ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, August 3rd, 1846.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume II, Issue 106, 5 August 1846, Page 3

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, August 3rd, 1846.

Sir, — In your of the 1st inst., I was sorry to find a letter from A. M'Donald [McDonald], Esq., in which were several statements affecting the character of a native chief called Puaha, whom I am proud to call my friend. This same Puaha, described by Mr. M'Donald [McDonald] as a " villain," a " miscreant," one " whose hands are still red with the blood of your countrymen," is several times alluded to in the despatches of the Principal Agent, and always as a native friendly to Europeans, especially differing from Charley and Enae, (Kanae) his two brothers, in mildness of disposition. In the despatch containing an account of the Wairau tragedy, the Principal Agent says — " Epua (Puaha) attempted to save the lives of Capt. Wakefield and others" — but was prevented by that savage, whose day of triumph is, we trust, well nigh ended. The fact is too well known to be denied, that this same slandered man did all in his power to prevent the struggle, and had the person in charge of the expedition been less hasty, Puaha's endeavours would have been doubtless successful. Moreover, I appeal to every Whaler on the coast, to every settler who has lived among the Kawia [Kawhia] tribe, whether they know a more quiet, unassuming, inoffensive native than Puaha? Has he ever injured a white man ? Was he not among the first to offer his services on May 16th, after the Hutt attack? And, had he been allowed to act with the soldiery on the Porirua side, while the soldiers and militia in the Hutt co-operated with them, can we doubt but that the murderers of our fellow settlers would have long since met their deserts? And yet, Sir, this is the man whom it pleases Mr. M'Donald [McDonald] to hold up to Public obloquy. — Let him do so. Puaha will come out of the fire unscathed, unless the frequent attacks upon his character should goad him to reprisals. I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, SAML. IRONSIDE.