To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. River Hutt, June 25, 1845.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 38, 28 June 1845, Page 2

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. River Hutt, June 25, 1845.

Sir, — Suppose that any disturbance should take place here at the present time, I should like to know what force, except Captain Rush's men, we have to rely on ? One would have thought that when the Militia was formed, the most efficient officers would have been appointed to this district — where it is allowed there is the greatest danger — instead of which neither of our three officers know any thing about military affairs, and the men have no confidence in them. The third, indeed, never makes his appearance here, being his Honor's clerk at Wellington ! Why," what a shameful job is this. Are our very means of protection for our lives and properties to be sacrificed, to gratify our Major'f

propensity for jobbing ? lam astonished, Sir, that you have not before called public attention to this. Trusting this will be the means of doing so,— I am, Sir, your's, &c, A Hctt Settler.

From a "Bushman's" communication, extending over eight closely-written pages, we make the following extract relating to the Protectors and the uative reserves. We do not agree with the general opinions advanced by our correspondent, but on this subject we leave him to speak for himself. — After observing that no efforts have been made by the Protectors to place the native- on their reserves, he says — " Here the Protector of Aborigines would have found employment worthy his trust, in which he could have earned much honor, and the esteem of all parties. * * * As the ideas of a child expand according to its observations of things, and other experiences, so the natives are getting awake to the benefits of converting old forest lands to JtTetter account, and feel a strong desire bordering on a' determination to retain what they have spent so much labour upon, and what they consider to be their own property, and have never been paid for. * * * * Again, the natives of this place are awake to the advantages which they have hitherto derived from an intercourse with us, in finding a profitable market for their produce, and may be one great reason for their unwillingness to leave. * * * * By having the natives so located on their separate reserve sections, would be a great means of breaking up tribe factions, while preparing succeeding generations for the higher degrees of civilization; although such a state as at present exists among Europeans could not much be looked for on them till about the third or fourth generation hence; however, their condition would soon become greatly ameliorated from what it is at present ; and a better understanding between them and the colonists would naturally begin to spring up, and so pave the way to peace and comfort, so much desired by all."