THE WEST COAST TROUBLES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5786, 15 October 1879, Page 2

THE WEST COAST TROUBLES.

The following is a rerhutim report of the Hon. Mr. Hall’s remarks on the native difficulty ;

With respect to the native troubles on the West Coast, I am sorry to sav that a large expenditure has been caused, and is still going on, consequent on the preparations which it has been thought necessary to make to secure the safety of the districts affected. Most serious loss is also caused to the settlers themselves, who have shown much public spirit throughout a critical period, by the state of anxiety and suspense in which they are kept by the unsettled state of the natives, who have so strong an infatuated belief in Te Whiti’s supernatural powers. The Government are aware that it is alleged that in certain districts on the West Coast promises made years ago by Government agentg are still unfulfilled, and that the natives in these districts have just cause of complaint. The Government will cause these matters to he fully inquired into by a commission, and justly settled. It is right to add, however, that so far as I have been able to ascertain, the disputes do not extend or apply to the part of the West Coast known as the Waimate Plains. The Government hope at an early period to be able to put an end to the very unsatisfactory state of things in that part of the colony without iucurring the danger of a disturbance of the public peace. lam causing further inquiry to be made, and shall take an early opportunity of making a further statement to the House on the subject.