"DON'T NAIL HIS EAR TO THE PUMP."

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 13, Issue 695, 28 June 1869, Page 2

"DON'T NAIL HIS EAR TO THE PUMP."

During the recent " No confidence'' debate, Mr J. C. Richmond informed the House that, being in Napier at the time when Colonel Whitmore's force was on its way to the East Coast to operate Te Kooti, he acquainted Mr M'Lean with the fact. That gentleman expressed his opinion that the colonel's arrival would be the signal for the dispersion of the native troops. Mr Richmond replied that it too late to prevent it, as Colonel Whitmore was already on his way, but that the country required that Mr M'Lean should use his efforts to prevent such dispersion. Mr M'Lean did not very promptly respond to the idea, but after some hesitation promised to do so. The way he did it was to write letters to the native chiefs, of which the following is a sample : To Ropata and Hotene te Ngatiporou. Friends, —Salutations. Listen you two. It is not of my doing that Colonel Whitmore is going thither to do the work which has been so nearly done by you. But now as he has got there you must all unite in attacking the Hauhaus, so that our troubles may the sooner be brought to a close. Mr Richmond is going thither to see you; he will be there to give directions in case of any troubles arising out of Colonel Whitmore's management.—Your Friend, D. M'Lean.

This letter shows the kind of way in which the " General Government Agent" tried to carry oub the Government plans, and the animus that moved him in his dealings with the natives. To appreciate it thoroughly, it must be looked at in the light of subsequent events —his disappointment (not to say vexation) at the news of Whitmore's success when it reached Napier, and the endeavors which have since been made to connect the retreat of the friendly natives from before Ngatapa with Col. Whitmore's arrival in Poverty Bay. It waa of course a very bitter pill to

learn that the friendly natives had quarrelled among themselves and left for their homes before they heard of Colonel Whitmore's arrival, and yet, as soon as it appeared necessary, had cordially joined him—to resume the attack, and be led on to victory.