THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 128, 29 May 1873, Page 4

THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

(Waikato Times May 2.) Since our last isssue little calling for particular comment has transpired. As we anticipated, Purukutu is said to have consented to go to Tokaugamutu. By Maori custom, his having been invited to the King's place, is a guarantee on the part of Tawhiao that he ehall not be harmed so long as he is able to defend him. , This means that we are to allow Purukutu to go unscathed, or we are to forcibly take him from his protectors, "We, have every reason to believe that Rewi will not fight ; rather than do so, he will retire to the hills. He is probably the most sensible of the natives we have to deal with ; he knows perfectly well , that to fight means, at no distant-date, loss of position and loss of land. He is perfectly well aware that we could enter Kawhia harbor, establish a fort there, seize the land in the neighbourhood, and hold it in spite of him. It is more than probable that if it becomes neccesary to move a force into the King's territory, we shall find little else than than the wind to fight. We are glad to see that the Government are making every preparation in their power to protect the settlers; that they aro erecting redoubts and blockhouses along the frontier line, and, aa, will be seen by advertisement in another column, are recruiting the ranks of the Armed Constabulary. This may perhaps be shutting the stable door after the horse is out? but it must not be forgotten that the outcry for economy has forced them into a corner. The cry that we cannot afford to keep a force doing nothing, was the reason that no men ready to move were on the frontier at the time of Sullivan's . murder. We musfc be reasonable, and not think or act hastily, but if we are to continue to live in the Waikato, the murderers must be given up, of there is nothing for it but war -to the death. The native difficulty has. to be settled at one time or ■ the other. Why not now ?If the "King"

party could only be convinced that their position must eventually become untenable, then all will be well. They cannot, and it is only natural they should not, be able tp distinguish between the bunkum proclamations that have emanated from former ministries and those that will emanate from a ministry driven to action by a determined people. We believe that we express the unanimous opinion of the people, in this Island at least, when we say that the day has nearly arrived when there shall be but one " King," no murderers at large, and none against whom murder can be legally proved unhanged. This is harsh language, but harshness is sometimes true mercy.