ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 97, 4 July 1843, Page 3

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the Neto Zealand Colonist. Wanganui, Bth June, 1843 v Sir—ln my letter of the 20th ult., published in your number, I proposed a series of queries relative to the purchase of this district. The last only came under consideration, and there yet remain a few observations to conclude all that I mean to say on the subject. The New Zealand Company has been much vilified ns the cause of the ruinous delays we have experienced, but to judge from the published portions of its instructions to the Principal Agent, I conceive that that body is rather to be censured for ex-parte judgment, that is to say, for an overweening confidence on the one part, and a disparaging neglect of all representations on the other, than for any direct collusion in the system of disregard, amounting almost to abandonment, which we have so long experienced, and complained of. In corroboration I may refer to several passages in that document all demonstrative of upright motives on the part of the Company, and the following charge is so much to the point, that I cannot wind up the consideration of the question better than by citing the words. “ Above all, you will be especially careful that all the owners of any tract of land which you may purchase shall be approving parties to the bargain, and that each of them receive his due share of the purchase money.”— Ward’s Information, p. 118, 3rd edition. Now, Sir, if this “above all” important instruction had been obeyed when it could, and when it ought, it amounts to positive assurance that the adverse and indiscriminate meddling of certain local functionaries would have been thoroughly obviated; and that the alleged government interference, and all other procrastinating subterfuges would have remained unhatched and unheard of. And what at this day would have been the consequence ? Wanganui would have had to boast of being, not only a “ sunny, cheerful place, with a delightful climate,” but its “ downs” and “ rich valley” would have been abundantly dotted with crops and cultivation, numerous herds and flocks would have enlivened the rural scene, our oilent and slowly rearing town would have aiTived at boroughhood, been branching off villages, and buzzing with the din of active industry, and, in and around, all would have been evidencing steady progressive advancement in the path of successful colonization. These anticipations, Mr. Editor, are not the dreams of a visionary—let the Company do us the justice it owes, we know we have a vis-a-tergo in the site, soil, and climate that will enable us to realize them all. It was my intention to have given, in a series of letters, (for as yet I am but at the threshold) a full exposition of the affairs of Wanganui, but for the present defer, having learned, while writing this, that the sectionists in consequence of recent news from Wellington, are about to submit their case to the government, as also to make a full representation to the Company at home. I am, Sir, Your most obedient servant, CRISO.