The Evening Post. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1865.

Evening Post, Issue 193, 20 September 1865, Page 2

The Evening Post. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1865.

A mom time ago the Hon. the War Minister, before making known his war policy, itiviteJ the House to review the general state of the native rebellion, and the chances that exist for the establishment of an equitable and permanent peace. But the picture he drew was of a somewhat sombre and disheartening character. He dealt, however, with the question not as a speculative politician, but as a true man — a man of action with the gravest official responsibilities resting on him, and although there -Were many dark shadows in the landscape, sunshine was not altogether banished. A hope was given that the war might soon be brought to an end and the native race pnee more restored to the position of true subjects of the Queen, and at a comparatively small cost to the colony. He felt assured that the Maori race had already begun to fear the European, but no lasting peace could be effected until a more effectual lesson of terror had been taught them than they have yet ceived. Those who have indulged^ in visions of a substanSaTp^ace without an j absolute subjugation have erred. Nothing short of convincing the natives that we can crush and coerce them at every point, will put an end to the rebellion. Half measures, therefore, are to be cast aside, and with the assistance of colonial troops and friendly natives, the Hau Hau superstition is to be blotted out and peace re* stored. The self-reliant policy, after due consideration, is to be carried out In its integrity, and with spirit. Such is the self-imposed task of the present Ministry, and no Colonial Government has ever before been charged with a more solemn task. But how was this policy received — how has it since been carried out, and what is the result ? It was received by all but the Auckland members with marked approval, because it indicated the course of action long wished for by the entire community. The reason why the Auckland representatives did not approve of it was simply because it necessitated the withdrawal of the Imperial troopi— a matter of most serious consequence to the ancient capital of the colony, in thati h a main support is derivable from the a Tmmissariat. The policy, however, so as it has

heen carried out, hss succeeded. Our Colonial troops have shown themselves equal to the task imposed upon them, and every step taken by them is one nearer to the end. The expedition recently sent to the East Coast against the Hau Hau rebels, has sneeeeded beyond our brightest anticipations. Every effort has been crowned with success. Strongly fortified pahs have been taken, villages burned down, plantations destroyed and the rebels cut down or driven back into their fastnesses by a handful of determined men, supported by a body of friendly natives. All praise is due to them for the self-denial, courage, and sagacity displayed since their arrival at Opotiki ; and if they succeed in completing their task, there is little doubt but they will meet with that reward at the hands of the Government justly their due. Her Majesty's ship Brisk, which arrived in port this morning, brings but little additional intelligence of the progress of the expedition. Major MacDonnell is waiting the arrival of additional horses to mount ,his troop before proceeding further into the country. The men, particularly the natives, are in high spirits, and impatient for engagement. :?o far, then, as the Weld policy has been carried out in this respect, it has proved a success, and encourages the Government to extend it to other unsettled districts. The fanatic authority cau be destroyed only by carrying out rigorously the means adopted ; and, until that is entirely destroyed, the native mind will not be prepared to accept of the authority and protection of the Queen.