Spirit of the press.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 7, Issue 356, 8 March 1866, Page 1

Spirit of the press.

STATE OP THE WEST COAST, N. ISLAND, (From the Wanganui Times, 20th February.) There appears to be some evil genius presiding over, directing and controlling every effort put forth for the suppression of the rebellion, and the termination of tbis wretched native war. The brilliant campaign from which General Chute has just returned required only to he followed up by judicious arrangements on the part of the Governor and his advisers; but they seem determined upon neutralising the immediate effects of the campaign, giving the enemy time to recover from his surprise, reconstruct his defences, recruit his resources, and in a few mouths be better prepared to defend his position than he was when attacked by General Chute. On the arrival of the Storm Bird on Friday last, from Wellington, we were astonished to hear that Major Yon Tempsky and as many of Ins Forest Rangers as were entitled to settle on their land, were ordered to proceed by that vessel next day to Auckland, —the remainder of his men to receive one month’s pay aud be disbanded, aud all this without any recognition of their services ! It further transpired that the pay of the Native Contingent was' reduced by a shilling a day; that upon the reduced pay 100 of them were ordered to garrison Pipiriki, under the command of Ensign McDonnell, their gallant Major being still unfit; to serve, and possibly may be laid up for some months yet, suffering from the wound which he received at the capture of Okotuku. So peremptory were the orders and sudden the movement, that on Saturday, Major Yon Tempsky with 20 of his Forest Rangers—the remainder being left behind —and Major M'Donnell embarked for Auckland. We believe this latter officer is gone on a mouth’s leave for the benefit of his health. A company of the 50th Queen’s Own also left for Taranaki to relieve some of the GBth stationed there, but ordered home. * Is it thus that the Colonial Government treat our colonial forces after their return from one of the most remarkable campaigns ever carried out in New Zealand ? Wearied and footsore, some suffering from their wounds, and others from privation and fatigue, and jWhilst the colony resounds with the praises of their heroic achievements, a mean, parsimonious, cheeseparing policy disbands some, reduces the pay of the remainder, and thoroughly disgusts the whole. These facts, and the discontent of our colonial forces will rapidly spread throughout the disturbed districts. We may assure the Government, and we do so upon good authority, that the enemy are rapidly reconstructing their demolished pas, repairing the damage done, and preparing fur a more vigorous resistance than they offered upon the last occasion. Had we maintained a bold front and showed them that we were prepared, if necessary, to follow up the advantages gained, the neck of the rebellion was broken, aud the colony would reap the full benefit of General Chute’s campaign. Y/e have ample proof that, notwithstanding the undisputed loyalty of our native allies, they would not have considered themselves bound to go upon that expedition were it not for the influence Dr Featherston exercised over them, and the manner in which he handled them at, and previous to, the inauguration of the Moutoa Monument, Again, after the capture of Ketemari and the destruction of several surrounding pas and villages on the Isth and and IGth January, iu which the Native Contingent played a most conspicuous part, they were required to proceed to Taranaki on the 17th. Their reason for obeying that order will he found in a letter from certain of the chiefs to Major M'Dounell, a translation of which was published in our monthly summary on the 9th inst. One paragraph of it reads thus:—“ On the 15th (January) you and the Superintendent, Dr Featherston, in conjunction with General Chute, gave orders, in obedience to which we attacked and burnt eight Hau-hau pahs, killing the fanatics and destroying their sacred flag poles (nius) and bearing away their flag. On the 16th, the Native Force completed the work appointed to them bp the Superintendent, when he requested that ws should go to Taranaki, to

which place we should hear our arms, and the Wanganui Chiefs gave their consent, whilst we the Kupapas of Ngatiapa and Rangitane remained behind to prosecute the campaign In the rear of the Superintendent &c. Within one week after the return of those men, and whilst lamenting the loss of friends and relations killed and wounded daring the campaign, they w r ere snubbed by the Government, and told their pay is reduced by a shilling a day ! What influence will Dr Featherston, or any other man, be again able to exercise over those men ? Both branches of our colonial force—European and Native—are thoroughly indignant at the treatment they have received. Thirty of the natives have declined to serve any longer, aud delivered up their arms yesterday. About sixty have consented to proceed to Pipiriki to-morrow, under the command of Ensign M‘Donnell, but we believe they only do so until such time as certain arrangements now pending will he carried out. That will certainly he a small force to hold the positions now garrisoned by Colonel Logan aud some 200 Imperial troops, whom these few natives go to relieve.