To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, January 19th, 1849.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume V, Issue 362, 20 January 1849, Page 4

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, January 19th, 1849.

Sib, — I am for from to divert vyour attention from the manoeuvres" both open and clandestine of the faction, who but for your vigilance -and ability in exposing them might have gupceeded in imposing 'their "opinions on this community, or atleast in representing -them as the opinions gfthe colony. There is, however, another subject to which "you have occasionally alluded, but which I think requires further notice, I mean the remarkably rapid change which is taking place in the native population in reference to their growing respect for law, their desire to live in amity with the whites; their peaceful habits, their extensive cultivation-of wheat, &c, and the facility with" which they are

adapting themselves to the changing circumstances of the times. What I moie especially -wish to notice at present, is, the fact that the Lieutenant-Go-vernor could go unprotected forty or fifty miles up the Wanganui river, and meet with most -friendly treatment from those natives who were so lately arrayed in hostility against the Government,- and who lost one of their leading chiefs, namely, Maketu, during those hostilities. What further proof could he required of the complete pacification of this Province, or of the wisdom evinced in making peiaide" with those natives, how much 'soever that peace was ~ cavilled at when made ; and .of .the advantage resulting from a just and equitable purchase of land when made hy so efficient an agent as Mr. M'Lean, than the late visit of the Lieutenant-Governor under these circumstances ? And if Mr. M'Lean should now succeed in purchasing the district adjoining Wangamii and extending as far as the Eangitikei river, a district as fertile as any in New Zealand would he at once available for a large settlement, even the proposed Church of England settlement, in a peaceable and quiet neighbourhood. If such visits were more frequently paid by Governors, the good understanding at present existing between the natives and the Government would be cemented and strengthened, and all likelihood of future disturbances removed. And this is an object to be aimed at , at once, lest the unwise parsimony of the mothercountry, should, before that object is attained, by a premature removal of the military, again involve this country in confusion and disaster. I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, ■ An Observer.

A shock of an earthquake was distinctly felt in Melbourne on Thursday, the 19th October ; and at about half-past twelve on that day, the inhabitants of Campbellfield, in that vicinity, were alarmed by three distinct and unn.i&takable shocks. Numerous proofs were presented after this occurrence to show that the whole was not the result of imagination, and independent of which a hut in the neighbourhood was actually tumbled to the ground by the shock. -Hob, Town Cour., Nov. 8.