To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Straits Guardian.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 18, 8 February 1845, Page 3

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Straits Guardian.

Sir, — Permit me to suggest that a public meeting ought to be convened, for the purpose of passing a vote of thanks to his Honor the Superintendent, for his late exertions at the Hutt and Wanganui, from which the settlers have derived most extraordinary benefits. It is difficult to decide whether the acuteness and decision displayed in the transaction respecting the Hutt, or the British spirit that burst forth in subduing, id est, blanketting the Maories, who had bonnetted the Bishop at Wanganui, entitles the gallant Major to the' greater share of praise. I incline to think that the larger amount of laurels belongs to the Hutt. However that may be, it is beyond dispute that his Honor has exhibited great abilities on both occasions. Moreover, he has just secured the gun-powder on Somes' Island by placing it on board a small craft to be manned by himself, the Sheriff, and his Honor's Secretary, in order to protect it from the Maories. He has also shewn a dispatch from the Governor to Sir George Gipps, "Which is said by those who have seen it, to be a most splendid composition, displaying Capt. Fitzroy^s* abortive attempt at managing the affairs of Government as well as his calmness and resignation in misfortune, in a manner that is quite charming, both for its penitence and sublimity. Indeed his Honor's services are as numerons as his great and good qualities :—: — A man so various that he seems to be Not one but all mankind's epitome. Publicola. Wellington, February 8, 1845.

Extract from a private letter from Auckland, dated January 24 : — " On the arrival of the brig at the Bay of Islands they found that the Flag-staff which the Governor had again erected at an expense of £40, had been cut down in the morning by Held and his mob, after which they had pulled across the harbour, leaving the town unmolested, and broke open Mr. Busby's store, stealing a few things and tearing the lead off the roof for bullets of course. The brig proceeded immediately to Auckland taking the news with her. I should have mentioned that he ordered Mr. Beckham, the police magistrate, to leave the place in two months with all his officers, as he intended to pull down the police-off cc and the gaol. On the brig's arrival at Auckland a Council was called when it was deemed expedient to send 30 soldiers to the Bay, accordingly the brig started back again as soon as possible and landed the soldiers, who found about 600 natives in the town, being two tribes, ill disposed towards each other, but ready to join against :he English. A friendly chief with the assistance of some soldiers erected the flag-staff a third time, upon which Heki immediately sent word that he would cut it down the following day, accordingly about day-break on the following morning he proceeded with his followers in their canoes to the point under the flag-staff, and with two or three of his principal men, climbed the hill and with his own hands cut down the staff for a third time in face of the soldiers ; after which they fired a volley and then went on the beach where the town is built and with all his mob had a war-dance, and in the evening they killed about thirty pigs and two bullocks belonging u/the whites. Of course with only thirty soldiers, to offer opposition was ridiculous, and Heki emboldened By his successes has given out that he will cut down our flag-staff here in four months ; you see he gives plenty of notice, and he always keeps his word. All the people are

leaving the Bay either for Sydney or thi s place, and in a few weeks I expect it will b e quite deserted. The Governor has offered JSiOO reward to any person who will bring him Jo Auckland and deliver him up. It is reported that he is extremely indignant at this, being sold as he says like a pig, and is going to offer so many acres of land for the Governor's head. The brig proceeds to Wellington to-morrow calling at the Bay with twenty more soldiers who are going to erect a sort of barracks there. The Governor has v.ritten to Sydney for troops, how many I know not.