New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Saturday, May 22, 1847.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume III, Issue 189, 22 May 1847, Page 2

New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Saturday, May 22, 1847.

The disturbances at Wanganui would seem to indicate the existence of wide spread disaffection and hostility among the neighbouring tribes and of their acting upon an organized plan. The sudden collection of so large an armed force, the union of rival tribes, the destruction of settlers' property, and the attempt to blockade the troops, argue a determination and confidence on the part of the rebels which must proceed from a consciousness of strength and the certainty of mutual co-operation. The motives which actuate them on the present occasion are also different from the causes of last year's disturbances ; this is no land question, but a settled opposition to the authority of the Government. It is impossible to say how far this disaffection may spread, how much of individual suffering and misery may be caused before this spirit of insubordination is finally quelled. One thing is certain, that the maories are the aggressors, that they have wantonly provoked the contest, and that no lasting peace can be established, no security can exist for the outsettler, until an ample chastisement has been inflicted for these unprovoked aggressions, and the maories are made to feel that the Local Government has the power and is determined to punish these outrages. Mildness and forbearance have been exhausted — severity becomes the only alternative. In endeavouring to reduce the maories to subjection a great accession to the force at present stationed in the Southern district will be absolutely required. From the resolute manner in which they have commenced hostilities it is clear that they will not be daunted by slight reverses, and the harassing guerilla warfare pursued by them is likely to protract the contest for a lengthened period unless we have an overwhelming force which will effectually put down all opposition. Everything must be calculated with a view to this end, no auxiliary means must be neglected which can contribute to success. One of the most powerful of these is expedition in the movement of troops, and in conveying supplies to the disturbed districts, and we would venture to suggest for this purpose the purchase of a small steamer for the service of the Southern district. Such a vessel, of the same size and draught of water as those which trade between Sydney and the Hunter river, would be well adapted for this service. Her draught of water would enable her to enter the Manawatu and Wanganui rivers, and ascend them to a considerable distance from the sea, and render effectual assistance in harassing the enemy. This is the kind of duty for which a steamer would be invaluable in a war with the natives in this country. Such a vessel might either be

purchased or chartered in Sydney, and | would most effectually contribute in bringing hostilities to a speedy termination. The Inflexible, from her great size and draught of water, is not adapted to this service, and being the only steamer on this station, is often necessarily absent from the Southern settlements. If any objection were made on the score of expense, this might be easily obviated by the sale of the Government brig, for which such a steamer would be a most efficient substitute. In the struggle which lies before us time is every thing ; if the present rebellion is protracted, the rebels will gain fresh strength and confidence from delay, while from the connection existing between the different tribes they might by degrees be brought to unite with each other, until at length the"y formed a confederacy of the Southern tribes and ultimately involved the Government in a war of extermination. Itis in the earnest hope of averting such a catastrophe that we desire to see such rigorous measures adopted as may lead to the subjugation of these tribes, and such a punishment inflicted on the leaders of this movement as may deter others from imitating their example. We would fain hope, too, that some compensation will be granted to the unfortunate settlers who have so long struggled against adverse circumstances, and exerted themselves to establish the settlement and finding their hopes suddenly blasted, are now obliged to leave the fruit of their labours as the spoil of these savages, while they seek an asylum for their wives and families in Wellington. It is hard to have spent unprofitabiy so many years of their existence, but it is harder still to be obliged to begin the world anew with the loss of all their substance, and we trust that the Government will by timely assistance alleviate the severity of their misfortunes, and put them in a position to begin again under more favourable auspices.

The Calliope will sail to-day for Wanganui with a quantity of amnunition and other supplies for the service of the troops in that district.

The Victoria arrived on Wednesday from Auckland, after a passage of thirteen^days. The New Zealanders, which we have received to the Ist May, do not contain any news. It was'reported that his Excellency would leave Auckland for Wellington on the 26th instant, but'it'is probable that the intelligence of the murders and disturbances at Wanganui would hasten his departure. The Victoria will sail for Auckland on Monday next.

The William Hill and the Star of China arrived on Thursday from Sydney. The latest dates from Sydney (by the Star of China) are to the 3rd May, but there does not appear to be any news of importance. The January Post Office packet had not arrived in Sydney when the Star if China sailed. The Bee arrived in Sydney April 30, and was to sail again for this Port with a cargo of horses.

The schooner Frolic, which was to have sailed yesterday for Sydney, has been chartered by J. Jones, Esq., to proceed to his station at Ikolaki for a cargo of oil. We believe it is probable that this fine schooner will be ultimately purchased by Mr. Jones, and will be employed in the trade of this Port.

Wkllington Savings Bank. — Mr. Blyth, Mr. Catchpool, Mr. Christian, and Mr. Johnstone, the Managers in rotation, will attend to receive deposits at Messrs. Johnson & Moore's store, from seven to eight o'clock on Saturday evening, the 22d May, 1847, and at the Union Bank of Australia, from twelve to one o'clock on Monday forenoon, the 24th May.