New Zealand Times. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1875.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4332, 6 February 1875, Page 2

New Zealand Times. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1875.

The native intelligence, which wo publish among our telegraphic news, is of general interest. Sir Donald McLean has seen King Tawhiao, by special invitation ; and after a conference, in which the Native Minister upheld the policy of the Government since 1862, the Maori King displayed unmistakeable signs of conceding everything. Of course, there may be many causes at work to prevent a speedy termination of all unpleasantness between the two races ; but, however that may be, Sir Donald McLean has added another laurel to the wreath which he had already won in the service of the colony. When one contrasts the results of this meeting, and the quiet dignity displayed by the Native Minister with the obtrusive fussiness which characterised every previous attempt to “interview” the Maori King by Colonial “ top-knots,” one cannot help thinking that after all the quiet way is the best. Sir Donald did not “teaze” the Maori potentate. The invitation came from Tawhiao, and it was accepted as a matter of course by the Native Minister, who was ‘‘ an old friend of the “ family,” Potatau 1., the founder of the dynasty, being his friend. What followed upon their meeting is detailed in the telegram; and those who are at all familiar with Maori usage will at once perceive the advantage of the position assumed by the Native Minister. He was not to be surprised on the one hand into a concession, nor on the other hand would he do anything which, by the most punctilious usage of the tribes, could be construed into a declaration, on the part of the Government, that they were especially anxious to make friends with the Maori King. “ Assist “ the authorities in maintaining law and “ order within your own territory, which “ we do not seek to invade, and the Go- “ vernment will recognise and reward “ your services.” That was the language of the Native Minister, and it was theproper tone to adopt. It was a fitting recognition by the sovereign authority of the colony of the representative character of the Maori King. For, after all, Tawhiao is a sovereign power, elected by the free suffrages of the tribes—his clansmen and adherents —and with all his faults, he has maintained the regal dignity quite as effectively, within his limited sphere, as men who have occupied a much more prominent position on the world’s stage of late years. The Maori King represents the sentiment of Maori nationality; and when Sir Donald McLean made the overture to him respecting the police of his district, he did a graceful and politic act. It is only those who understand the Maoris, however, who can safely do such things. The Native Minister understands the Maoris thoroughly, and he has assaulted them in their most vulnerable point. He has appealed to their sense of honor and friendship, to their inborn love of justice, and we are greatly deceived if he finds himself mistaken in the result.

While, however, Sir Donald McLean is thus busily engaged in breaking down the barriers which separate the races, there are those who do not scruple, for their own paltry ends, to imperil the peace of the country, by interfering with negotiations presently in progress for the acquisition of Ohinoraurl. Considering the magnitude of the interests at stake, one cannot help regretting that a summary stop cannot be put to the agitation by mining scouts who have overrun that part of the country. Everything that can possibly be done to open Ohinemuri has been done by the Government; but because there is an apparent delay, owing to the absence of Sir Donald McLean in the Waikato, pressure of all kinds is being brought to bear upon Natives and Europeans alike, to embarrass the Government. Now, it should be clearly understood that while the opening of Ohinemuri is purely a local question, however important it may be, the pacification of the Natives is a Colonial question, to which all others must be subordinated. We regret, therefore, that such telegrams should emanate from the Thames district as we publish to-day, because they are calculated to do an immensity of mischief, and to retard the opening of the Ohinemuri District. The Native Minister is responsible to the General Assembly and not to the Thames minors ; and we suggest to, these men the propriety of exercising a little patience. Sir Donald McLean cannot bo in two places at once ; ho cannot attend to two different negotiations at one and the same time ; and therefore we say the Thames miners should wait patiently for the slow but sure development of the Native Minister’s policy.