THE NATIVE MINISTER AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3673, 23 April 1883, Page 3

THE NATIVE MINISTER AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

Neav Plymouth, This day. At the reception accorded him at New Plymouth on Friday evening last, tbe Native Minister said:—" AVhilc I quite recognise that in this democratic country anyone Avho is a Minister should luia-c tho support of the people, Avhich strengthens his hands very greatly, yet, notwithstanding that, I havo uniformly acted upon a somewhat different idea, and I think you -will not misunderstand nic or fliinkllKwe said a contradiction Avhen I explain to you Avhat that idea is. I hold that a Minister in my position, dealing with critical native affairs, Avhich are necessarily to ascertain extent secret affairs, should not be unduly swayed by public opinion. I suppose it has fallen to my lot, as much as to that of any man, to be very greatly blamed and to bo very greatly praised, perhaps unduly so in hothouses ; but I can say tbis for the Government I am a member of, that so far as I know, and at any rate Avith regard to native affairs, it has not permitted itself to bo pressed unduly by public opinion, nor has it done anything so far as I know to court popular applause or popular blame. lam sure, gentlemen, you Avill not soc anything inconsistent in me in in this respect Avhen, Avhile saying this, I also say as I said before, that iv a democratic country like this it is highly desirable to have popular opinion Avith the Minister Avho is dealing Avith such a critical matter as native affairs. For the rest, Colonel Trimble has been pleased to apply terms of praise to me to Avhich I, knoAving the deficiencies to Avhich lie only hinted, feel I am not fully entitled. Nevertheless, although it might bo thought egotism in me to say it, I know the policy I have at least endeavored to carry out has been a bold and confident policy, yet at tie same time concilliation and justice to tlie utmost extent possible Avas desired to bo shown to the natives. I think I ought not, to alloAv this particular occasion, seeing the particular circumstances Avhich have called it forth, to pass Avithout rendering- a tribute of praise Avhen I think that praise is duo. During the last journey I have been received Avith the utmost cordiality, Avhich it is impossible to overstate, but I Avould refer particularly to the excellent .good conduct of that chief AVetoro Te Rorenga has shown. Nothing in my opinion could have excelled the excellent conduct that chief has shown, and I do not merely refer tv his coming down Avith mo, for, gentlemen, you well knoAV that iv recent circumstances of some notoriety his conduct avus admirable—conduct which Avould have boon highly exceptional only a very short time ago. Some of his oas'ii people came to Alexandra to commit an act of fanaticism and Avere apprehended. ToAVetere never hesitated for a moment, even though his coming to Auckland Avas to give evidence in the interest of law and order against some of his own people. I think that a manifestation of loyalty to the Government and to the law AA-hich is beyond all praise, Avhen avc remember Avhat avus the position of affairs but a, very short time ago. I am therefore unwilling to allow this opportunity to pass Avithout showing my appreciation of the conduct of that chief. Ido not do so Avith the alcav of depreciating the conduct of other chiefs, but to show my sense of conduct which I think avc should all appreciate."