ROADS.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 59, 14 August 1862, Page 3

ROADS.

by coi.oxn, srorro, n.E. It may be bold without violence to the liberties of any, even a semi-independent people like the Mnories that a sovereignity implies aright of freely traversing the country over which that sovereignty extends. A right- of traversing involves the right of making sue!) communications as will facilitate free and uninterrupted movement to any part of that country. It is undoubtedly just* that the lands required for the formation of such communications should bo acquired by equitable purchase or negotiation ; but, failing the acquisition by such modes, and in face of a possible avowed determination so resist this, which is a prerogative ol sovereignly (and especially as in the case of the Maorics, (hey would owe a debt to the Europeans for attacking them and destroying their property without a cause), it would not’ be really an aggressive measure to take lands from the natives for the formation of roads, but rather a “material guarantee” to afford the means of obtaining future security ; and it is possible, seeing that (ho natives always desire that their adversaries should strike the first blow, that no armed resistance may ho offered, and that the Maorics may be wise and far-seeing enough to discern (hat they cannot effectually resist the onward roll of civilization. Looking at this possibility, by which the objects in view may most probably bo effectually attained, and looking on the other band to the almost certainty that if the natives are atla eked they will revenge themselves on the unprotected persons and property of the out-scttlors it would seem to be a wise course to adopt the measures which will he most likely to save money, lives, and time in tranquillizing the country. There is no surer index to the true civilization of the country than good roads ; and the formation of them in an uncivilized country has from the crallest ages been the means by which a savage, barbarous, or independent people have been brought into subjection or redeemed from the stale of lawlessness. The traces of the Great Roman roads in Britain, made 1200 years ago, are still to be seen ; that civilized and warlike race well knew that they could not subdue and keep under control (lie savage and brave Britons without ways prevading the country and penetrating its recesses, by winch they might convey (heir legions stoves and war engines. In latter years the Highlanders of Scotland could never havejbeon prevented from rising in insurrection, until great roads were made through their mountainous districts. The savages of Korth America are only quelled by pushing roads through the almost interminable forest, and establishing millitary posts on the frontier ; and (here is an incessant warfare going on, with varying successes on both sides, hut with the eventual subjugation of (he different tribes. During (lie last war at the Capo of Good Hope the only error committed by Sir Harry Smith, according to the dict um of the Duke of Wellington in his place in the House of Lords, was an omission in making great military roads into the Kalins’ country. Can such precedents bo safely or wisely set aside? Is there anything in the nature of this enuni ry or the character of its aboriginal inhabitants that can make a rule of conduct so general, inapplicable P On the contrary, it would appear especially applicable to the wilds and difficulties of the country in Kcw Zealand, to (he nature of which the Maories adapt their mode of warfare.