Robert Sugden To Earl Bathurst (Vol. 108).

I trust Your Lordship will pardon the liberty I have taken in thus addressing you. A party about emigrating to New Zealand begs most respectfully to solicit the assistance of Government in their undertaking. I am (with several who have resided on the island) convinced an English colony would soon become flourishing and happy, the space being so ample for their industry, the soil so fertile, the climate salubrious, its capacious harbours and fine rivers—in fact they would have every natural advantage in their favour, aded to which the cause of humanity would be served in a twofold manner, provision would be made to a class of enlightened persons (now unoccupied from different causes), and the civilization of a fine race who are now sunk in utter ignorance would by such an event be rapidly accelerated, and eventually England would benefit by it in an eminent degree. The supply of hemp (of the finest quality) that could be sent to England would render her independent of Russia for that valuable article, and had upon quiet as reasonable terms. The settlement would be of infinite service to the South Sea whalers, in providing them with fresh provisions; and likewise of service to New South Wales, in furnishing them with ships, spars, and timber of fine growth, hemp, &c. I am persuaded the island offers so many advantages, if their is not speedily an English colony there will be one of some other nation.

One thing I must beg Your Lordship’s most serious attention to—that is, the heavy duty (1/- per foot) on timber imported into N. S. Wales from Zeland. By taking of that duty it would render great service to both colonys. The Church Missionary Society will render every service in their power, and from an interview I have had with their Secretary I have collected some valuable information, which strengthens my former opinion of the place.

I am convinced Your Lordship will give the subject before you your most weighty consideration and (I trust) interest, and whatever assistance Government, in their judgement, may think fit to afford the intended colony it will be most gratefully received, and I trust e’er long be enabled to shew its gratitude for the service so rendered.