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Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume VI, Issue 18, 31 August 1859, Page 1

We feel ourselves called upon to offer a few observations on a subject which, we believe, at present frequently occupies the Native mind. From time to time we hear of reports being in circulation amongst them the tendency of which is lo disturb the friendly relations subsisting between the two races and to impair the confidence which the Maori people have hitherto placed in the Government. A vague and indistinct suspicion of some imaginary harm intended them bv their Pakeha neighbours is entertained by some of the less intelligent and well-informed, suggested probably in the first instance by the mischievous and disaffected. We shall endeavour to show to our Maori readers how utterly groundless such suspicions are. We shall remind them of a few plain facts, leaving it to their own good sense to determine whether we speak truth or otherwise. Of the exact nature of the suspicion thai has been created wc arc ignorant; but that

harm or injustice of any description is or can be intended may be best disproved by reference to the actions of the Government from the hour when the first colonists arrived m New Zealand up tothepresenl moment. IJLshould be remembered that it was at the desire of the Native Chiefs that lueQueen of England became the Sovereign of NewZealand. In doing so, the undisturbed possession'of their lands was guaranteed to the Native owners, such portions only becoming the property of Europeans, as the former might be willing to alienate. In no instance during the twenty years of British sovereignty has this guarantee been violated; during this period justice and kindness have characterized the acts of the Government towards the Maori people. No promise made to them has been broken. That which they were told by the first Governor is repeated to them now. Is it then likely that after so long and friendly an intercourse between the races, the Government which has so long been the friend of the Maori people should now begin to act the part of an enemy, or be unjust to them? Had it been the intention of the British Government to dispossess the Maori in order to make room for the Pakcha, a very different course would have been adopted—instead of peaceful and unarmed settlers with their wives and families, slips of war and soldiers in numbers sul'lieicnt 10 have overpowered all resistance would have been first sent to take possession of this country. —-That no such injustice to the Maori race was ever meditated is abundantly proved by every act of the Government. "Even wW» some of the tribes in the North took unarm* against the Government undcv a impression that the Queen's P.aij was io symbol of a power which would one da" take their lands and subject (hem to slavery 7 , at the termination of the war not an acre of land was claimed as having been forfeited

The Government cama hither at the solicitation, and as the friend, of the Maori people, and we need but refer the latter to all its acls to demonstrate how true and steadfast a friend it .has ever been. A parental care for their well-being has been manifested from first to last, "'■ The protection of British law—a ready access to our Conns of Justice - has always been a {forded, The iiiflueueeoflhe Government has invariably been employed to put a slop 10strife and bloodshed among the Native tribes, and to !< j ad them to rational and bloodless settlement of their disputes. Would this he the conduct of a Government that wished Jo do them wrong? Instead of injuring, the Government h.is studied in every way how to raise the ?>laori to an equality with the Pakeha. The former has been encouraged and assisted to procure ships, mills,ploughs, and other useful properly, to grow wheal and lo adopt the customs and habits of civilised lii'e.- Laws have been framed to guard the New Zealanders from ihe evils ihat have befallen other Aboriginal Natives. The introduction of intoxicating liquors among them —the bane alike of the European and the Native—has been prevented as far as ii is possible to do so. Hospitals for the sick have been provided, and the utmost anxiety evinced lo guard the Native people against the introduction and frightful ravage? of the Small Pox. A digest of the English laws' has been rendered in the Native tongue; and Magistrates have been sent to instruct and to dispense justice, where ihe people have been desirous of receiving them. Lei ihe Maori people consider these things, and ask themselves, if, after so many proofs of care for their welfare, it is reasonable to suppose that ihe Government can intend anything but their good. Whatever reports to the contrary may be in circulation, we warn our friends against giving heed lo lit cm. The originators 'of

such reports are no true friends of the Native people, and they who give them credit will only become the dupes of artful designing men. From the first Governor to the present, one uniform course of kindness towards the Maories has been observed. The instructions from Her Majesty to ber various Representatives, have always spoken the same language, —namely to regard both races of her subjects alike; and to be impartial and careful in promoting the interests and welfare of both. Each Governor ha* been the personal friend of most of the chiefs; he has had their confidence, and has placed confidence in them. This mutual trust we hope may continue without interruption. In case of any doubt or misunderstanding, application should always be made to the Governor, or to the Officers appointed by him, to look after Native Affairs. If grievances, real or imaginarv, chance to arise, the remedy is to represent them to the Governor: whose ear is always open. Applications either personally or by letter are always attended to; and explanations and advice afforded. Let our Maori friends turn a dull ear to idle and mischievous reports, spread on the authority of unknown and untrustworthy persons. Let them rather place confidence m the representations of those whom they know, whose good-will they have proved", and who have never yet deceived them. As at first, so at last, the Government will be found the best, the surest, the most steadfast and the most powerful friend of the Native people.