THE GLOBE. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1881. THE NATIVE CRISIS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2355, 20 October 1881, Page 3

THE GLOBE. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1881. THE NATIVE CRISIS.

The Government at last consider that the time has arrived when it has become absolutely necessary to put an end to the state of uncertainty which at present exists with regard to our relations with Te Whiti. Their great forbearance under most difficult circumstances has been universally recognised. A section of the Opposition Press alone has at intervals for party purposes, raised a cry that the Maoris are been treated with harshness, and even brutality. The folly of such an assertion must bo patent to all who havo traced the course of tho GoS~ernmeßt through the scenes which have f late been enacted. It would be very _ ifficult indeed to find in the treatment of Natives by Europeans, a parallel to the manner in which tho present Ministry have regulated their dealings with Te Whiti and his followers. There has been evident throughout a most determined endeavor to bring about such a state of affairs as should eusuro the two races living together in peace and amity. The Commission made the most ample advances, invited all to lay their grievances before it, and treated those grievances in the most liberal spirit. It did not offer to go behind the confiscation of the lauds, for that was impossible. The confiscation was amply justified by Native and European precedent, and it would have been the height of folly and weakness to have annulled any portion of it. But the Commission declared its anxiety to treat the Natives in the most liberal spirit, provided they would accept loyally the proposals of the Government. But this is just what the Maoris have not done. They have accepted what has been given them with a good enough grace, but as to the remainder of the land they have never shewn that they consider their claim in it annulled. They have indeed taken a middle course, which is as unbearable as it is illogical. They have said in effect, “We take what you give us as our own absolutely and without reserve, but we shall still keep for ourselves the right to the bulk of the confiscated land, and we shall take very good care to let you know at intervals that you are interlopers, and are running all the risks of trespassers.” Whatever may have been Te Whiti’s intentions at the outset, it is very clear that of late, possibly forced by the difficulties of his peculiar situation, he has taken up a position which shows that he not only indentifies himself thoroughly with the movement, but is prepared to throw into the scale of disorder his influence and his undoubted talents as an orator. At one time, indeed, he was looked upon as a person who might, by judicious treatment, be induced to aid the Government by restraining the more turbulent among bis followers, but that time has now passed, and he has—whether through weakness or choice it matters not—declared himself inimical to views of the Europeans. It is now abundantly manifest that either the settler or the Maori must give way. We fancy that even the most rabid Opposition papers would hardly venture to assert that the European should retire from his position. The proclamation of the Government, to be found in another column, shows clearly and succinctly the reasons which have induced it to put forward its ultimatum. We venture to say that in the history of New Zealand there will not be found a document more impartial and judicial in its tone, and more permeated with the true spirit which should regulate the dealings of colonists with the Native population. The Government have carried compromise to the very utmost, to retreat further would be weakness.

The return of Mr. Bryce to the Native , Office will be hailed with general satisfaction. At the time of his retirement his past services were amply recognised by the public, and one and all endorsed the opinion that he had been the right man in the right place. That he differed at that particular juncture from the Ministry was felt to be a misfortune, but it was equally felt that the Government were in the light. All possible means of conciliation had not been exhausted, the motives that had induced a dash at Parihaka would have been in danger of misconstruction, and there was still a possibility that Te Whiti might ho brought to consider the situation in a sensible light. But matters have much altered since that date, and are now in reality in much that position in which they were held to be by Mr. Bryce at the time of his resignation. It is, therefore, quite in accordance with the fitness of things that he resumes the reins which he has shown himself to bo so capable of weilding. And it is much to his credit that he has shown no degree of pique, but has practically declared his willingness to he useful to his generation to the utmost of his ability. Moreover, the disinterestedness of Mr. Rolleston in being ready to hand over his trust at tho present juncture shows much magnanimity. It certainly laysj him open to be charged by his as shirking the responsibility involved in tho firm attitude of the Government. Were Mr. Rolleston a jealous man. he might shrink from a practical declaration that Mr. Bryce is the person most fitted for tho post of Native Minister in troublous times. Luckily, the patriotism of the member for Avon is greater than his self-love, and we feel confident ho will never regret the step he has taken. With Ministers at the helm regulated by such principles, the country may fool at ease. Politics in New Zealand have been declared to be more or less parochial, hut crises do occasionally arise which call forth qualities of a higher nature than are generally wanted in parish work. The resumption of tho Native portfolio by Mr. Bryce, the retirement from that office of Mr. Rolleston, and tho present attitude of the Ministry, are events that will give New Zealand politics a lift in tho eyes of tho outside world.