To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Straits Guardian. New Plymouth, Nov. 14, 1844.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 8, 30 November 1844, Page 3

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator and C ook's Straits Guardian. New Plymouth, Nov. 14, 1844.

Sir,—Herewith I transmit you a copy of a communication received from his Excellency Captaiu Fitzroy, in answer to a petition praying the restitution of customs duties p iiil previous to the Ist October 1844. You will perceive that his Excellency admits the justness of the claim, or he would not have so feelingly expressed his concern at the impossibility of complying with the request. -The payment of duties at the titne of importation, has been a compulsory measure with the inhabitants of this district; and because they have hitherto contributed in advance to the revenue, in support of a Government which has afforded them such unlimited and effective protection, which has so munificently contributed to the impovements ot the district, and which has so promptly confirmed the equitable and unalterable decision of Mr. Commissioner Spain, is it, I ask, commonly honest for that Government to refuse to refund that portion the listrict paid in advance, which would not have been levied in a warehousing port. I fearlessly assert that this flagrant-act of injustice, (I will not say of dishonesty) Is unpaialleled in the annals of any British colony. A tithe of that pure spirit of equity (so lavishly displayed in his Excellency's transactions with the favoured Maori race, and which must acquite him immortal honours at Exeter Hall,) extended to his feilow countrymen would at once extricate the colonists from every difficulty, and certainly not diminish the glory of an administration, already admired for its foresight, honored for its consistency, and respected ior its stability. I very much regret Mr. Editor, that I have been compelled to expose a solitary act of injustice, attributable perhaps to the Jfeki influence; but as I have ventured to^dg so, may I request you to insert the foregoing ity your valuable columns. Veritas.

(Copy) Taranaki, Nov. 14, 1844. Sir, — In reply to your petition to the Governor, plated the Bth instant, I am directed by his Excellency to inform you, that, he much 1 regrets the impossibility of complying with your request to have £106 9s. refunded to you on account of tobacco and spirits, for which you paid duties prior to the Ist day of October last. I am, Sir, Your most obedient servant, (Signed) J. W. Hamilton. Private Secretary.