land,, will probably be turned at first into irritation against the natives, -who have thus manifested their determination not to be dispossessed of their territories, until-they have received what ' they conceive a reasonable compensation. And it isquite impossible to Jearn the death of some,' and the peril of others of our couhtrymenj’without being inspired with a feeling'of sympathy which would prompt us to succour or to avenge them at all hazards. But when the time for cool reflection has arrived, we* feel quite' convinced that the entire community will experience sensations of regrets and shame, at the conduct of those who have brought about this result, and will feel that at almost any-sacrifice the recurrence of such an event must be averted.

For, -what are the facts as they- will appear to a dispassionate at a .distance, and, , as consequently they will, after a brief lapse of time, appear to ourselves. iTlie datives the‘sals of ' r theCaip&pany, allege! to have purchased.. - .A Commissioner is* appointed to investigate and decide this and all similar cases. While that Commission is sitting, and when it is known that within a

short time.it will have concluded its investigations, but rhefore any decision has . been nounced, ilie English Settlers to take posseseiohwpf tl*e disputed district. i The natives maintain their sio.Wn possession, and ih doing this burn.down a house, which has been erected by the Surveyors, first removing from it every thing that is the property of the Europeans. This, which.is by no means an uncommon mode of trying questions of title to land, except that in modern times burning is seldom employed, is regarded by the Police Magistrate as involving the actors in the crimes, of arson and robbery. Accordingly he issues his warrant, and proceeds to the spot accompanied by a large body.of. armed men to execute his warrant upon the person of one of the principal chiefs in New Zealand. The natives offer a passive.resistance —they refuse to submit to the warrant. The armed whites are then called forward, and, while advancing, a musket is discharged (accidentally it is presumed) arid, a Native woman is killed. A general skirmish then takes place, in which the Whites are defeated, and several on both sides fall. In this, at least, which is the present aspect of the case, there is but little, which can be regarded as illegal or criminal on thejpart of the Natives.

We wait until we receive . fuller information on the subject before we give any deliberate opinion a§ to the course to be pursued; but we deprecate most emphatically ; all - violence of speech and hastiness of conduct. If. we have wrongs toriredress, or injuries-to avenge, we shall accomplish our ends all the more surely by calm and well considered measures, and we may by prudence and deliberation save ourselves from acts which we might afterwards deeply bufr vainly repent.

On our receiving the copies of the resolutions adopted, at the Public' Meeting of the 19th, which were inserted’ in our last, it was omitted to hand us. the . names of the geritlemen appointed us a Committee to carry them out. Wm. Guyton, J.P. Capt. Sharp Capt. Daniell, J.P. , . Mr. Levin Wm. Fitzherbert, J.P., Capt. Rhodes Mr. Lyon, Alderman . Mr^.Watt Mr. Johnson, Alderman Mr. Ross Mr. Bethune . 1 ‘ Mr.Penhy Major D. S. Durie ' Mrijßoulcptt MajoiMßichard Baker Mr. Pdlhill Mr. Hunter, Jun. Mr.* K.Mathieton . Mr. Suisted . ' 'Mr.Lewis ’ ■ 1 Mr:Tark ' Capt. Defniell was elected chairthan of the Committee.

We understand that' the*‘.man who had his arm so badly wounded in the. affray with the Natives at Wairoa, which wo .noticed in bur last as having been brought here for medical assistance, underwent amputation at the shoulder during Sunday. - Although the bone was much shattered, he suffered, less from pain than the other man who. was shot in the hand. We regret to add that both have large families, the former six and the Hatter five* children. IBoth the men are doing well., r

*?We have been informed that the Central Division Militia will meet every morning-at 8 o'clock, on Wellington-terrace. , ' Another of those scenes occurred to-day.,on board of the Vanguard, of persons being fetched from on board,-who .were leaving the colony not only without paying'their v debts, but with property obtained from other,people. We hope ihe legislature will adopt , measures‘to put a stop to the continuance of sutjh dishonest prac-’ tices towards the inhabitants. „