THE MAORI PLOUGHMEN.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2066, 7 October 1880, Page 3

THE MAORI PLOUGHMEN.

The twenty-five Natives who were set at liberty from Dunedin Gaol, and who went on yesterday to Taranaki in the Hinemoa, are part of tho lot of offenders who were arrested for trespass and for ploughing. They had, it appears, been extremely well behaved at Dunedin, and are altogether a quiet lot of men. T ere were two or three half-castes amongst them, and the rather famous chief, William King. According to previous arrangement they were permitted, before the steamer left Lyttelton yesterday, to visit tho gaol, where they had an interview with Te Whetu. Te Wheluwas arrested among the fencers (not the ploughmen), and he explained to William King and the others, yesterday, how affairs had gone at Parihaka since he (William King) and they became ploughmen and subsequently prisoners. They were also informed what had befallen their recently-arrested countrymen at their trial and conviction under the West Coast Settlements Bill. In a conversation with them before the steamer left yesterday forenoon Mr Wakeham, a native interpreter, elicited that they were to a man Ce Whiti-ites out and out The kind of stuff about which their great concern seems to cen»ro is “ That they must suffer at the hands of European dogs like the Israelites did under (ho Egyptians.” They expressed their readiness and resignation to wait, and if their persecutors, the “ European dogs,” so required of them, to work until tho day of their delivery arrived, when they would be at tho top of the tree. William King said the Government were now taking them homo, but would soon be fetching them back, and he, like those around him, seemed to regard the prospect of two years’ hard labor as no more than the necessary tribulation to bo endured by the devout To Whitian with a Job-like patience. Mr Wakeham impressed it upon them that their condition under a conviction would be very much less satisfactory than it had been should they be foolish enough to commit themselves, and urged upon them the propriety of staying at homo with their wives and families. The terrors of prison life to men in their infatuated state of mind were treated as “ trifles light as air.” Whether the sea voyage to New Plymouth will change them in this respect remains to be seen. It is to be hoped for their sake that it will. [pub pbbss association special wise | WELLINGTON, October 6. The following letter has been addressed by the Hon. Mr Bryce to Wiramu Kingi, the chief who was arrested with the other Native prisoners, and who was liberated with them on Monday lost:— “ Native Office, Wellington, “ October 4, 1880. "Friend Wiramu Kingi,—Greeting. The time is now come for me to say a few words to you. When you and your companions were sent to Dunedin you refused to accept my offer to be separated from your comrades, and said that you preferred that the Government should show kindness to your people in the settlement of their grievances on the West Coast rather than to yourself personally. I then told you that the desire of the Government wbs to deal justly, and I would use every effort to promote peace between the two races. Ten months have passed since that day, and the promise of the Government which I gave you has been kept. The Governor appointed commissioners in accordance with the will of Parliament, and of the whole European people, to enquire into tho causes of the discontent of the Natives “ in order” as he said in his proclamation, “ that any just ground of complaint which might exist might, be removed, and peace be firmly established between both races.” Those commissioners have now made their enquiry, and have reported to the Governor what they think would be a fair settlement of the differences which have existed, and have pointed out what lands they consider should be set apart for the Maoris who desire to live in peace. Since that report was sent to the Governor the Parliament has met, and an Act has been passed which enables the Governor as he may think fit to make a final settlement of every claim or grievance of any nature arising out of any award, promise, or engagement, however made, on behalf of the Government of the colony in respect of land situate within the confiscated territory, and so far as it may be expedient to do so in accordance with the reports of the Commissioners; and the law also authorises him to set apart reserves for the Natives in such ways as may secure their permanent welfare. At the same time Parliament has said that all acts of lawlessness must cease, and any Natives who obstruct the Government in giving effect to its plans will be punished as the law directs. The Government has done, and is prepared to do, its part. Large and ample pieces of land , will be set apart for those Natives who desire that trouble should cease. Roads which will benefit both Maori and pakeha have been made, and arrangements have also been made for the friendly occupation of the land by both races side by side. The Government has said that it desired peace and not war, and its words have been proved. Even the arrests which have been made were to prevent foolish obstruction to a clear settlement —obstruction which might have brought on a war, causing death to the Maori people. The sun will shine now if the desire of the Government is accepted and accomplished. Let the clouds which have obscured it be dispersed. It only now remains for the Natives to accept that which is offered in “the accepted time,” lest “the day of salvation ” draw to a close, and the night of confusion again arises, so that the good work which has begun might be hidden in darkness. The Government has determined to set you and those with you free fust of all, so that you will see that the words are true which the Governor said, “ That he did not wish to return to war, or to detain the prisoners longer than was necessary in the interests of both races.” Our desire is to release the rest of the prisoners, and this will be done if on your return the Natives accept the proposal now made to them. It now rests with you to show that you are willing to help me in doing that which you asked me to do, and which I have been working at for this long time, namely, to cause the confusion to cease, and promote the real interests of your people. Suffioient. From your friend, John Beyob.