POSTSCRIPT
[Image of page 157]
POSTSCRIPT.
Since my arrival in England, I have learned that various beneficial measures are in progress for the advancement of this beautiful Settlement.
The Lords of the Admiralty have given instructions to Captain Stokes, of H. M.'s steam surveying sloop Acheron, now in New Zealand, to report to his Excellency the Governor-in-Chief, on the best plan of constructing a small harbour, and of laying down moorings, at New Plymouth. On receipt of such report, the Governor is authorized to incur the necessary expenditure, and to carry the works into execution.
Before the expiration of another year, regular steam communication will probably be opened between South Wales and the various Settlements in New Zealand: this would give a considerable impetus to the general trade of the Colony, and quickly develop the resources of each particular district.
With respect to further purchases of land, the
[Image of page 158]
opinion expressed at page 51 has been confirmed; and there is now a fair prospect of the Settlement being soon extended to the Waitera--in which case, the south bank of that fine river will become the seat of a flourishing town.
The following despatch shows that the New Zealand Company, evincing judicious liberality, have made an amicable arrangement with their early settlers on the subject of "compensation."
EARL GREY TO SIR GEORGE GREY, K. C. B.
Downing Street, 11th January 1849.
SIR,
I have received your despatch of October last, in which you report the successful result of your mediation between the Chief Agent of the New Zealand Company and their Settlers at Wellington, the adjustment of the differences between the Company and their Settlers at Nelson, and the prospect of an equally satisfactory arrangement at New Plymouth.
When I suggested that you should undertake the office of arbitrator between the Company and their Settlers, I was not unmindful of the difficulties which inevitably attended such an undertaking; but I, at the same time, was influenced by a firm conviction, that the judgment and ability with which you would apply yourself to the task, would suffice to save you from any serious embarrassment, if not to lead you to a completely successful result.
[Image of page 159]
I have now the pleasure of expressing my entire approbation of the manner in which you have conducted this difficult and delicate undertaking, and. of the arrangement which you have effected at the Chief Settlement of the Company. I cannot but regard the result as highly satisfactory, and as calculated to contribute materially to the prosperity of the Colony.
I have received with sincere concern the intelligence of the sudden death of Lieut.-Colonel Wakefield, whose services on this occasion are entitled to so much commendation. The ample testimony which you have borne to the talents and the merits of that officer, serves to confirm the conviction that his loss will be severely felt, not only by the Company, but by the Public generally in New Zealand.
I have the honour to be, &c,
GREY.
Private letters, lately received, describe the state and prospects of the Settlement as most satisfactory. A small public library, and a literary institution had been established. The first races had come off with considerable spirit, and much to the delight of the natives, several of whom rode their own horses, and took an active share in the sport. The natives are, in fact, becoming useful and influential members of the community. Many of them were in the employ of the settlers. They had purchased another cargo of live stock from
[Image of page 160]
Sydney, and owned more horses and coasting-vessels than the Europeans. The crops promised to be most luxuriant, and the farmers were busily engaged in extending their cultivations.
Without the least pecuniary interest in the country, the Author, accompanied by several members of his family, intends to return to New Zealand; believing, after visiting various colonies, that there is no place which offers more inducements to the emigrant than New Plymouth; few which offer so many.
Parties desirous of obtaining any particular information which may not have been given in this little work, are invited to communicate with the writer by letter, addressed to the care of Messrs. Curtis, Finsbury Street, Chiswell Street, London.
London, July 1, 1849.
THE END.
London: Printed by STEWART and MURRAY, Old Bailey.
January, 1848.
