WAIKATO.

New Zealander, Volume XVIII, Issue 1726, 24 September 1862, Page 3

WAIKATO.

[B-BOM OUU OWN COBBESrONDENT.]

Sth Sept., 1862.

I perceive that equally with the New-Zcalander, I have been made the subject of declamation and abuse by one of the Waipa correspondents of the Southern f'rots (see same paper 25th August last).

Such language carries its own condemnation along with it and requires no comment. On a par too with this, is the astounding inference, published for the benefit of the readers of the Cross, that because I do not implicitly believe in his reckless assertions I doubt the veracity of Mr. Gorst's statements. I need not say I have never alluded to or commented upon Mr. Gorst's very able report. This correspondent asks me to state what I think highly colored if not exaggerated in his statements, My reply is, that all his statements arc ex parte, and on that ground alone are liable to the objection I make agaisnt them. But for direct proof of reckless assertion I appeal to his letter in the paper above referred to, which I consider is a fair sample of his whole communications. Ho asserts that from Tuakau upwards they (Natives) arc all kingitcs. Mr. Gorst in his report (which he must have had before him when he wrote) states that the Ngatiwhauroa had renounced their allegiance to King Matutaera. Again, I can scarcely suppose that he could be ignorant of the fact that Ngatinaho, a large section of the powerful Ngatimahuta tribe, have accepted the new Institutions and have a Runanga and officers, duly appointed, in full working order at the Kohe Kohe, 10 miles above Tuakau. I presume (for really his logical deductions are very obscure) that ho means to charge me with inconsistency in now protesting against his proposed plan of stopping the trade of the river, and endeavours to prove it by allusion to a former private conversation of mine in his presence. But he has not the honesty or manliness to state that this private conversation occurred sonic time ago under Col. Browne's administration and a very different state of affairs. To assert that a policy which might have been necessary then is equally so now is to assert that the same treatment should be applied t>. two patients one suffering from ■violent insanity and the other from low fever, which is absurd. Why, in this very letter of his, he unwittingly supplies a powerful argument against his own plan. The Natives, ho says, in reply to his enquiries why they do not attend to their farms, &c, assert, that they do not believe in any professions made by our government for their real good. Is it consistent with common sense to suppose that the restriction or deprivation of their usual supplies of clothing, sugar and tobacco, &c, would tend to convince them of our sincerity in that respect? I trow not, but rather the reverse.

As to his allegation that ho would bo pleased to sco " things go on well," let him prove it by acts not wordy professions—let him cease to give publicity to exaggerated statements which only tend to create prejudices and ill-feeling between the two races—in fact let him use his influence for good and not for evil, then, but not till then, will I believe in his sincerity. General apprehension exists in the mind of the King Natives that it is His Excellency's intention to make war upon them immediately after the meeting of the General Assembly, and three circumstances have caused this feeling:— Ist. Mr. Fox's retirement from office, or, as they believe, expulsion by the " Runanga Pakeha" in consequence of his " whaka hoa" or friendly feelings towards them. They assert that in the Assembly he advocated equal laws for both races, amongst others the repeal of the Arms Ordinance. Mr. Fox seems to be fully identified in their minds with the peace policy, and they argue from his retirement, or in their version "hopei"or rejection, that a change of policy must necessarily ensue. As, however, the hon. Mr. 8011, who recently performed the duties of Native Minister, and whose affability and straightforwardness ot character in that capacity has become well known and appreciated in Waikato, is now at the head of native affairs, I think confidence in the new ministry will soon be restored.

2nd. The late survey of the channel of the lower part of the river for its adaptibility to a steamer. And this is the most serious cause of alarm in their minds. 3rd. The erection of the stockades at the la and at Pokeno, Mangatawhiri. So great is the alarm that some Natives lately residing in the neighbourhood of Mangatawhiri have moved further up the river lest they should be exposed to the first attack of the supposed invaders of their lands. I believe nothing less than a personal visit of his Excellency to the district will tend to allay their fears, and they have become desirous that he should pay them such a visit, and they inform me that they have authorized a chief of high rank to invite him to a conference, or as they term it " whakawa." This is a decided change in their views, as six months ago they were opposed to any such proposal. I consider the fact of their having consented to invite Sir George Grey, a great triumph to him. It is the first breaking of the ice. The excitement of war and the prospect of plunder would be pleasing to many of the king people, but the sword suspended by the hair is becoming unbearable to them. The false alarm caused by the Cross in Auckland about the 800 or 1000 Natives said to be assembled near Mangatawhiri was a source of great amusement to them, and they ridicule the gullibility of the Auckland people. W. Thompson has called a meeting of principal chiefs from all parts of the Island, to be held on the 20th October next, for the purpose of discussing the present state of affairs and prospects of Maoridom. Whitebait in full season.

September 10th. —Since writing the above I find this Waipa correspondent has published in the Cross of 2nd September an account of a meeting said to be held in Lower Waikato. Verily, 1 would recommend him to put his tales into nursery rhyme and publish them; they would sell well; only think, what a pleasing theme for childhood, the naughty natives who wanted to fight and the good Native who would not let them. Seriously speaking, however, if he attempts to repott the proceedings of meetings it is only common justice to the parties concerned that he should do so fully and properly, and not publish such roundabout accounts, which forcibly remind one of the talc of the three black crows.