To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 42, 26 July 1845, Page 3

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator.

Sib, — I beg y through the medium of your journal, to call the attention of my fellow-colonists to a subject of vital importance. I do not come forward as the partisan or enemy of any particular race or interest, but simply in the character of a bond fide settler. And as, Mr. Editor, on the one hand, I do not ask you to adopt my suggestions, or become responsible for them ; so, on the other, I must claim the privilege of addressing you anonymously j not that I am ashamed of those opinions, but because, Sir, I remember but too well the threat of his Exeelleney at his memorable debut in Wellington, " that if any settler dared to express his opinions freely he, the Governor, would set the Attorney General upon him." I do not wish to be an alarmist, but, at the same time, it is, I conceive, incumbent on every settler, whilst he guards himself against being disturbed by every imaginary misfortune, not to blind his eyes to real -and inevitable danger. That we are approaching a crisis will scarcely be denied. In addition to the gloomy aspect of local affairs, the recent news from Great Britain i naturally excites our apprehensions. Gross ignorance, I indifference and prejudice, characterize the discussions on, and sentiments expressed towards this colony. Our few friends in the mother country have to contend with an unwholesome sympathy ostentatiously displayed towards an aboiiginal race under the guise of religion and Christian lore, but, in reality, at the expense of national feeling and the ties of blood — add to this, the unabated hatred of the Colonial-office, and you have the sketch of our wretched prospect of succour from Great Britain. i I forbear at present to allude to our local grievances. I If what I have said has been fairly stated, it will have I the effect of arresting the attention of my fellow-colon- , ists, and my object will be in some measure attained. For I appeal to the British inhabitants of this colony, smarting under the effects of disregard and unnatural I abandonment, whether it is possible for them to maintain I their dutiful allegiance towards the mother country? Despised, repudiated, and disinherited, can the wretched offspring any longer feel affection for its proud and disregarding parent ? It would be contrary to theory if it could ; and it is only consistent with fact to assert that the tide of attachment has for some time past been fast ebbing in this colony, owing to the conduct of the mother country. Under such circumstances of desertion, we naturally look around for relief and protection. Nor, I believe, need we look in vain. Let the Colonists of New Zealand memorialize the Home Government, setting forth in respectful terms their utter state of desertion and abandonment, and praying to be relieved of the superintendence of Great Britain, which is so repugnant and irksome in its influence on the Colonists themselves ; and to be left to seek elsewhere for that protection and fostering care which is denied them by their native country. A cursory perusal of the journals is sufficient to satisfy us that France is ready to occupy that which Great Britain is memorialized to relinquish. France will readily and powerfully extend to us her protection, and foster our commercial and agricultural' interests. Should these hints, Mr. Editor, be responded to, I shall gladly, in a future number, enter particularly into our hopes and prospects as connected with our future protectors, and in the meantime subscribe myself An Old Settler. Wellington, July 24, 1845.