The Hawke's Bay Times, MONDAY, 24th DECEMBER, 1866. SUPPLY OF DRINK TO THE NATIVES.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 8, Issue 449, 24 December 1866, Page 2

The Hawke's Bay Times,

MONDAY, 24th DECEMBER, 1866. SUPPLY OF DRINK TO THE NATIVES.

Jtmi.ISIIED EVERT 31ON DAT AND THURSDAY. "KDLLIUS ADDICTL3 JURA EE IN VERBA MAGISTEI.”

The practice of supplying alcoholic liquors' to the natives seems to be now carried on without any fear of the enforcement of a penalty ; and we are sorry to see that the vice of drunkenness lias become almost universal amongst them. The scene on Saturday evening on the beach, during tho shipment of the prisoners, was something very shocking, combining the worst effects of drink, such as swearing, &c v There seemed to be but few of the Maori spectators who were not tho worse for liquor ; and we are sorry to add that this was by no means an exceptional state of matters,—drunken Maories being to be met with every day. We observe that an enforcement of the ordinance against supplying intoxicating drink to natives has recently occurred in a neighboring province, and we believe it would be well for those in Hawke’s Bay who have the interest of the Maoris so much at heart, to stay the progress of the fearful vice .amongst them by bringing tbe said ordinance to bear on offenders. We have always regarded the law for protecting the native race from the liquor seller, and the evils of intoxication, as one cf the wisest in the Statute Book, and with sorrow we have noted the manner in which its violation is permitted. Apart from the rapid extinc tion of the race that alcohol is effecting, there the moral < ffVct of the practice on tho native mind, and this cf the worst possible character. The native knows of the existence of the law, and of the impunity that follows its constant and systematic violation ; and, instead of that regard for law that should lo implanted in his mind, lie acquires a contempt for all law, and sees no reasm why any other should be regarded more than this. He has been taught already that extensive combinations and powerful interests may successfully doty, and eventually overpower the laW> and arrives at the conclusion that to obey or rebel is a mere matter of choice, and of no serious consequence ; but a conviction or two of those who supplies him with intoxicating liquors would tend to set him right.