To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, July 25, 1845.

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. Wellington, July 25, 1845.

Sir, — I believe it is generally felt that the recent intelligence from England is such as ought to dissipate the idea that we have "-seen the worst" of our position. We have no reason to think that the Colonialoffice will in any way alter its policy with respect to us — a policy which, it seems, our English friends have been before us, in discovering to be the — Kwcolonization of New Zealand. There can be little doubt that such is the object of Lord Stanley — for Captain Fitzroy's removal is likely to be caused by his financial blunders rather than the ruin in which he has involved us. When, as 1 believe is the case, this impression is so general, is it not surprising that so much apathy exists among us ? People really seem contented to consider themselves as martyrs to the injustice of Government, and while they see their ruin, and that of the colony, daily approaching consummation, they are too disheartened or too selfish

to stir a step to aid themselves. There is throughout all classes of people an appearance of resignation as if to inevitable destruction, that I consider one of the worst symptoms of our case. Our prospects, it is true, are dispiriting enough. Instead of supplying ourselves with wheat this year, it is generally anticipated that we shall not produce more than one-third of last year's crop. The cause is differently stated — we hear from one person that settlers are leaving the Waiwetu and the Hutt in consequence of the aggressions of the Maories — from another that it will not pay at the present price of grain, to employ labour ; and that labour itself is difficult to procure. To increase our difficulties, the Government steps in and deprives us at once of two hundred labourers, at the most critical time of the year, by enlisting that number as militiamen. People who look upon the expenditure that this causes, as so much benefit to the colony, should reflect, that the payment for this force comes not from any external source, as we were led to suppose — but from their own pockets — and in effect amounts to much the same thing, as if they paid so much money for the deportation of this number of labourers from the colony. Besides all this, it is useless concealing the fact that every vessel that has lately left this port, has carried away a large proportion of our most valuable and industrious settlers — and more are preparing to follow. It is with reference to this last point that I trespass on your columns, and to this I would call the especial attention of our landholders. I believe, indeed, that much of the emigration from this place has been caused - by their short-sighted conduct, in persisting in keeping up an exhorbitant price for land— rand thereby putting it out of the power of the labouring class to take that interest in the colony, that the possession of a freehold seldom fails to give. Numbers of people have left from this cause alone — who, if they could but have been assured of the independence that even ten acres of land in this country secures, would never have thought of quitting the colony. What I would propose is, that some inducement should be held out to keep this valuable class of people in the colony — and nothing occurs to me more simple than that landholders should consent to give up a certain small portion of their land, for purchase to actual occupiers, at a small sum — say one pound per acre, payable within one or two years. While this would, I am convinced, be sufficient to keep many of the working class, who are now intending to leave, in the colony, I do not think it would have any effect in depreciating the value of land — but, indeed, rather the contrary. Of what value would the Hutt be to us, if, the " question" being at last settled, our labourers had gone elsewhere ? - I trust, sir, that these hurried remarks may induce landed proprietors to bestow some attention on the subject before it is too late. If a few of the largest holders would each set apart one section of land for the purpose I have mentioned, I think great good might be effected — and many of the working class, who are generally contented with the country and the climate, if they could but see their way to keep themselves from want, would not be unwilling to brave the difficulties that may yet be in store for this ill-used colony. I may add, that though I am myself but a small landholder, I am quite willing to contribute to any such scheme as I have suggested. I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, A Landholder.