CORRESPONDENCE

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 112, 4 May 1863, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE

To the Editor of the Hawke's Bay Times,

Sir, —It is rather with reluctance that I pen these few lines to comment on a paragraph in his Honor’s speech, in which he assures the inhabitants of this Province that they may confidently anticipate a continuance of friendly relations with the Natives of Hawke’s Bay, and his Honor bears testimony to the fact that they are steadily progressing in industrial pursuits, and in the acquisition of property they cannot afford and do not desire to lose.

It is very true that nothing will disturb their tranquility while they have their own way, and take the law in their own hands, and act in defiance of British law. Should the offenders who broke open the lockup at Clive be prosecuted and get what they deserve, I should like to know what chance of peace we should have before us. They are progressing in the acquisition of property and wealth ! How obtained ? In many instances under false pretences, they get what they can and never intend to pay. Look, for instance, at the case of Mr. Boddington, of Clive, a man who is known to be honest and respected by every one, who_ is obliged

to give up his store through having trusted this peaceable race, and this, too, for food supplied to them at the funeral of Te Moananui and for mourning clothes. I will not go further into the case. I only wish to see how far we can place confidence in the Native race. It appears to me that there have been several cases adjusted by the Civil Commissioner, but the public must not lose sight of the fact that in these cases the Natives were plaintiffs. I should like to know whether Major Whitmore would so easily adjust cases if the Europeans were plaintiffs ; and should Mr. Boddington proceed against the Natives for his debts in the Civil Commissioner’s Court would the Natives submit to pay if judgment was given in his favor. Justice.