ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume II, Issue 105, 1 August 1846, Page 2

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, 29th July, 1846. Sir. — At the close of your leading article in this day's paper you state, that, "The expedition for the arrest of Rauparaha appears to have been planned with great judgment, and the result has been complete success. — We may hope before the end of the week to hear the issue of 'Puaha's expedition, which if successful, will at once put an end to further hostilities, should he however prove faithless, the reinforcements his Excellency has received will enable him to follow up^ this blow by such vigorous measures, as will quickly put an end to all further opposition." The traitor Rauparaha is no sooner in custody, and the first and grand blow struck when you bring forward another villain, of less magnitude, to continue and carry out the same farce that has hitherto been enacted . Is the lesson of treachery, just read to you by Rauparaha and Charley, not sufficient, and would you still listen to, and trust another of the race, one whose hands are still red with the blood of your countrymen, and who has now such a motive for deception as' the freedom of his relative Rauparaha, and his brother Charley, in whose villanyhe is so intimately connected? Are these miscreants to be released if a few slaves are given up? (those who know the native character must be aware that Rangihaeata would not hesitate to do so for a less prize) : but the war would not be ended, but rather begun. But who is Puaha? the brother of the notorious Charley, the near relative of Rauparaha and Rangihaeata, the joint owner with them of" the Three Brother*, purchased by the money paid them for the Hutt. Puaha, was the resident native at Cloudy Bay, who invited Rauparaha and Raugihaeata to come over to prevent the surveys of the Wairau. He was also the missionary who pretended to wish for peace, who- inveigled the sufferers at Wairau to the convenient place where the massacre tookpladg He also held up the Bible in his hand to prevent strife, but when the first shot was fired dashed it on the ground, and was one of the most active in the fight. He was therefore one of the principal Wairau Murderers, this fact was proved from the evidence of those who were present, and this Monster has since acknow-

ledged and boasted of tbe fact. This however is the Missionary hero who is now to put an end to hostilities. Surely Mr. Editor this must be a dream of your own; His Excellency the Governor cannot be so blind to Maori Character after what has happened. He will not again recognise as Allies any of the followers of either Rauparaha or Rangihaeata, they are all worthy disciples of their Teachers, and are all equally embued wjth hypocrisy, treachery, and blood. I am, Sir, Your most obedient serrant, A. M'Donald.