To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. New Plymouth, March 13, 1848.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 276, 22 March 1848, Page 3

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. New Plymouth, March 13, 1848.

Sir, — I am sorry to trouble 3'ou again — but as I see a sort of rebuke from the pen of "P," in the Independent of February 23, to my description of the state of our affairs, I beg to make a few remarks thereon. lam glad to find that "P " does not deny a single fact alleged in my letter, but contents himself with goodnaturedly rating me for being despondent. I think it may not be amiss to let you know the results of his Excellency's visit here, which has taken place since my letter, and which confirms me in the faith that what I asserted has become more true. You may remember that when the Governor was here just one year ago, and the natives

behaved most insolently towards him, that he made certain threats at which they (sensible people) only laughed ; the settlers on the contrary thought that something would be done. 1848 has effected a material alteration in his Excellency's views. Wiremu King, alias, Te Rangi Taki, is to be caressed, and made much of, model villages are to be formed on the north bank of the Waitara, from whence all those settlers who unfortunately have imagined that they held land are to he removed. Instead of the armed force to receive the immigrants from Waikanae, a clergyman is to be stationed there; (perhaps Mr. C( lenso who is engaged in the Christian work of propagating peace and good will between the N'gatikahunu natives and the Wairarapa settlers might be induced to come and exert his God-like task at the Waitara.) Again — in 1847 — compensation to settlers outside the Fitzroy block was hinted at; in 1848 this haa become a misconception on their part. His Excellency promised to return in six weeks, but as exactly the same promise in the same words was made last year, we are bound to regard it as the compliments of the season. Among other things the Governor told us that we had suffered so much that we were not fit judges in our case. lam content that any fair and honest man(notJMr. Commissioner Cowell) should arbitrate in our case. The best intelligence that we have to give is that we are to be taken out of the Company's hands and transferred to the Cr«wn— this may prove a great benefit to those who can remain in the settlement eight or nine years longer, as long as we were the shuttlecock between Company and Government, we invariably went to the wall In conclusion, I will reiterate for my friend "P.'s" benefit, that the original land purchasers and founders of this colony have been ruined, and that at this time the prospect of amelioration to them is still more remote since the Governor's change of policy. I remain, Sir, Your most obedient servant, A Ruined Settler.