THE CLAIMS OF THE EARLY SETTLERS, FOUNDERS OF THE COLONY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4430, 1 June 1875, Page 2

THE CLAIMS OF THE EARLY SETTLERS, FOUNDERS OF THE COLONY.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE FEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir,— Mr. • Edward Jerningham Wakefield on a former occasion, in referring to the claims of the early settlers, principally dwelt upon the formation of a society—“ Form a society, call it what you will, society of pioneers or vanguardsmen best expresses the spirit of association to. be embodied, &c.” In yesterday's issue Mr. Wakefield refers to the meeting to be held on Thursday, June 17, two o’clock p.m., and he regrets that the meeting is called for that hour. Now, the meeting is called for a distinct object —“Business: the claims of the early settlers to a grant of land." Mr. Wakefield says the hour will prevent working men from attending. On this point, I will observe that a very large class of interested claimants, in the appeal to be made to the Legislature, live in the country. Porirua, Karori, Makara,Ohariu, Hutt, &c.; also, Wanganui, Wairarapa, and other parts of the colony; and It is at their express request that the meeting is called for two o'clock in the day instead of in the evening. I am pefectly aware that the 17th June was, as the almanack announces, the anniversary of the lamentable “massacre atWairau, 1843;” and I am aware that the_ Nelson settlers (pioneers) arc interested in wbat is being done, having already expressed their views in the Colonist, April 17, 1875.

Mr. E. Jerningham Wakefield, again, in your issue of yesterday, furnishes a “ rough prospectus," commencing : ‘ “ It is proposed to form a society at Wellington, with branches throughout New Zealand, and agencies in England, Australia, &c.” Now, this is not the object of this meeting called for Jane 17. The formation of such a society as Mr. E. Jerningham Wakefield proposes requires a large fund to he sub scribed to even pay an able secretary to carry out its objects. Ido not think that the early pioneers, whose cause I am advocating, would feel sufficiently interested to .be induced to join such a society. Experience has taught me that the views of the early pioneers are those that I, on their behalf, expressed at the anniversary dinner, January 22 last“ There had not been sufficient consideration for the early settlers. The mere fact of annually sounding their praises was not enough ; and ho (Mr. Wallace) would like to see their services, as the practical founders of the colony, recognised. The volunteers had their scrip awarded to them ; the naval and military settlers had their grants of land; but what he would like to see was that the early settlers should have their grants of land, and that the Legislature of the colony should be asked to consider this important subject." A memorial to the General Assembly will be sub. mittod to the meeting on the 17tb June, embodying the views of the pioneers of the colony.—l am, &c., J. Howard Wallace. Hunter-street, May 31.