THE ENGLISH COMMISSIONERS

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2225, 24 June 1870, Page 2

THE ENGLISH COMMISSIONERS

(From the Wellington Independent, June 16.) We learn from the correspondence with the Commissioners that the primary object of their mission has signally failed ; but we also learn that a compromise has been suggested which may lead to a mutual understanding between the Home Government and the colony in reference to the employment of some Imperial forces on our behalf in case of aggressive action on the part of any large section of the natives. The Government suggests, that as the great danger to the colony in the withdrawal of the Imperial troops consists in the fact that the King party may look upoa tho movement as significant of our desertion by Great Britain, a promise should be given by Earl Granville in most distinct terms, that in case of absolute need assistance will be forthcoming. “ The result of {such a request,” says Mr Pox, in instructing the Commissioners, ‘‘will add another to the many links in the evidence which leads to the conclusion that an ulterior object prompts the policy pursued towards the colony.” It is unfortunate that the wording of the Act under which the Commissioners were authorised to deal with the Home Government was so stringent as nob to allow them to come to some compromise not necessarily involving the employment of an Imperial regiment in the cot ny. We understand that Commodore Lambert has been acting upder strict instructions from the Colonial office.iu constantly keeping two meu-of-war upon the New Zealand coast ; and it is more than probable that an arrange* ment could have been made with the English Government to secure the constant retention of two vessels &t least on the New Zealand coast so long aa danger lasted, and with power given to_the commanders to laud their men at any of the stations heretofore occupied by Imperial garrisons... Had such an arrangement been definitely made, and authoritatively communicated to the natives, much of the danger which certainly attended the removal of the troops would have been avoided, and much Of the ill-feeling which the harsh and illiberal conduct of the Home Government Jias produced ip the minds of the colonists would hive been saved-”while tfie' safety of the polony would have been much better provided for, than by the location in barracks of a few soldiers without the power of moving them outside. What the Commissioners have been able to effe'et in assisting tlie policy of the Government in their scheme of immigration and full die Dorics remains to be seen. By the advices it appears that thpy had not time to cuter into the question, so as to semi any definite information as to how far the Colony might reckon on the support of English capital In instructing the Commissioners npop the subject, we pre glad to find that any proposal'which does not leave to the New Zealand Government a large shai« in the-choice of immigrants,” will not be ac« -peptable to the'Miphjtry-. ‘‘ Since co-opera, tidn is to be invijed,” says the Premier. “ and as it is not to be sought on the ground of finding ap asylum for population, of which those who co operate desire to rid the mother country, the question arises, on what basis should the co-operation depend ? There is but ope other at all likejy to have much weight-namely, a basis of profit. ' In other words, the co-operation should be rendered a’matter of business,” Several suggestions are then made on which to sound the public feeling in England, and the Commissioners are especially urged to obtain every possible information concerning cheap railways, and to, invite proposals from companies* or individuals willing to undertake such works on an extensive seals, They are also' empowered to send out agents respecting any companies! or companies whose proposals shajl/be such as in the, minds of the Commissioners will be acceptable to the Colony, such agents to have full power and authority to treat with the Government, and the ment undertaking to pay their expenses in case of the mission proving fruitless. Armed with such instruction? as these, we may yet hope that the voyage of onr Commissioners has not afterall been so unproductive of ultimate benefit to the Colony as the terse fe■lereiicfc tp. it in the Governor’s speech would seem to imply.