To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume II, Issue 94, 24 June 1846, Page 3

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator.

Sir,—lt has been the usual custom of the British nation, that all great and important services rendered to their country by the military forces should be rewarded by the Crown, with some substantial proof of the high estimation in which such services are justly regarded by their Sovereign and their countrymen. In the recent brilliant engagement near the Taita, in the Hutt district, between a detachment of the troops and a body of Rangihaeata's natives (in rebellion against British 'authority), the coolness, admirable discipline, precision of their fire, heroic devotion, and the most undaunted bravery displayed by the troops engaged in that desperate conflict, are almost unparalleled in the annals of military achievements; surpassed only by the exploits in the ever- , memorable battle of Waterloo, the pride and glory of England. Having felt it your duty to express your disapprobation of the mode in which the military operations in the Hutt have been hitherto conducted, you would be wanting in gratitude were you not now to record with pleasure your sense of the brilliant deeds performed by the band of heroes m the late severe encounter. Tbe minds of the settlers are filled with admiration at this recent and splendid affair, and they feel confident that the officers and men engaged in it will be sure to receive their well merited promotion as a reward for the success attending their extraordinary exertions on that occasion. It will doubtless form a pleasing portion of the duty devolving upon the commanding officer (Major Last) to recommend strongly the sen ices of these brave men to the favourable notice of the Duke of Wellington, the commander-in-chief of the British army, and we may rest assured it will receive his Grace's prompt attention. But beyond this, it is the general conviction that the colonists in this settlement, especially those living on the Hutt, will cheerfully contribute to bestow some testimonial as a mark of their admiration, and I would respectiully suggest that a gold medal be given to each of the officers and men who comprised the detachment. Ido not pretend to state what the motto on the medal should be, this however will form a subject for consideration hereafter. One person, in the presence of myself and several others, with a sneering and sarcas tic air suggested, in whaling phraseology, that "Stem all" would be a most appropriate motto; but it is almost superfluous to add, that this proposal was indignantly and very properly rejected by all present. The thanks of this community are also justly due to Major Last for the zeal, ener_

gy, ability, and judgment displayed by him in the discharge of the difficult and onerous duties of his situation as Commanding Officer of the district, since the departure of Colonel Hulme for Auckland. The skill, perseverance, and vigour shewn by the gallant Major in forming and carrying out the military operations in the Hutt, which have been attended with such triumphant success, and which have been productive of such beneficial results to the settlement, add materially to his reputation and entitle him to the respect and last-ing gratitude of the entire body of the colonists. I am, Sir, Your's &c, Sauve gui peut. Wellington, June 23, 1846.

The following correspondence will be found extremely important, as shewing the interest the French manufacturers are likely to take in New Zealand Flax. Although the price offered per ton is decidedly too low, yet it is possible that a negotiation might be entered into by which, on a proper representation of the present prices and state of the trade in the colony, more favourable terms may be obtained :—: — (Copy.) New Zealand H. use, Broad-slreet Buildings, 4th December, 1845. Sir, — Adverting to the correspondence which has taken place on the subject of New Zealand Flax, I am instiucted to transmit to you the accompanying copies of a letter lately received from Monsieur Laya, and of the reply; and lo request that, in fulfilment of the promise given in the latter, you will make generally known M. Lay a's wish 10 enter into a contract fur the annual supply of a thousand tons, under the conditions stated. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, (Signed) T. C. Hakinoton, Secretary. Colonel William Wakefield, Principal Agent of the New Zealand Company, Wellington.

(Copy.) Viroflay, Seine and Oise, 2 1 st. October, 1845. Sir, — Being upon the point of giving a great extension in France to the manufactuie and exportation by my process, of the New Zealand Flax, permit me to address myself to you, and to the New Zealand Company, of which you are the Seoretary. I desire to find amongst the rich proprietors of your Company, one or more persons who would be disposed to contract with some bankers of our city (Paris), engaging to guarantee us for a certain number of years the>annual return of a thousand tons of New Zealand Flax, which is worked dry by the natives. We desire that the price per ton, on account of the large quantity we would take, should not exceed at the maximum from £5 to £6 per ton, taken from out of the ports of New Zealand, whence we would send our French ships. 1 doubt not that your Company will recognise wiih interest this new work, opened to the produce of that colony ; and that the Directors of the New Zealand Company will reduce, no more than possible the conditions of the sale. In waiting your answer, I beg of you to accept my best respects. Your's very sincerely, (Signed) Alexander Lata.

(Co P> .) New Zealand House, Broad-street Buildings, 31st October, 1845. Sir,—l have hart the honor to receive and lay before Ihe Directors of the New Zealand Company your letter of the 21st instant, enquiring whether the Members of the Company will feel disposed to enter into a contract, tor the yearly delivery in New Zealand, duiinga certain number of years, of a thousand tons of New Zealand Flax, as prepared dry by the natives. In leply, I am instructed to inform you that, deep as is the interest felt by the Directors in everything that relates to the development of the resources of New Zealand, and especially to the conversion of its natural products into objects of utility and commercial value, they regret much that, being precluded by the Company's Charter of Incoip^ration from embarking- as a body in any commercial enterprise, they have it not in their power to promote your wishes in the way which you point out. But it will afford them much pleasure to forward a copy of your letter to their Principal Agent, Colonel Wakefield, with instructions to make it generally known in New Zealand; and this will accordingly be done by the first vessel that may sail ior the colony direct. I have the honor to be, &c, (Signed) T. C. Harington. A. Monsieur Mons. Laya chez M. Guyot a Viroflay (Seine et Oise) France.