The Evening Star TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1870.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2234, 5 July 1870, Page 2

The Evening Star TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1870.

Amongst tho papers laid on the table of the House of Representatives, copies of which wc received by the last mail from tho North, is one giving an account of “ The Native Minister’s In- “ terview with the leading Waikato “ Chiefs,” which took place in November last. The chief feature in the report is the evidence it contains of tho flimsy groundwork on which peace with the Maoris is built. It is evident that Mr M ‘Lean's personal influence has had much to do with tho present quietude, and that even he, had need of all the tact he possessed to manage matters so as to combine firmness with conciliation. So far as the style of talk is concerned, 'there was the usual flummery that we suppose on account of its vagueness is called poetical by admirers of primitive man. For our own parts, we should gladly see it superseded by fewer words and shorter ceremonies. These would indicate such advancement in civilisation on the part of the Maoris, as to lead to reliability in any arrangement made, with them. But while they retain the tradition of their fathers in conducting public busi-

ness, it is a clearjndication that they ' have as yet adopted very few of the ideas of the colonists so far as social ; rights are concerned, and have not a consciousness of any common interest. At the interview in question, however, one fact was plainly to be seen, that had the Stafford policy been followed, the Colony would have still been involved in an expensive war. Mi M'Lfan had to meet a number of chiefs evidently in doubt whether they should become the friends or enemies of the Colonists. We need not encumber our remarks with a nuuibei of Native names and words that give no real information to our readers. Mi M‘Lean had really a delicate mission in hand. He had to break through the “ autaki ” that forbid Europeans passing a certain boundary, and to seek an interview with men on their own "round whoso feelings were believed to be hostile. The diplomatic notes that passed between him and some of the Native chiefs are models ol laconism. They tell of Native pride on the one hand, and of shrewd insight into Native character on the other. Here are two specimens “To Mr M'Lkak. U Jf y OU are at Otorobanga, do you “come‘here. I am here. From “ Manuhiri to you. ” Iho reply was, “It is well. I will go ; but it is “ late to-day. To-morrow I will be “ there. From your friend, M‘Lean. It is evident that overtures of peace came from our side : nor ought any exception to be taken to this. Although tlm Stafford Government had not “ conquered a peace,” they had so far retrieved their inexcusable blunders as to have gained such advantages that advances could be made on our side without loss of prestige. Colonial prowess had heen established—nay more, Colonial superiority had been demonstrated. Te Kooti’s power was broken, and he himself was seeking reluge amongst other tribes. Hie box Ministry had the acuteness to perceive what might be done, and they also had the clearheadedness to send the light man to do it. Mr M'Lean’s interview with the chiefs and leading men proves how necessary it is to combine thinness with conciliation in dealing m ith the Natives. There was enough of the military spirit evinced to show that force would be repelled by force : and enough of the statesman to show that what the present Government sought was not conquest, but justice. The gist of the Maori objections to peace was the idea that the object of the war on outside was the acquisition of land. Rbwi, now one of our allies, pointed to this prevailing notion when, in answer to Mr MTiFAX, he said“ Cease—ceas—e“ cease (lighting)—let it end; and here “is another word; Let ray land at “ Taupo be relumed ; you have got the “ men, but leave the land with me.” Rather a strong indication that in his idea laud is worth move than those who live on it. Satisfied on this point, tliere seems to have been little difficulty in persuading the assembled chiefs that the pursuit of Te Kooti was merely a matter of policy. Theie was no attempt at extenuation, of the murders he had committed, and with the understanding that the Colonial Government and the assembled chiefs , and leading men had arranged the footing on which peaceful relationships were to subsist, this remarkable and important meeting broke up. We are told by the supporters of the Stafford Ministry that there is no difference between their policy and that of the Fox administration. We have, however, no hesitation in saying, from the evidence before us, that, instead of securing the friendship of those Waikato chiefs, had they remained in power, their mode of action would have involved us in a war with them.