To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Straits Guardian. To Hua, New Plymouth, March 8, 1845.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 25, 29 March 1845, Page 4

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Straits Guardian. To Hua, New Plymouth, March 8, 1845.

Sir, —Having read in your journal of the Ist of March, that the aggressions of the natives upon my section had been encouraged by the clergyman and missionaries, I think it right to state to. you that they have, as I believe, and as far as I know, entirely disapproved of the conduct of the natives towards me. The first hostile movement of the Puketapu tribe, took place in the beginning of January, 1843, when a strong body of the natives all armed, commenced felling, and subsequently cultivated, about seven acres of the timbered part of my section ; for this I could get no redress from the Government, save a letter from Captain Fitzroy, in which he expressed his fears that the New Zealand Company's title to the land was very unsatisfactory ; (this letter was written long be/ore Mr. Spain's investigation of the New Zealand Company's claim at this place) and concluding with his usual Homocepathic remedy of justice —good feeling —and forbearance —to be gently administered to the refractory natives. Since that I have more than once been threatened with fire and tomahawk, and doubtless had I not had a few Wellington natives living with me, connected with Etako, my poor deluded patients the Puketapu would have proved the inefScacy of the Fitzroy-al medicine. The Mangoraka settlers, &c, have had the advantage of removiug to land within the repurchased block of 3000 acres, and receiving some kind of compensation from the Government, in the shape of debentures and a novel kind of paper promise, i.e. certain Treasury bills drawn payable to Mr. Shepherd, Colonial Treasurer, signed by R. Fitzroy, endorsed by Mr. Shppherd and Captain King our Government Representative here. The said bills set forth that they are drawn in consequence of the suspension of the payment of the New Zealand Company. Whether " my Lords " will honour such bills on such a plea is I think doubtful. But my case has been different. The Governor when here constantly asserted that no difficulty would arise with regard to my land, I must re-purchase, and that he would give £5 towards it on the part of the Government. The natives have only asked after the rate of £5 an acre for the 50 acres. It has been impossible to come to any arrangement with them. In the mean time, they prevent me again ploughing my stubble land, and very active in numberless petty annoyances. As I am surrounded with natives, I am constantly assailed by complaints of my cattle trespassing, and as during the last six months I have had to pay enormously for these damages, they find it rather a profitable speculation. Their pigs on the other hond run riot through my finer land, and although I have suffered to the extent of £10 to £ IS, I can get no redress. In conclusion, as it is quite gratifying to report any thing good of Government officials, I wish they would all take a lesson from Mr. M'Lean our Protector of Aborigines, of whose honesty and integrity there is but one opinion. Captain Fitzroy's familiar, Mr. Forsaith, would do well to learn consistency and rectitude from Mr. Ms. example. I have the honor to remain, Your obedient servant, John George Cookb.