AT LAST.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5522, 7 December 1878, Page 3

AT LAST.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir, —Curious rumors reach us here relative to tbe action of the natives on the West Coast. It is reported that ever since the arrest of the murderer Hiroki at Peribaka, the Maoris there and lower down the coast have been selling all their horses and cattle (except the working bullocks), and are evidently in a very excited and unsettled state. But the most remarkable movement has been at Kaiwaike, about X 5 miles above Wanganui, where in troubled times there has always been disaffection more or less. Here, we are told, nearly the whole of the natives have sold off their personal belongings, invested largely in amunnition, and gone up the coast towards the Taranaki country, exactly where is not stated. It is also reported that the Peribaka natives (Te Whiti’s people) do not intend to give him up on any terms short of the return of ail tbe confiscated lands, and that they are told by their chiefs to hold on and that they will get all back. Mr. Sheehan seems to have left Taranaki without making any demand for Hiroki. What will his Premier, Sir George .Grey, say to this 3 It is not long since he told the Waikato natives that to harbor murderers would disgrace them in the eyes of all civilised nations, and that no European nation would hold any communication with any other which should be guilty of such atrocious conduct. However, no doubt the Native Minister knows what he is about. He has made it all right with Eewi by liquoring up with the old chief and sharing his bed ; only I venture to suggest that the sooner he gets into as close relations with Te Whiti and persuades him to give up Hiroki, tbe more he will consult the dignity of the Government, and confirm tbepeaoe which has “atlast” been made. If remember a story of an “ English-woman abroad,” who desiring to describe her sensations in a double mattressed German bed said, qu die avait couchie enlre deux matelols." We should like to know what Mr. Sheehan’s sensations are when be finds himself in tbe company of such strange bedfellows as these two distinguished leaders of tho King party. However trying the situation might be, we cannot help believing that the Native Minister’s patriotism tkould induce him to submit to it it by so doing ho could not only obtain a grant of land for the great railway to Waikato but also the surrender of the red-handed Hiroki. It might facilitate matters if the latter were invited to take part in the symposium and a place in tbe sleeping arrangements. If Mr. Sheehan could by such a course persuade this murderer to follow the example of Mrs. Bond’s ducks and “ come and be killed,” he would settle what at present threatens to be a very serious and difficult complication.—l am, &c.. An Old Colonist. December 4.