To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, 5th August, 1846.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume II, Issue 107, 8 August 1846, Page 3

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, sth August, 1846.

Sir.—l was not a little surprised to find in your paper of this date a letter signed by the Rev. Samuel Ironside, commenting on a statement of mine having reference to the native Puaha. . I must however reiterate every word, as being a simple statement of facts that have come under my own knowledge. If Mr. Ironside considered the statement incorrect why did he not take the trouble to walk a few yards and compare notes? If in error, I should have been glad to have retracted what I had written, but he preferred, as I am informed, to make the Chapel on Sunday morning last, the place of declamation ; this must have been disgusting to the well thinking part of the congregation. He has therefore (however reluctantly) compelled me to answer his attack. And I would first remind the Reverend Gentleman that Col. Wakefield's despatches, with reference to this native's character, were founded in a great measure upon his own statements as Puaha's spiiitual adviser, but subsequent events have led to a different conclusion, and Colonel Wakefield now holds the same opinion with myself. My -own impression is derived from those who were present and who witnessed the scene, and further, Puaha has actually stated to Mr. Fitzgerald that he did join in the fight. In other respects I will allow that Puaha may be the unassuming inoffensive native that he is stated to be. But why did this highly civilized and christianized native decamp to the Sound immediately after the massacre, and leave his people who were not present to wait the white man's fury, and, finding they were unmolested, settled on this island in the neighbourhood of his friends Rauparaha and Rangihaeata. Why does Mr. Ironside not disclose who were the real murderers, the actors in that fearful tragedy, this much must surely have been confided to him by his friend and brother who was an eye-witness? The insinuation attempting to raise this native, by casting a stigma on the memory of one of the sufferers, is quite worthy of the man who abused the authorities because they did not arm Puaha to carry fire and sword amongst his own tribe and blood relations. If the boasted conversion of this chief has only learnt him to he a traitor, would it not have been belter for the sake of humanity, to have allowed him to join the 600 and odd native members reclaimed by the Reverend Gentleman, but who immediately after the massacre, cast off their European clothing, painted themselves with red ochre, became devils, and frightened the Reverend Gentleman across the Strait where he has remained ever since, minus his flock. And I cannot help noticing the closing paragraph of the Reverend Gentleman, as it makes ample provision foranyresult,it needs no comment —" Puaha will come out of the fire unscathed, unless the frequent attacks upon his character should goad him to reprisals." I trust his Excellency has perceived ere this the impolicy of trusting such doubtful allies, and that those who have heen acting false, and keeping up the delusion of Rangihaeata's power and force will shortly meet their deserts. I am Sir, Your most obedient servant, A. M'Donald.