PUBLIC DINNER TO THE REV. JOHN MACFARLANE.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 1, 12 October 1844, Page 2 (Supplement)

PUBLIC DINNER TO THE REV. JOHN MACFARLANE.

Previous to his temporary departure for Great Britain, the Rev. Mr. Macfarlane, of the Scotch Church, was entertained to dinner at Barrett's Hotel on^londay, the 22nd ult., by a numerous party of friends and well wishers : about 50 gentlemen were present, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather. Kenneth Bethune, Esq., chairman ; G. S. Evans, Esq., D.C.L., and Kenneth Mathie-son,Esq.,vice-chairmen. Stewards: Messrs. R. Park, James Smith, R. R. Strang, Archibald Anderson, J. Macbeth, and David Scott. Among the gentlemen present we observed his Honor E. S. Halswell, Judge of the County Court; R. D. Hanson, Esq., J.P., Crown Solicitor ; W. Guy ton, Esq., J.P. ; D. Wakefield, Esq., Barrister-at-Law ; Dr. Kelly of the Bella Marina ; R. Hart, Esq., Solicitor; Messrs. Hay, Couper, Crawford, Blythe, Hunter, Jenkins, Barnes, Hervey, Gun, Murray, Gillies, M*Master, Morrison, &c. &c. ; £*;, yiM.Vr \ U |j \ v jjk After the" health of her %fajes|y and the other usual toasts had been given, to each of "which the Wellington band played an appropriate air. The Chairman rose and said the next toast he had to propose he was sure would be responded to with feeling — it was the health of their esteemed friend the Rev. John" Macfarlane, Minister of the Scotch Church in New Zealaud — (applause,) Mr. Macfarlane required no introduction to them that evening, be was known to most of them as one of the earliest settlers, having arrived with the first ship of Scotch colonists from the Clyde, under the auspices of the venerable the General Assembly, to plant the ancient banner of the Church of Scotland in these far isles, a banner that flows in the remotest parts of the British dominions, and which will yet be unfurled wherever that dominion may extend, carrying along with it the blessings of christainity. Mr. Macfarlane has had extensive duties to perform, he laboured for a considerable period when there was no other ordained clergyman here but himself, administering the ordinances to all sects of christains — he ministered acceptably, not only to a large body of his own people, but also to many of other denominations — he never obtruded his own peculiar doctrines, nor, as it were, said, go to, I am more righteous than thou. He has had difficulties and annoyances to encounter, but these are past, and Mr. Macfarlane has shown true christain charity and forgiveness, which he (the chairman) believed was now reciprocated. Mr. Macfarlane was now about to leave them for a time, and they had the satisfaction of that evening shewing that he carried along with him the good wishes of a large number of friends, for his health, prosperity, and speedy return. The health of the Rev. Gentleman was then drank very cordially, Highland honors having been called for. p-Mr. Maciarlane, who appeared to labour from the effects of his late indisposition, rose and returned thanks for the kind compliment paid by so numerous and respectable a party as he now saw around him ; he had been an old settler among them, and as the chairman observed, was for a period the only ordained clergyman in the settlement ; he had had arduous duties to perform, these he always endeavoured to do to the best of his ability, and without distinction of sect or party ; he also had many difficulties and troubles to contend with peculiar to a new colony, which may

have occasioned differences with some of his friends, which was much to be regretted, but, lie could now conscientiously say, that he can this night lay his head upon his pillow without the slightest feeling of animosity towards any one m this settlement. He was now abofct to leave them for a short time, perhaps about 18 months, but he trusted God willing, then to have the pleasure of meeting them again. During his stay at home he should use every means in his power to promote not only the spiritual, but the temporal interests of this colony, in the prosperity of which he confessed he took a very lively interest. The rev. Gentleman then with much feeling took -farewell for a time, and again thanked them sincerely for the kind honor they had this day shown him. Mr. Hanson, said that in proposing the toast committed to him, " Prosperity to the Colony of New Zealand," he was anxious to avoid any reference to topics upon which it was probable a difference of opinion might exist among the individuals present. Happily there was no occasion to introduce any such topics, since there were abundant points in which all parties must agree, and to those points he would confine himself. He then briefly referred to the general advantages ,of the colony, and to the progress which had been made in spite of more discouraging obstacles than had perhaps ever previously opposed the success of a new settlement, and expressed his confidence that all would agree with him, that when so much had been done, it was impossible but that with perseverance and above all with union, every thing would be accomplished. Before sitting down, he said, there was one topic to which he should wish specifically to advert as being in his view ultimately connected with the subject of his toast. No more fatal source of weakness, no more insurmountable obstacles in the way of progress could exist than religipus dissension, and there was no surer way of creating this spirit than that of giving to the members of any one church an exclusive or even an excessive right to support from the state. He regretted that an attempt had been made in the Council to introduce the principle of a dominant church, and he took this opportunity of expressing his obligation to those members by whose agency it had been defeated. He was sure that the support of the inhabitants of this place might always be relied upon in any opposition to similar measures for the future. Mr. Hanson then concluded by proposing the toast, " Prosperity to the Colony of New Zealand." Dr. Evans, gave " The Church of Scotland." Mr. Halswell, proposed " The Educational advancement of both the European and Native population of New Zealand," and expressed the very great interest he always took in the improvement of the natives. Mr. Mathieson, proposed " The Judges and the Bar of New Zealand." Judge Halswell, returned thanks. Mr. James Smith, gave "The whaling interests of New Zealand." 'Mr. Fraser, of Mana, acknowledged the toast and hoped for better luck next season. After a number of other toasts enlivened by song and music, the party broke up at a late hour, highly gratified at having passed so pleasant an evening. Thanks are due to Mr. Suisted for his excellent arrangements on the occasion.

Wellington, Port Nicholson, y£jf^ Sept. 30, 1844. *TO HIS EXCELLENCY, CAPTAIN ROBERT FITZROY, R.N.. GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND, &C, &C. Sir, — In the present uncertain state of affairs in New Zealand, no individual can say with certainty what amount of property he possesses, and still less how long he may continue to hold that which he believes to be his own. Feeling this in all its naked truth, and with its full force, few men are sufficiently hardy, or possess nerve enough to expend time or labor, or capital in adding to, or making any vigorous attempt at improving, that which they seem to possess. This state of things not only has the effect of keeping many enterprising individuals stationary, but tends also to urge the majority backwards, as well as to throw those who are really timid, on their beam ends — in which position a portion of them, at least, become total wrecks. Time only can shew how long a community will be enabled to struggle with such ' odds ; but dearly bought experience is a fatal master, and generally becomes a faithful servant, too late — when vigour and means have been expended in useless struggles with misfortune. At this period of trial any attempt to mend is too often attended with failure ; the true way being to - commence properly at first : failing this, to begin over again, with the adoption of new principles, and with good

management, is the only alternative holding out promises of success. As yet, no principles have really been laid down, and the management of every thing has been temporizing, and that, even, conducted with timidity. Any one of sound mind may be said to have capacity sufficient to make a law for the punishment of crimes committed, or impose a tax for the payment of debts contracted; but society demands laws for the prevention of both. It does not require a Solon to draw the conclusion that both these evils are the result more of idleness than of any other inducing cause. Charity would place them to misfortune, in the majority of cases ; but misfortune comes from bad education, bad government, and more especially from bad example. Let the government legislate wisely, afford the means of teaching correctly, and exhibit to all professions and occupations a good example, and then see how great will be the change.

These few suggestions have resulted from a friendly conversation on the present state of all classes in these islands. This discussion emhraced the subject of the native chiefs the grown up young people, their offspring ; the connection between these and their European fellow creatures of both sexes, with whom they occasionally come in contact ; and last of all, the prospects, present and future, of the European settlers themselves. A few matters of great importance have occupied the pages of all publications on the subject of New Zealand from the commencement of the agitation of it. These are Land Claims, preservation of the Native Race, Amalgamation, and Colonization. Others have certainly been treated upon, but they may veiy fairly be set aside until these are settled and adjusted. The Government may be said to have done nothing hitherto in any of them. No step has yet been taken that can possibly have any influence on the promotion er settlement of them, but many backward" ones have been made, having in a most material degree a tendency to form each into a rope of sand. The habits of the crab have in reality been fully exemplified. I now take the liberty of alluding to these consecutively. First, — Land Claims. This question might be decided effectually by an act of council consisting of a few lines only. Give a. Crown- title to each individual claimant of land by purchase from the natives — the validity of the purchase to be determined by the report of the Crown Commissioner. Let the Crown title empower the party to hold, for himself and his heirs for ever, a certain number *of acres for every year, up to the date of the grant, commenciug from the date of the purchase ; having no regard to the quantity stated to have been purchased, or the amount of consideration said to have been paid for it : — tthe value of these being indeterminate at the time, both by the buyer and seller ; — each grant being allowed a certain amount of frontage. Let the number of acres b& four, or five, or seven, or ten ; in fact, any number that may be deemed equitable, according to the circumstances of all on the average ; but let it be determinate and unchangeable. By this rule a claimant would become entitled to fifty acres, — should the number be fixed at five, — upon a deed dated ten years previous to the grant, — 'and so on in all others, having no respect to persons or individual circumstances of any other kind, — but laying down one uniform and unalterable scale of justice. This would be a principle, — the equity of which would be at once acknowledged, — and would encounter no opposition from any one deserving of notice or consideration. No allusion is | here- made to the New Zealand Company's ! title to lands, that being a matter resting j between that body and the Government. I Second, — Preservation of the native race. This is a subject of deep interest to humanity, of the most important bearing towards European settlers as regards their present well-being, and likewise of great moment, considered as having a reference to their prosperity. The native race are entitled to preservation as human creatures, they ought to be fostered and encouraged as aiders and fellow workmen in the cultivation of the soil, and the production of food for the mass of the population, so as to enable the handicraft portion of the community to follow their useful occupations of realizing visible and permanent property. The policy of preservation is pointed out also on account of the superiority of their physical organization, and their extreme aptness for the acquisition of knowledge, not only of every day use, but also of a scientific nature, such as is adapted to the formation of laws and rules for the planning and laying out of works in a mathematical and scientific manner. The only proper mode of doing this appears to be, — first locating every young native of a certain age upon a plot of ground, giving each

a Crown title to his* homestead; and last, establishing schools for the juvenile portion of the native population, for their instruction in the English language and literature. The dissentients, it may be imagined, would be'-veryiew indeed, and" their opposition in the same degree unimportant. Third, — Amalgamation. This embraced considerations of great importance, both for the present and the future. So long as the natives remain a distinct race, all history and experience prove that they will have distinct interest^— interests also opposed in many essential points to the progress and well-being of the immigrant population. No cause could operate more powerfully in destroying such feelings, and thus absorbing all grade and caste, than that of marriage between the two races. On every registered marriage taking place between a native female and a male emigrant, or a native & female emigrant ; let the law ordain that a Crown grant be at the same time registered to the couple, their heirs and assigns for ever, of a plot of ground consisting of a certain number of acres, — the quantity to be determined in an equitable manner by the land Commissioner. Fourth, — Colonization. This subject has two bearings ; the one in the mother country, the other in the colony. Parties contemplating emigration are urged to adopt it by certain causes, such as bettering their j condition by change, dissatisfaction with some portion of the institutions of their country, an abhorence of persecution, vn remunerating wages of labour, &c. In all .cabes a hope of bettering their condition in tho colony, is the inducement for making the choice. With a view to fostering this adoption' in reference to New Zealand, marriages should be held out as the inducement, but marriages with a homestead attached to it. In order to accomplish a scheme of this nature, certain districts or suburbs might be set apart by authority of the Government, sanctioned by the chiefs or individual holders of the land ; the districts thus appropriated, to be &ept sacred for these purposes only. An emigrant fund for an object of this kind must necessarily emanate from the Government; at home, Considering the vast utility of a measure of this nature in disposing of a large portion of the surplus juvenile population of the mother country, and the nature of a progressing population of fchis description in various parts of these islands, the object appears to be one well worthy of aIJ serious consideration. These plans if entertained, jraight be held distinct, and kept apart, from HI others, and not suffered to interfere with tl|j interests of the New Zealand Company, directly or indirectly, except so far as they could be brought to further its operations. The| same degree of- attention might be adopted j towards individual claims and interests, unless these likewise could derive some benefit irotn the connection. I have ihe honor to reroaii., Sir, Your Excellency's most obedient and Jmaiblo servant, , JOHN WALLACE.

To A. Sinclair, Esq., Gou Sec, M. L.C., M.D ; A* Shepherd,, 'E&q., Col. Treasurer, M.L.C.; W] Baowjt, Esq., J.P., M.L.C. ; Charles Clifford, Esq., J.P., M.L.C. ; S. M. D. Martin, Esq., M.D., J.P., M.L.C. Gentlemen, — We, the undersigned inhabitants of Wellington and its (vicinity, take this public manner of expressing our sense of the service which you have rendered to the colony, by means of your successful resistance on the Ist June, 1844, to a proposed vote of £200 per annumn to the Bishop of ihe Church of England in New Zealand. Regarding the establishment of exclusive Church as fraughtjwith danger to freedom of thought and to tj le rights of conscience, and as necessarily carrying with it the elements of religious discord ; and knowing how bitter have been the animosities springing from this source in the mother country, we should view the success of any such attempt as was then made to introduce among us the principle of an exclusive establishment, as one of the deepest injuries which could be inflicted upon the colony . We trust that any future attempts of the { ame nature will encounter a similar resistance, and we shall at all times be ready to contribute our aid to render such resistance effectual.