THE Grey River Argus. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1866.

Grey River Argus, Volume III, Issue 138, 29 November 1866, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1866.

Affairs in the North Island are just now in a very unsatisfactory condition, Notwithstanding anexpfiiiclj.tur/2 during the last five years of about fpur millions starling ; the .employment of a large Imperial army ; and tho loss ,of hundreds of valuable lives, the subjugation of the disaffected ami rebellious natives appears tp be as far off as ever. The nprthern papers bring the intelligence that hos. tilities are threatened at many points — Waikato, Tauranga, Napier, and several districts in the provinces of "Wellington and Tarauaki. Quite lately the town of Napier was only saved from, the horrors of a native surprise by the energy of the Superintendent aud the bravery ! of the militia. On this occasion the whole native force was either killed or, taken prisoners, and it was thought that so signal a defeat would have, the effect of putting a stop to further hostile demonstrations. But thesp calculations appear to have been mistaken, for the last advices from Hawko's Bay report the probability of another native attack, both on the town of Napier and some of the outlying settlements, At Tauranga the natives have made known their determination not to permit the Government to survey or occupy the land confiscated in that district, and have made preparations to resist by force of arms. In the Wellington pro r vjnee and in tho country lying between Wauganui and Taranaki, the numerous successful actions of both Imperial and Colonial troops seem to have had but Jittle clfeet in subduing the rebels. In fact from all present appearances the natives generally are less inclined to Income peaceable subjects than ever, Very ominous tidings come from t]ie Waikato district, and although it is just possible that the Auckland journals may have exaggerated the extent of the danger, there can be little doubt that the colony :is on the brink of another ruinous struggle, from which Aye see little hope of escape. The worst part pf the matter is that the colony is not prepared foi another war, in fact it CJiild not support one, and this the natives well know. The troops have mostly all left the colony ; the Waikato militia are nearly all disbanded or have left their stations ; and dissension reigns supreme in the Government and Councils of the country. In the dark horizon of North Island affairs one bright spot however exists, and it is some relief to know that under proper management the European settlers are quite able and Wore than able to cope with the rebels. The successful affair at Mil pier showed what can be accomplished by promptsaction and determined vigor. The militia of Auckland, Taranaki, or "Wanganui, aye not one whit less brave than the Napier force, but the latter had the advantage which has never been enjoyed by the others, of being under the com, niand of officers. capable of casting aside old ideas and marking out a course of preceding suited to the circumstances of the case. MrM'Leau undoubtedly saved Napier by his promptitude ; had there been any delay it is possible that tl.e na-bives would have destroyed the town. Mr M'Lean took upon himself to act without any instructions from the Government, or else probably the result would have been very different. He knew the sort of natives he had to deal with, ai{d- ■ thqi-Qughly understood the imperative necessity of checking a native rising at once, and he was loyally I and cheerfully supported by the inhabi, tants, many of whom had never fired a gun befores except in sport. We have seen whatfthe lesult was — the complete defeat of the enemy and the salvation of the town. No doubt the Napier men will render quite as good account of their new foes. Can anyone clisr believe that if a similar course of conduct, were pursued in the other provinces qf the North Island there would soon be an end either of the war, or of the natives 1 It is nothing but the want of decisive actioij that lias led to the present disorganised state of the island, and we cannot see that anything better is to Jbe, hoped for until the work of subduing the natives is handed over, to the Governments of the various provinces. We are quite sure that Dr Featherstou would bring the Wellington natives to their senses in a . few months ; Mr Whittaker would speedily arrange masters with the Waikato and Tauranga gentry, aud the Superintendent of Taranaki would dispose satisfactorily of the rebels in that quarter. Possibly a guerilla sort of warfare would last for soine time,_ but when the natives find

that the settlers are always ready to put them clown whenever they rise, they will be lnnch move inclined to remain qniet. It is something astonishing that .a province like Auckland, lor instance., with ii.s large European population, be kept in a state .of coij.sta.ijj; apprehension and disquietude by the few hundreds pf rebel natives who have for more than five years resisted the authority ,of the Government. The real " self reliant policy about which so much talk is made, is to throw upon each Province the responsibility pf dealing with the natives within its bpundaries. Let this arrangement bo established, and we venture tp say that from that moment the Native question cease to remain as a spuree pf general discontent, and the General (government and Parliament of the Colony may apply themselves to the rpnl duties of colouration. Unless this is clone, "we very much fear that the population of the Middle Island, wjll Live tp submit tp further burdens for native wars-^-burdens which will bp both heavy aud difficult to throw .off".