The Glasgow Chronicle. — 1849-10-31 (Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland)

NEW ZEALAND. Files of papers from Wellington, New Zealand, to the 14th of May have been received. The Legislative Council for the Session has been opened by the Governor with an appropriate address, in which he described the growing prosperity of the province, and the benefits that would ultimately be derived from a stream of immigration into the various districts, especially in the newly settled territories. Although the estimates for 1850 presented a deficiency of about £2,740, which would consequently have to be supplied front the parliamentary grant, he expressed an opinion that another year would in its progress produce sufficient to make revenue meet the expenditure. His calculation for the period specifically named was au expenditure of £21,704, against £19,000 revenue. The papers alluding to the transaction of business in the Legislature appear to be satisfied with the prospect before the public of securing the enactment of a number of local acts. The last advice* from Otago were considered favourable. The coasting trade which had sprung up was rapidly increasing, chiefly, however, in counexion with Wellington, and the best understanding existed between the colonists and the few remaining natives that were in the neighbourhood of Dunedin. The proposed introduction of the convict system into Aew Zealand had called forth a number of remonstrances, and meetings on the subject had been held at Wellington, Nelson, Auckland, and other places, at which resolutions were passed condemning the conduct of the Home Government in sanctioning this proposal. The execution of a native at Wellington for the murder of a white was one among the few local circumstances noticed. The annexed letter from a settler, dated Dunedin the 16th of March describes in a graphic way the position of affairs in that locality: "I sincerely thank you for assisting me to reach this colony, where I can by labour (without the annoyance of the heavily taxed task-master, or the fear of the workhouse) earn an honest living, as can all classes of labourers and mechanics. But there is a certain class of labourers which this colony is best adapted for—agricultural labourers and shepherds, and I should be glad to see some from my native place, Littlebory, Essex. I fear the agricultural labourers of the United Kingdom do not understand the benefits they must derive from coming here—less work and more money, with cheaper provisions. I would beg of you to make known the state of these colonies in the agricultural districts, feeling convinced the company would by so doing increase their land purchasers, and get the best class of labourers for the colony. This settlement, as far as I can judge, is progressing steadily, and its action is different and better than the commencing of any other settlement; every • thing here appears to be upon a sound footing, there is not any of that land speculation and unsound trading which have been the leading features in other settlements. You would think, were you to see us, we had all seen the evil of these things; for here you would see all parties working as if determined to make this the most important place in New Zealand, which in a few years, I venture to say, it will be. There are several reasons for our going a-head-for instance, we have scarely any natives to quarrel with, the title to land is good, and we have plenty fit for both agricultural and pastoral purposes, with good freestone and coal and timber; in feet. in three years, we shall be able to support ourselves. Wages are not high to stop the capitalist, and carpenters and masons earn 7s. per day, painters 6s. per day, labourers 45.; mutton and beef 7d. per pound, bread 10d. per 4db, loaf, tea is. 63. per pound, butter is. 6d. per lb., sugar from 4d. to 64. per lb.; shoes and clothing dear. I have in my garden at the present time vegetable marrows, rhubarb, potatoes, turnips, carrots, cabbage, cauliflovver celery, beet, onions, peas, French. kidney, and broad beans, tobacco, with some few flowers, all growing beautifully. There is one restriction upon the sale of lands here, which a number of settlers wish to see altered—the high price asked, viz., £4O for a town or suburban section, and £lOO for a rural section. There are parties here who would buy from the company if they would sell the land here for the home price, but as they cannot, they are waiting for an opportunity to purchase from some one coming out.