AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 23, 15 March 1845, Page 3

AUCKLAND.

We have all along objected to the absurd system called the protectionot the Aborigines, and although we are aware that any interference with this very expensive, and totally useless, or rather actively mischievous department, is unpalatable to our very earnest and amiable ruler, we feel it a duty, from time to time, to endeavour to repress the evils and expose the errors of its conduct, even while we dispair of getting rid of either. We have ofter heard Mr. Clarke, sen., accused of very gross mis-translation of native colloquies — many have imputed this to intention, but many more to a want of efficient knowledge of the Maori language. How the Chief Protector ieeis under either or both of these charges we are at a loss to tell ; but in this proclamation, which is printed simultaneously in both languages, we are told, from competent authority, that following suppression or eonceahnent of the Governor's language is to be observed in the translation, having for its evident purpose a desire to soften the tone of the proclamation, to suit the imperious disposition of the native chiefs. If our readers will refer to the fifth paragraph of the proclamation, they will find the words "to be immediately paid for his or their apprehension and delivery. This is in reference to the proffered reward of course, which promises immediate payment. The words apprehension and delivery are studiously avoided in the traalatiou, and the important sentence, having reference tn the immediate reivard, is entirely omitted in the Maori version ! Again, in the concluding passage, his Excellency holds out a threat of taking the " strongest " measures in the case of not finding his present proclamation effective. Mr. Clarke, or somebody for him, has left out this important adjective in the Maori, leaving his Excellency's proposed measures about as formidable as a tailors's tapes ! Again the soothing word "Tutu" which means literally disobedience, is the term that the gentle' protector selects in his translation to convey the denouncement of the various felonies set forth in the original. These omissions are too evidently wilful to admit of excuse, and the offence is too monstrous to admit of aggravation from any observations of ours ; it is only necessary to annouuce the fact, and its atonement must follow; unless, indeed, as we have hinted above, the Government itself is insincere in this apparent alteration of its policy. — Auckland Times, ,