Hawke's Bay Times. Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri. MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1870.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 16, Issue 843, 17 October 1870, Page 2

Hawke's Bay Times. Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri. MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1870.

"We have recently had occasion to allude to the dubious attitude assumed by the so-called neutral tribes of the native race, and tjie want of confidence exhibited by the Gpverriment in the present apparently quiet state of the rebellious sections. Ever since Te Kooti has been left unmolested in his mountain retreat, and Titokowarn has been allowed to traverse the country with a band well clothed, well equipped, and well provided with money—-not-withstanding the calm that has been experienced, there has been sufficient evidence of a threatening storm. Latr terry, the conduct of Tirokowaru's band -—almost on the very utterance of his conciliatory statement that he would not do any mischief unless he had his face scratched first—in fcheirunprovoked raid upon a friendly tribe, has shown pretty clearly that that party is only anxious for a pretext for again beginning their evil work, and a brief telegram, published in our last, informs us that Te Kooti has already begun. We have no particulars of this latest raid on the part of Kooti, beyond that given in the telegram referred to ; but that telegram is confirmatory of news received at the Thames at' our latest elates, whicfc nev*s was not at that time considered reliable. We fear there is too good reason believe it true, for so. long a a these two miscreants are suffered to be at large and to. recruit their strength wiih men, ammunition, and money, so long may we expect that they will prove a scourge to us, and taking tlieir own time and opportunity commit their niassacres.

We are glad to find that the Taranaki settlers are taking up the question of Titpkowaru's liberty, although not quite in such a way as we should wish it to be done. To talji of making or offering " terms " with or to this doubledyed murderer is to our minds absurd j and the Government, in permitting its agent to hold friendly consultation \yjth. him at the late meeting is to be severely reprobated. The natives should have been told that no communication could be held with them in his presence, or until he was tafcen and given up to justice. Steps should have been taken to effect his capture when it was well known where he was to be foujad. This not having been done implies on the part of the Government a virtual condoning of all past offences. Still we believe that he will yet force them to take action in the matter whether they wish it or no.