New Zealand Colonist. FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1843.

New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 96, 30 June 1843, Page 2

New Zealand Colonist. FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1843.

Wii publish, in an another column, a statement with which we have been favored on the subject of the recent conflict at Wairau. It contains, we believe, the substance of the testimony given by the Europeans on the spot. In two particulars, it differs from the statements which we have received through the Natives. Ist, In making it appear that the firing commenced at once on both sides; and, 2nd, that the prisoners were put to death by Itangihaiata. On the former point, there is, we believe, the decisive evidence of Mr. Tuckett, that the first shot, at least, was fired by the Europeans ; and the latter rests, we understand, upon the testimony of a single Maori. The general agreement of the two accounts is, however, surprising, when we remember how very difficult it is to obtain any clear and consistent account of events which occur in the hurry and excitement of a conflict for life and death.

We have learned with some surprise, and we confess with much regret, that a general feeling of anger has been excited by tlio tone of which we have published. It is natural and even inevitable that we should feel deep sympathy with those of our fellow-countrymen who have fallen in the contest, and mingled horror and indignation at the manner in which it is stated that many of them were killed. But these feelings ought not to make us unjust, nor should they decide us to reject any evidence which may not happen to fall in with our preconceived notions. Nothing in fact but the somewhat unmanly terror which has seized many of the community can account for the spirit which they have displayed on this subject; and as their apprehensions become gradually calmed, we doubt not that they will see the matter in the same light in which we have viewed it from the first.

It would really seem that after a short period, if the present excitement and alarm should continue, it will be as unsafe for any man to declare his sentiments, should they happen to be distasteful to a sufficient number of violent men, as it is at present in the slave states of America. We can, however, hardly believe that our fellow colonists have so far forgotten the maxims of justice and of freedom which are the boast of Englishmen, as tm seek to impose upon any one the degrading slavery which this would imply. If we should be mistaken, we shall regret it for our own sake, but more for the sake of the settlement—upon whom no greater curse could fall than that of being delivered up to the violent counsels and rash conduct of those who will have no guide but feeling, who look upon prudence as treachery, and who resent a warning as an insult. We may be wrong in the views we have advocated, as may be the case with any one; and assuredly we have no desire to arrogate to ourselves the gift of infallibility. But if we are wrong, let it be shown, which cannot be a difficult matter. To silence is not to convince ; on the contrary, those who refuse to hear statements which are not pleasing to them, give reason to suppose that they themselves

liyl quite convinced of the justice of their own side.

Among the measures which, we trust, will be adopted by the Government, in consequence of the practical lesson which has been taught them, of the folly, and even cruelty, of placing ten thousand British subjects in New Zealand with no better defence than that of a mere handful: of soldiers, is the establishment of a militia force. If we are not to have that protection to which the sums we yearly contribute to the Treasury fully entitle us, at least we should be allowed to protect ourselves. And this cannot be done efficiently without a militia law. At present, there is an almost universal feeling, that private conveniences must yield to public safety ; but where the immediate stimulus is withdrawn, it is to be feared that few persons will continue an attendance which will be felt to be burthensome and costly.

There have been various rumours as to the person likely to be appointed as the Company s Agent at Nelson, and amongst others Mr. Fox has been named.

We are, however, disposed to believe that the appointment will not be, filled up in the Colony; but that, until the intentions of the Directors are known, Mr. Tuckett will conduct the affairs of the Company at that Settlement.

We insert the following Orders and Notices that have been issued by tue General Committee to the Public. The first notifies that thev have determined as a precautionary mrasure, upon the erection of two batteries, and requesting the public to lend their assistance in erecting the same; and we may say their service never was more willingly granted than on the present occasion. Such was the enthusiasm displayed by the working classes, that after they had been directed to break off at five o’clock, they got two eighteen pounders into the battery on Clay Hill, Lambton Quay, (No. 212 on the plan of the town) a considerable height above the sea, and a very commanding position, a task of no ordinary character, and the labour was much increased by the looccness of the soil since the late heavy rains and the darkness of the evening. Three hearty cheers were given by the whole of the volunteers as each gun entered the battery.