DISTURBANCES AT TARANAKI.

Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 292, 18 August 1855, Page 5

DISTURBANCES AT TARANAKI.

(From the "Taranaki Herald," July 25.)

To the Editor of the Taranaki Herald.

Sir,—As I find so many different views propounded in reference to our present position much to the contusion of those who are unacquainted with its circumstances, perhaps it would only be courteous in me to supply you, from time to time, with extracts from -my journal and correspondence, as a means in some degiee of assisting your readers to form proper opinions on the various incidents, as they may arise. In matters of fact we shall never mislead, ani in point of sentiment, seldom; but for all that, some will consider us pathetic, and others will style us alarmists. Of course, if we are exposed to the unpleasantness of constant attack, in consequence of our desire to satisfy the inquiries of the public, we shall find il more convenient to restrain our lucubrations, than to allow them to be the means of injuring the virtues of any of your correspondents. Some view the question only commercially—others, but politically; some are actuated by fear, others by covetousness. The views of all may be equally honest, and yet partake of the colour of that medium through which they are formed—leading some to consider KatatoreaAm*-, and others to think him a demon; whereas his real character is a commixture ot the had qualities of each, and his status amongst us at the present time, is but that of a murderer. Your own sentiments, as expressed at the very commencement, I consider, were substantially coriect, and utterly op

posed to those feeling of false sympathy which would confound the eternal distinction between right and wrong, or actually give a preference to the latter. It is true, that by an altogether improper treatment of this native question, we have been brought into the greatest contempt with both parties. With our own, because we have refused to exercise the justice we preach, though styling them British subjects; and with our enemies, for the very weakness which has been displayed throughout, in the policy adopted. But for all that let us still distinguish between the right party and the wrong. The people of the Ninin, ?we allow, are much disappointed and chagrined, after losing their chiefs in our cause, thus to be left to a similar fate, which daily advancesfupon them with a slow but certain footstep *, nevertheless, they still are, and many ever have been, the best protectors which this settlement has enjoyed. Let us not, therefore, disregard our friends, simply because they have reasons to complain of having been treated with neglect/jn opposition to the laws of God and of all civilized communities; much less, let us sympathise with their enemies, and associate with them, for they have never, to my knowledge, shewn a single act of friendship to the settlement for the past eleven years. As to their sales of produce, that is entirely for their own benefit, and not intended for ours; but supposing it were, we are surely not lo allow the principles of righteousness—both Divine and human—to be overlaid by a few tons of potatoes, or altogether destroyed by the influence of mere worldly grasp and gain. That sentiment is not English, which opposes tbe profits of commerce, to the honour ofour country, and to the maintenance of the laws. Yours truly, Mission House. 11. Hanson Toeton. f Resident Missionary.]