New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Saturday, Novcmber 20, 1847.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 241, 20 November 1847, Page 2

New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Saturday, November 20, 1847.

In looking over the files of Auckland papers recently received we find them constantly harping on one subject, reiterating the same complaint — the non-settlement of the land question. The land question appears to be the standing grievance, the hydra-headed monster of the colony, in which if one head is bruised, another springs in its place — uno avulso, nnn deficit alter — and requiring some herculean effort for its extinction. But the heads of this monster grievance assume a a very different aspect in the Northern Province to that which they wear in the Southern settlements. In the North the task of the Governor is to undo what has been wrongfully done by his predecessor, to unravel the intricacies and confusion in which this question has been involved; to set aside Crown grants illegally issued, and to compel the claimants of these extensive tracts into something like moderation. On the other hand, those who have profited by Captain Fitzroy's folly and profusion are using every exertion to obtain a confirmation of his grants or as little modification of them as possible. With these claimants we can have but little sympathy, but we may follow the example of their importunity in pressing on the attention of the Government the necessity of finally arrranging this question in the Southern Province, since so much connected with the well being of these settlements depends on its final adjustment. We are now fast approaching the end of the eighth year of our colonial existence, and we have neither a title to our lands nor a settled Government. We are promised both, but delays continually intervene to prevent the accomplishment of that " which still so near us yet beyond us lies" — and we are compelled to rest on hope which as yet is our only inheritance. We would entreat his Excellency the Governd'r to remember that eight years of compelled inactivity, of fruitless labour, is a most important deduction from the sum of a man's active existence — if he sometimes thinks of the scene of his former labours we would wish him to remember what has there been done within that period under favorable circumstances, and chiefly under his able guidance. He has

devoted the last six months to the affairs of the North, let him now in the spirit of impartial justice employ an equal period in the adjustment of those questions which interfere to prevent our progress — let him at least remember the existence of the Scfuthern settlements, and allow both the Provinces under his control to start fair in the race which" is set before them.

Horticultural Exhibition. — We are requested to remind the Members of the Horticultural Society that the first Exhibition this season will take place at the Victoria Saloon on Monday next, and hope they will use every effort to render the Exhibition as attractive as possible. We understand that Colonel Gold has very kindly consented to allow the Band of the 65th regiment to be in attendance during the Exhibition.

Yesterday afternoon the Band of the 65th Regiment performed on Te Aro Flat. We believe that Colonel Gold, with the desire of consulting the wishes of the inhabitants of Te Aro, has given directions that during the summer Ihe performance of music shall take place twice a- week, alternately at either end of the Town, the Band playing on Thorndon Flat on Tuesday, and on Te Aro Flat on Friday afternoon. For the convenience of our Subscribers, we shall publish in each number of the Spectator, the Programme of the pieces to be performed on the afternoon subsequent to the day of publication.

Wkllin gton Savings Bank — Major Baker. Mr. Brandon, Mr. Blyth, and Mr. M'Donald. the Managers in rotation, will attend to receive deposits at Messrs. Johnson & Moore's store; Lambton-quay, from seven to eight o'clock on Saturday evening, the 20th November, and at the Union Bank of Australia, from 12 to 1 o'clock on Monday forenoon, the 22nd November.

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian. Wellington, 15th Nov., 1847. Sir, On behalf of the whole body of the 65th Regiment, I beg to thank you for the prompt and handsome manner in which .^in. your justly named Cook's Strait Guardian/ you have .dissipated the infamous slander so. unblushingly put forth in the " Moreton Bay Courier" of the 9th of October last,, against the hitherto untarnished reputation of our Corps. I have the .honor to be, Sjr, Your most obedient, humble Servant, C. E. GOLD. Lt.-Colonel com d s 65th Regt.