REPLY.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume III, Issue 163, 20 February 1847, Page 3

REPLY.

To the Gentlemen composing the Deputation presenting the Address on the 29th January, 1847. Gentlemen, — Tie Address which you have just presented to me is very gratifying in several points of view. lam gratified thai the inhabitants of this part of New Zealand should, at length, feel that a cheering prospect of future prosperity lies before them, — and I am also gratified that by their public statement of this circumstance, they should hold out the best inducement in their power to European emigrants once more to resort tv a country, where their capital and industry may be so advantageously applied. In reference to your remarks upon the effects of ray administration of the affairs of this country, I can only state, that I have to the best of my ability, endeavoured to promote the interests of every portion of New Zealand, doing tl.at for each settlement which appeared to me best calculated to develope its own peculiar resources, trusting that Divine Providence would assist my earnest and sincere endeavours to promote the welfare of this country. I, from the first, saw the impoitance of Auckland as a depot for native trade, and I never since overlooked that circumstance. I will endeavour to do my utmost to foster and encourage its rapidly increasing export and import trade. I shall not fail, in compliance with your wishes, to endeavour to devise and introduce some system, by which lands the property of the natives may be brought into the market under such restrictions as are necessary for the benefit of both races, — as well as to introduce a regulated system of leasing lands for depasturing purposes. This last subject is one of primary importance, and has long occupied my serious attention. It will be to me a source of great satisfaction, if I can devise a series of regulations upon this subject, which may be beneficial and satisfactory to her Majesty's subjects of both races. In remarking upon that portion of your address, in which you speak of the sentiments j of the community in the northern portion of New Zealand towards the Government, and of the influence which has been exercised by some persons upon the natives, — I shall, I think, most effectually serve the interests of the really influential portion of this community by speaking plainly. — I must say, therefore, that I have found here many persons disposed to make, in some cases, most illegal, in other cases, most unjust, pretended purchases of land from the natives, and who then have resorted to most improper means to endeavour to compel the Government to recognize most exceptionable claims. I have also seen most improper and indefensible attempts made to excite the natives, and to fill them with distrust and suspicion of the Government. I always knew that many most respectable and influential persons, probably even th f

great majority of the inhabitants of the northern district, would have viewed these attempts with the same feelings of sorrow as myself. I was also aware, that many of the influential Chiefs in the neighbourhood had established most just claims upon the Government for the consideration of their interests ; but my regret was, that I never saw public opinion manifest itself against the improper proceedings which were taking place, and that so few friendly hands were held out in the north of New Zealand to aid me. As it was, although I sometimes doubted what course it was my duty pursue, I continued, notwithstanding these adverse influences, to do my utmost to promote the prosperity of this part of New Zealand. I need hardly say, that after the assurances of support which have now been afforded me, I shall still pursue this course, not more earnestly, but more cheerfully, for the future ; and in thanking the gentlemen who have signed this address for their good wishes, and for the assistance they have promised me, I can assure them that they may rely upon my dohig my utmost to support and advance the interests of the northern district of this island. G. Grey. Government House, Auckland, 29th January, 1847.