When the machine was first constructed, the mass of mind was unprepared to appreciate its advantages. The press had to create the literary taste as well as to provide for its gratification. Periodical publications suffered in their turn the same disadvantage. How singular, then, in half a century from its discovery, a country at the distance of half the Globe, should contain a community prepared to give ready encouragement to labours of this kind.—Small, comparatively, though the number of Europeans in this Province be, yet the indications are not few of a disposition to live something more than merely life. And we own that the very general promise of support which have been made us during our short residence here, have impressed us most favourably with regard to the moral and intellectual condition of the inhabitants of this Colony.

It is well—or, rather, it is necessary—that these circumstances should become well known in England, and Europe generally, and the neighbouring Colonies. Many persons are deterred from seeking an abode for their families on shores where the advantages of intelligent society are supposed not to exist; correct knowledge of facts would often go far to remove this objection. Let it once be clearly made out, on good grounds, that there is subsistence and even wealth to be acquired by any who venture to set foot in such a country as this, and that their families will be under no necessity to lapse into ignorance and barbarism, and we may surely expect that any who are pressed with difficulties on every side at home, will fearlessly commit themselves to these coasts; our endeavour shall be frequently directed to place the natural and acquired advantages and capabilities of this country, and especially of this locality, in a clear light.

Original Correspondence

To the Editor of “The New Zealand Advertiser & Bay of Islands Gazette,”

Sir,—So many reports having been in circulation relative to the recent occurrences at the “Pah,” to avoid exaggeration I have been induced under the authority of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to publish a true statement of the facts and therefore avail myself of the opportunity which offers through the medium of your Journal to effect my object.

I am Sir, your very obedient servant,

S. E. GRIMSTONE.

Russell, Bay of Islands, 10th June, 1840.

On the night of the 3rd inst. information was conveyed to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor that several Europeans had been murdered at the “Pah,” and that others would share the same fate, were not immediate steps taken to prevent it. A party of twenty of the Military under the command of Captain Lockhart, was therefore at once despatched to restore order. On the arrival of Captain Lockhart he found a large body of Natives assembled under arms, and from the riotous conduct of all present, it was declared desirable to have a reinforcement at hand.

On enquiry it was ascertained that, during the day two whale boats belonging to American vessels had been seized by Pomare’s Tribe, in consequence of a misunderstanding which had arisen, from the attempted capture by the crews of the boats, of a Deserter living at the “Pah” under the protection of the Natives, who refused to deliver up the man, unless they received the reward offered for his apprehension. The master of the vessel considering that act of extortion declined their terms, and endeavoured to obtain him by force, which was resisted, a scuffle ensued, during which one of the Natives and an European were slightly injured—but eventually terminated in the Natives possessing themselves of the boats and detaining them in their custody. The representation made to His Excellency relative to the murders was therefore unfounded.

At this crisis Captain Lockhart made his appearance, and endeavoured by every persuasive means to induce the Natives to return the boats from whence they had taken them, but without success—the fear of exposing themselves to the infuriated seamen pleading their objection—instructions were then given for the sailors to remove them themselves, which was acceded to. The Military were then returning when an alarm was given that the Natives were making an attack and a cry of “Fire! Fire!” raised—and several shots fired in the direction of the Natives, caused much disturbance to ensue, during which it is to be regretted three or four muskets were discharged by the soldiers without any orders whatever from the Commanding Officer, happily without effect—none of the Natives being wounded, as was currently reported.

On the following morning Pomare with a considerable number of Natives waited on His Excellency, and expressed their thanks for the prompt assistance rendered by the Government, and their sense of gratitude for the protection which had been afforded them, remarking, that they had never felt so secure as since the establishment of Her Majesty’s authority in New Zealand—at the same time soliciting permission for a party of Police to be stationed at the “Pah,” to prevent similar occurrences. On the 5th he again made his appearance accompanied by Kawiti and several other influential Chiefs of the “Kawakawa” who expressed themselves in the same terms as Pomare had on the preceding day.

The masters of the American vessels likewise tendered their obligations for the timely interference of the Military, which, probably, prevented a serious sacrifice of human life.

S. E. G.

We are informed that Mr. Evans struck and killed one cow whale in Cook’s Straits, on the 2nd instant. This is the second whale taken by this party this season, the former one being taken on the 16th of April,—an unprecedented early period.

We have seen the Sydney Herald as late as the 30th ult., which, however, contains but little public matter. We are waiting, with some anxiety, for the arrival of the expected ships to supply the deficiency of Australian and other news.

We regret to state that the schooner John Duntcombe, of Sydney, Captain Hampton, was totally lost, last month, off the Island of Kapiti, and driven on shore from her anchors in a South East gale. The crew were, however, saved.

General Hospital

We have a Report in hand of the Meeting which took place at Wood’s Hotel, Kororareka, on Thursday, the 26th ult., for the establishment of a General Hospital in this neighbourhood, which, we regret, our space, to-day, will not permit us to publish: In our next we shall be able to give it to our Readers, together with that of the adjourned Meeting on the following Thursday.

Domestic Intelligence

It was gratifying to observe at the Public Meeting on the 26th May, that His Excellency appeared in radiant health and spirits, after his late severe indisposition.

The Bolina, whose passengers we are informed have been landed by the Pilot, we are informed arrived from the Bay of Islands last week by a heavy wind, and narrowly escaped being dashed upon the rocks in her course. Among her passengers are the Lady and family of Dr. Davies, of Kororareka.

Yesterday, the body of a man was found on the Beach near Waihe. We are informed that the Health Officer examined the body and also the pockets of the deceased, which were empty.

Fatal Accident

On Saturday, May 30, Thomas Elison and three were unfortunately drowned by the upsetting of a whale boat opposite the Island of Mana.

The Kororareka Police Report will appear in our next publication.

Shipping Intelligence

ARRIVALS

May 19—Barque Integrity, Captain Pearson, from Hobart Town and Port Nicholson with passengers.

May 19—Schooner Agemoria, Captain Huist, from Port Adelaide and Hobart Town, with passengers and general cargo.

May 28—Bark Justine, Captain Socas, from Sydney and Port Nicholson.

June 9—Schooner New Zealander, Captain Roberton, from the Thames.

June 11—Bark Justine, from the Thames, bringing the passengers of the Bolina from Sydney, to this place.

DEPARTURES

May 26—Barque Integrity for Port Nicholson.

May 27—Barque Justine for the Thames.

May 28—Schooner Agemoria for South America.

Printed and Published by G. A. Eagar & Co., at the corner’s Terrace, Bank Square, Kororareka, Bay of Islands, New Zealand, where, at Mr. W. Wilson’s rooms, all Orders, Advertisements, and Communications to the Editor are requested to be addressed.

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