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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 30, 23 January 1862, Page 3

To the Editor of the Hawke’s Bay Times.

Sir, —Having taken, for many years, a deep interest and an active part in all puldic questions affecting the welfare of my brother settlers in Hawke’s Bay, I very much regret that business in the country prevented my attending the meeting of settlers held in Napier on the 15th instant, relative to the occupation and leasing of the Maori waste lands. It was my good fortune to have orally from Mr. Crosbie Ward a sketch of the proposed terms for holding Maori lands; and also an outline of the intended system of Maori local government. I am happy in being able to give my hearty approval of, and concurrence in, the proposed scheme. It is well known that I am amongst those who have ever advocated strong and firm, at the same time fair, measures in dealing with the aborigines. In the Government scheme I perceive a recognition of those principles, for which I and others (called the war party) have so perseveringly contended ; to wit, that in conferring on the natives the rights and privileges of British subjects, they should at the same time become liable to all the duties and responsibilities attached to so great benefits. All honor to Sir George Grey, who has thus the moral courage, whilst yielding justice, to insist upon judgment and obedience. It well behoves us all to render our mite of assistance in carrying out such desirable objects. Let us meet our Maori fellow subjects with the right band of good-fellowship, then shall prosperity once again gladden the land. The natives will have their runangas or councils, as we have ours, their lands will no longer be a bone of contention to the pakehas, but made available to tne benefit of both both races ; under the same laws, we shall all be equal; the occupation of their lands will be made to contribute towards the expenses of Government; mutual benefit will beget mutual good-will, and peace and charity be diffused around to

all. Is there a single British born subject who will not cordially say amen to this ? I think not. Some difficulties must arise, but patience and good intentions will, I am persuaded, finally overcome them all. I remain. Sir, Faithfully yours, G. Worgan. Waipuna, Jan. 17, 1862.