COOK'S STRAITS.

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 43, 28 March 1846, Page 2

COOK'S STRAITS.

By the arrival of the schooner, Ocean Queen, from Wellington, via Bay of Islands, we have received intelligence from the present seat of war, to the 28th February, being one week later, than that received by the Government brig, on ' the 6th instant ; but although so recent to our previous information, yet the news is most important and interesting, as ■will be seen in the extracts, in our columns, this day, from the southern papers. , In the Wellington Spectator, of the 21st February, received by the Victoria, it was stated, and the settlers congratulated on the fact, — that the disputes about land, in the Hutt district, were about being fairly and finally settled ; and that the intruding natives, ■who had &o long annoyed the settlers there, had given up the land, without any opposition, and had left, or were preparing to leave. But two days had scarcely passed after such premature announcement, when the Police Magistrate, with the constabulary of Wellington, sent by Governor Grey to put the settlers in possession of the disputed lands, were treated with derision, and driven back by the natives, located on the land. On the following morning, the troops, to the number of three hundred and forty, proceeded to the Valley of the Hutt, when his Excellency endeavoured, in vain, to obtain an interview with the principal acting chief, while the natives, that were present, conducted themselves in the most insolent manner. The troops then advanced to some of the disputed land, the natives retiring before them to the hills and fastnesses, above the Valley, where they remain. The troops, which by reinforcements amounted to four hundred and thirty men, were encamped in the Hutt, and were about to erect another block -house. The natives were hovering around, and were nightly robbing and destroying the property of the settlers It is said, that Rauparaha is favourable to the quiet evacuation of the Hutt, by the Maoris,' — but that Rangihaeta declares, that if any force is used, he will join in the contest, and it is supposed, that the natives could, from Porirua, where he is, and other places in the immediate neighbourhood, bring down about three thousand fighting men. This amount of force may be exaggerated ; but in our opinion, there is a more startling and important fact, which does, — and will yet still more, — distinguish it from the northern rebellion and disaffection of the natives ; and which, we think, will render it more difficult for the Governor to quell, — while, at the same time, it will be far more disastrous and destructive to the settlers, and the supremacy of her Majesty's authority, in that quarter. The feeling of the northern malcontents, was not directed against the settlers, but against the authority of Government. Towards the settlers, the natives have ever evinced the greatest desire to be on friendly terms, to carry on reciprocal trade, and to sell them their lands. • It is true, that Kororarika was sacked ; — but it is more than probable, that if the inhabitants there, had remained neuter, and not interfered in the quarrel, between the

Government and John Heki, about his bugbear, the flag-staff, — that Kororarika would have been now standing. Similar amicable feelings, and desire for amicable relations exist among the tribes in the interior, towards the settlers in the Waitemata, and adjacent districts, — provided the government acts towards the natives, so far as it is concerned, — with strict justice, as regards their landed property, and personal rights. The Waikato tribes, as well as those of the Ngatipoa, and others,— are all anxious to continue and increase the benefits and advantages which the settlement of Europeans among them has brought to pass. Self interest, which is the spring and rule of their actions, prompts this sensible feeling. Added to which, it may truly be said, that the settlers in the northern district, have ever evinced, from their first arrival in the colony, kindness, generosity, and good feelings towards the native population. Singular, isolated instances, may be adduced to the contrary, but speaking in general terms, we are certain, our assertion cannot be denied ; and the consequence has been, their few acts of personal violence, robbery and aggression towards Europeans, — considering the vast native population which are within a short distance from, and who frequently visit Auckland** But in the southern settlements, far different feelings and relations have existed between the European and native population. There* the Government itself, is scarcely known to the latter, except so far as they look to^it for protection, and prevention from spoilation of their lands ; —of which the settlers, before the arrival of Captain Fitzroy, and the claims heard by Mr. Spain, were, in great measure, in actual possession, under the assumed rights of the Company ; and consequently the natives have ever regaided the Company's emigrants, on the disputed lands, as the willing, active, instruments of injustice towards them. Besides, there has never existed in the southern settlements, any cordial disposition towards the natives, — more especially, during the last three years, — among the European inhabitants. The native population have been regarded with distrust and suspicion, and harsh angry feelings have been generally entertained, if not openly evinced. The effect of these mutual, long standing, acrimonious feelings between the settlers and the natives, in the Company's settlement, at Wellington, will now become most active and evident, on the part of the latter. They have avowed that they will be passive towards the soldiers, so long as they will not act on the offensive ; but they have commenced to injure the settlers, by destruction of their crops, stock, and in some cases, their dwellings ; and no doubt, such acts will increase, unless they are prevented by the military attempting to drive them from their strongholds, in the woods and mountains at the rear of the Hutt, further into the interior : and then will ensue a system of warfare by the natives, very different to that pursued in the north. They will not build pahs, as a focus for the attack of the military, but they will continue their guerilla warfare, avoiding any direct, open, conflict, while, at the same time, they will watch for, and seize upon every opportunity, to harrass, and plunder, — if nothing worse,— all the out settlers of Wellington — and thus keep the inhabitants of the town itself in perpetual alarm. Under the existing circumstances, at Wellington, and in the valley of the Hutt, it cannot be anticipated that matters will be speedily, or satisfactorily arranged. The disputed grounds must be occupied by no small number of troops, to prevent the return of the Natives, who are hovering all round them. If the military attempt to advance further into the interior, with a large proportion of the force at Port Nicholson, they will do so at great risk of considerable loss, without corresponding advantage, ; besides leaving Wellington liable to surprise and attack. The whole military force at Wellington does not exceed seven hundred men, and to expel natives, — numbering if they please some thousands, — from such mountaimous, impenetrable district, would require more than five times the present British force. His Excellency has to visit, and settle similar disputes concerning land, at Nelson, and New Plymouth, and to those places, troops were to accompany him ; but we should imagine, under the existing state of affairs in the Hutt, that that part of Cook's Straits must first have order and peace established. Moreover, we anticipate that the attention and presence of his Excellency will be required in the northern district, which is at present left very unprotected. We are in possession of most authentic information, that there has been a correspondence, with some of the chiefs at Houraki, — the gulph of the Thames, — and the rebel chiefs in the north ; the former offering their co-operation, by rising in the immediate district, should the latter again commence rebellion near the late seat of war. The information was communicated by letter, from the chief Abraham, who was one of our allies, and wounded on the Bth May, — to the Waikato chief E Kati, brother of Te Wero-wero. Fortunately, Kawiti returned foi answer, that as Taria, (the noted chief who wrote), had remained quiescent when his rising would have

diverted the attention of the Governor and soldiers from Heki and himself, (Kawiti), that as peace was made, he should remain quiet, but that he (Taria), might communicate with Heki. We mention these facts and circumstances, not with a view to excite alarm, in the minds of the settlers ; but, to counteract the delusive opinion and idea, that the affair, at Ruapekapeka, has permanently established peace, or inspired the natives, with such fear and dread of the government, as to render any further outbreak improbable. As we have often expressed, — the future, peaceable conduct of the Native population is not to be attained,— but by an immense military force permanently stationed in the colony,—if the Local Government act, unwisely and unjustly, towards them, more especially, as regards the uncontrolled sale and freedom of tax of their lands. The policy of the Government, as regards warlike measures, should be defensive,— not offensive; — for years to come. It must be, now, obvious, that a standing army of thirty thousand men, could not compel the natives to order and subjection throughout the Colony. The very nature of the country prevents military operations, — until it is intersected by roads; and we repeat, that to proclaim such operations, terminating in the fortunate pos* session of the pah, at Ruapekapeka, to be victoriously conclusive, and proof that the natives are either intimidated, or subdued, is circulation of a delusion, which-— by misleading the Home Government, and thereby probably preventing large military reinforcements,absolutely indispensable for the security and safety of the settlers, — will, powerfully retard the advancement and prosperity of the Colony of New Zealand.