New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Wednesday, November 20, 1850.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 553, 20 November 1850, Page 2

New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Wednesday, November 20, 1850.

In one of the late debates in the House of Commons on Irish affairs Lord John Russell, adverting to the conduct of some of the Irish members, said " that they were so accustomed to deal with every measure as a grievance, that now everything, even that for which they may have been asking all I their lives, if granted, becomes a cause of complaint." The same observation applies with equal force to the agitators of this settlement who seem to be influenced by a similar spirit, and are resolved not to be satisfied even on their own terms. The removal of their suposed grievances is the last thing they desire, because that would leave them without any pretext for agitatioii ; their occupation would be gone, they would sink into insignificance, and would become perfectly wretched. Like those beggars who simulate sores on their limbs or bodies to excite the sympathy of philanthropic individuals, they have no desire that a remedy should be applied to tbeir grievances, for that would deprive them of their stock in trade. When they suppose that nothing will be done, they profess to be moderate in their views and express their readiness to accept of any concessions as instalments of their demands ; when even more than they asked is granted they affect to regard the concession as a half and half measure with which it is impossible to be satisfied. The settlers have this alternative placed before them, either to co-operate with Sir George Grey in obtaining such institutions as will be beneficial to the colony and give them such control over their own affairs, — that local self government which they are anxious to acquire, — or to try and seek these advantages through some other source. We have only to refer to what has already been done in the way of legislation for New Zealand to be satisfied as to which course is best calculated to promote their interests. When Lord Grey, on his accession to office, prepared a constitution for New Zealand it was found to be so complicated as to be entirely unsuited to the circumstances of the colony, j and was therefore suspended. The failure of his measure seemed to shew that the most effectual plan of legislating for New Zealand was to allow the measure to be prepared in the colony where its local wants were best understood, and accordingly the responsibility of preparing a constitution, in the place of that of Lord Grey's which had been set aside, devolved upon Sir George Grey. Now it seems but reasonable to suppose that after so signal a failure as his pre vious attempt, the Colonial Minister would feel considerable reluctance in repeating the experiment, and that he would desire rather to have such a measure framed in the colony by the Go vernor-in- Chief, with the assistance and co-operation of such settlers as might be summoned to the Legislative Council. It is certain that a more liberal measure would be devised, that one more adapted to the wants and consonant with the iews of the settlers would be framed on the spot, where they would have the opportunity of canvassing its provisions, of stating their objections, and proposing such amendments as might appear desirable, than if it were passed by Parliament without any reference to their wishes. Any measure proposed by Ministers would be founded on Sir George Grey's recommendations, modified perhaps by their views. In either case the measure would be Sir George's, in the former it would be adapted by the suggestions of the settlers to their own views; in the latter they could have very little voice in the matter. Besides it is but fair to suppose that their co-operation with the Governor would

strengthen his hands and give additional weight to his recommendations. But no one can seriously labour under the mistake of supposing that those advantages would be obtained at the instance of an obscure agitator which were denied to the representations of the Governor. Or, remembering how quickly the person in question has changed his views with varying circumstances, at one time in the service of the Government, at another in that of the Company, evincing his devotion to the colony by preparing to leave the very first opportunity that occurs after the emoluments of his sinecure have ceased, no one can expect that the resolution passed at the meeting on Fridaj can prove anything else than a sham and delusion.

We beg to remind the members of the Horticultural Society that the first Exhibition this season will take place to-morrow in the Hall of the Mechanics' Institute. From the favourable season, the Exhibition is expected to prove an interesting one.

On the 18th instant, Christopher Edward Dampier, Esq., formerly of Lincolns Inn Fields, now of Port Lyttelton, was admitted a Solicitor in the Supreme Court, and appointed Commissioner under 3 & 4 Wm. IV, c. 74.

We have great pleasure in publishing the following letter from the cabin passengers of the Phabe Dundar to Captain Michie, acknowledging his kindness and attention during the voyage, together with his reply. All the passengers, we understand, unite in speaking in the highest terms of Captain Michies kindness to them and his unremitting anxiety to promote their comfort, and of the order and good management maintained by him on board the vessel : — New Zealand, Ist November, 1850. The cabin passengers on board thePhcede Dunbar r from London to New Zealand, cannot separate without expressing their united thanks to Captain Forbes Michie for his great and invariable attention to their comfort and interests during the passage, by which the usual discomforts of a long sea voyage have been materially lessened. They also beg to congratulate him on the fact, that notwithstanding most unprecedented delays from light and contrary winds in the tropics and south-east trade, his skill (joined to the superior qualities of his vessel) has enabled him to perform the voyage from land to land in ninety-nine days. Wishing him every happiness, we beg to subscribe ourselves his obliged friends, Chrisr. Edw. Dampier Marianne Clifford Matilda Dampier Alphouso Cbas. Clifford Matilda Catherine Dampier William Stapleton M. Hurt George Erving Scott Marion Hart J. G. Corbett George Hart J. C. Porter J Galloway "Walter Mmray Clias. Clifford

To the Cabin Passengers by the Phcebe JDunbar. New Zealand, Ist November, 1850. Ladies and Gentlemen, — I beg to return you thanks for the kind manner you have expressed yourselves towards me, and cannot let this opportunity pass without remarking, that where there is a good feeling and mutual forbearance, many of the disagreeables of a long sea voyage will be avoided. In the present case, I consider this is as much due to yourselves, if not more so, than to me. I shall often think on the many pleasant days I enjoyed of your agreeable society : and now, as we are soon to part, I sincerely wish you all that success and happiness you so well deserve. I remain, your's sincerely, F. Michie.

Programme of the performance of the Band of the 65th Regt., at Thorndon Flat, or* Wednesday, November 20 :—: — 1 . Overture — La Prize d' Alger Brebsant. 2. Cavatina — Ah come Rapida — 11 "1 nil--Pirata j 3. Les Rats Quadrilles Redler. 4. Selection — La Figlia del Reggimento Donizetti* 5. Natalien Waltzer Labitzky. 6. Pas Redouble Walch. 7. Ethiopean Polka Jullien.