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Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1140, 23 March 1872, Page 2

Dunedin had for one day (March 13), what might be called quite a "North Island look," every street corner being able to boast of an ex- Maori prisoner or two. The natives seemed to enjoy their release immensely, as they paraded the streets in all the' glory of new felt hats, bran new moleskin inexprea* sibles, and coats ala mode. Here and there an exquisite might be seen twirling about, after the most approved fashion, a smart little walking cane, while nearly every one of them, old and youug, were puffing away most vigorously with the darling "cludeen." la the evening they marched two deep through Princes street, up , to their new: quarters at the buildings formerly used as police barracks, surrounded by an admiring drowd of Pakehas, with whom they appeared to be on friendliest terms possible. Before the Maoris left the gaol they were visited by Wiremu Tamihana'Te Neke and Aperahama Tamita* porea. A long Itorero took place, the younger Maoris, who have learnt to read and write English .very • correctly sincetheirimprisonment, doing a large amount of speech-making. 'Taurua addressed his companions before they sallied forth, exhorting then to conduct themselves with propriety during their stay in town, and to show the Pakeha that they .did not forget the great kindness shown to them during their enforced sojourn in Dunedin. Taurua had several interviews with the Defenqe Minister throughout the day^ The efforts of Ministers to familiarise themselves with the requirements of the country by personal observation and inquiry are peculiarly distasteful to the Opposition press. . The Southern Cross, commenting on this, says' : — At one time the griefs and mishaps, real or imaginary, of the postal service was the great card of the Opposition. Afterwards the peregrinations of the several members of the Cabinet on the business of the country was their sore grievance.. Why did not Ministers stop at home ? Why did they hot concentrate the undivided light of their countenances at Wellington from year's end to year's end, and let someone else do their work in the distant parts of the Colony? Would not a third or fourth rate clerk have done well enough to conduct a conference with the Governments of the neighboring colonies? Might not any ordinary well favored interpreter have proved even more successful than the Defence Minister in bringing those delicate negotiations with the natives to so satisfactory a conclusion? As for the Premier knooking about the West Coast districts and elsewhere, making himself acquainted with the progress -.-. of the country and the wants of the people, it is. a piece of unheard of and unwarrantable, voluntary humility and officiousness ! Such is the small-beer of the Opposition journals, since the close of the session.