The Globe. FRIDAY, JULY 14, 1876.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 646, 14 July 1876, Page 2

The Globe. FRIDAY, JULY 14, 1876.

In a discussion which took place in the House of Representatives on the production of certain papers regarding tb e|murderer Winiata,the Native policy oh' the Government was reviewed by tibe Opposition speakers, notably Sir Cleorge Grey and Mr Eeader Wood in *an unfavourable, and to our mind, mosd unjustifiable manner. From the remake to which, they gave utterance

it would appear that the present policy of the Native Minister is distasteful to them, and that the proper mode of dealing with the Natives was to abandon conciliation, and return if necessary to the miserable war policy, which has already done such injury to the progress of the colony. By this the settlement of some of the finest country in New Zealand has been retarded, and yet we have those who profess to have the interest of the country at heart, and who talk so glibly of their wish for the advancement of its people, actually advocating the repetition of these evils. To serve the ends of their party they do not scruple to make the most unfounded attacks against the Native Minister whose efforts dui'ing the time the Government has been in office has done more to ensure the well being of both races, and the consequent prosperity of the community as a whole than any public man in New Zealand. Prior to his accession to office not only were large sums of money expended uselessly, but many valuable lives sacrificed. The whole of the North Island was in a state of rebellion, and it was not safe for Europeans to go beyond the boundaries of the settled districts. Not only was this the case in the colony, but at a distance, and more particularly in the home country, the then state of the country acted most prejudicially against its settlement, and consequently its prosperity. Since Sir Donald McLean has taken office, however, all this has disappeared. Under the wise policy pursued by him in dealing with the Natives, their social condition has been raised; from rebels with arms in their bands they have been transformed into useful colonists. Security to the life and property of Europeans in mo3t parts of the colony is as assured in what may be called Native districts as in the towns of the colony, and peace and good order, with consequent growth in prosperity and wealth, have taken the place of anarchy and rebellion. It is true that the Native department costs money which is spent in bribing peace. But it is surely a far wiser and more humane policy to spend a few thousands per annum in this manner than to risk the evils of a costly and inglorious war. If anything were wanted to set forth in the clearest possible light the danger to the best interests of the colony of the Oppotion ever attaining power, it is their conduct in regard to this matter, and the opinions expressed by them. Indeed, we can conceive nothing more mischievous than the course which Sir George Grey, as the leader of the Opposition, has seen fit to adopt. He, together with his following, have made unfounded and untrue charges against the Native Minister, and when they have been disproved have again repeated them. Not only so, but he has taken upon himself to communicate with the natives in a strain which is calculated to produce the worst effects, and which might have very seriously complicated matters. Following upon this, we find him urging the Government to take a line of policy, the result of which would be to plunge the colony again into war. Could anything be more mischievous, nay ruinous, than this ? It means a stoppage of the progressive public works policy of the Government, and undoing all the good that has been done during the period Sir Donald McLean has beeu at the head of the Native Office. Such a step, we feel sure, would be received with universal condemnation from one end of the colony to the other. The people of New Zealand have confidence in the Native Minister, as being actuated by a desire to compass the advancement and well-being of both races; to institute such a state of things as will beget mutual confidence and good will. This has been the outcome of his policy, and it would be little short of madness were we to adopt a different course, the result of which might be another war. Under the present Government, Native matters have ceased to be the allabsorbing questions before the House, and our representatives have had time to devote to other and more importaut questions. Is the colony prepared to place the Government of the country in the hands of thoso who seem eager to elevate the Native question to its former all-absorbing position?