THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam aut faciam." DUNEDIN, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 1862.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 175, 7 June 1862, Page 4

THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam aut faciam." DUNEDIN, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 1862.

Despite the repeated assurances on the part of the press in the interest of the Fox Ministry, that the policy of Sir George Grey is eminently successful, and that the natives are being gradually, but surely, detached from their visionary schemes of self-govern-ment antagonistic to the authority of Her Majesty, it is but too evident to unbiassed minds that these congratulatory assurances are but the result of a blind faith in the Grey policy, and not based upon the undoubted evidence of events. It is, perhaps, true, that to a certain extent, but to only a limited one, the line of policy adopted by Sir George Grey has had the effect of nullifying for a time the re-

volutionary schemes of the Maories, but it is by no means the fact that its effects have been anything but of a negative character. He may by insidious reasonings have sown the seeds of jealousy in certaiu tribes, and by so doing detached them from present active participation in the King movement; and, in • some cases, through the influence of the more enlightened Chiefs, the Maories may have agreed to-a trial of the new institutions for their guidance and regulation, but, judging from the accounts received from the various native tribeß, there is not the slightest sign on the part of the body of natives of rai ardent embracing of their new privileges, or any appearance of active cooperation in giving effect to them. It is impossible to doubt that there is at present a calm in the aspect of nat ive affairs, but it is evident that this calm is but the treacherous prelude to fresh disturbances in the political atmosphere, and not even the most ardent believer in the New Zealauder, or the warmest partizan of the Governor's policy, can safely rest on the conviction that the natives are either more loyal or less revolutionary than they were. The small cloud already has arisen in the horizon of affairs. It may be so diminutive as to escape the dimmed vision of those who accept as their tenets of fcith the doctrine of the Ministerial party, but those who see not through the medium of official telescopes, can discern the prognostics of the coming gale. They cannot but think that he would be an imprudent pilot who would consider this a time for spreading sail, aud who, after casting a contented look at the elements, would calmly go below without fear or thought of storm or tempest.

Compared with the magnitude of the interests involved, and the extravagant expectations that were formed of the results of the Grey policy, it is not too much to state that, as affecting the settlement of the troubled, waters of' native affairs, the results hitherto attained by it have lallen miserably short of what was expected to follow the administration of the much-lauded panacea. The Governor has been not unlike the itinerant empirics of the middle ages; he has travelled amongst the natives with all the paraphernalia of ■ official dignity; his attendants have flitted hitlier and thither, vending his nostrums for universal native cure, which, like the philtres- and potions' of old were ito J* the infallible remedy for

native disorders, however chronic or however inveterate. The eloquence of the great physician himself and the feeble echoes of his attendant sprites have been enlisted in behalf of the great medicine, but the gaping crowd cannot sufficiently appreciate it| [benefits. True in isolated cases, patients have been found willing to try the dose; and forthwith the New Zealander and the Ministerial Press deluge their columns with astonishing testimonials — Rebellious fever of long standing has subsided in Waikato, or Hawkc's Bay; under the influence of the new treatment, after; every other remedy has been tried without effect—chronic pains of insubordination have been relieved, in cases previously declared hopeless, and so on, after the approved fashion of such testimonials. Certainly there has been no lack of publicity given to the illusive effects of the Cordial Balm, and if we were to judge merely by the list of cures, we might be inclined to think there was some value in the remedy. But unfortunately for its. advocacy, we cannot overlook that there are many cases in which it has failed, and failed utterly, when the condition of the patients • was supposed to be most favorable to its administration, and where the most striking effects were most reasonably to have been expected ; and it has so failed, not because of any inherent destructive or dangerous elements in the specific -itself, but from its unsuitableness and inadaptability to the state of the patients. The fact is, that the Maori has been subjected to so great a variety of treatments—now lulled by sedatives—now excited by stimulants—at one time treated with all the consideration due to a tender constitution, and at another, tortured with the most violent of military chirurgical operations, that the unfortunate patient has lost all faith in his physicians, and, " throwing phy- " sic to the dogs," has begun to attempt selfcure. The present condition of Native affairs is the farthest from re-assuring. In the more extensive Native Districts, the new institutions are practically ignored, and their administrators either openly insulted, or their authority laughed at, and, where such is not the case, it is evident that self-interest or wily policy is the actuating cause. It is pretty, clear how much this is the case, from the opinions expressed in quarters where correct intelligence is most likely to be derived. What says the Hawke's-Bay Times, and that too just after the visit of Sir George Grey to Napier, and after Mr. Fox's peregrinating morning calls upon the Natives, when such delightful edifying reunions were re- ' ported to have taken place. Speaking of some of the accounts by the Ministerial party, respecting the conversion of certain chiefs to the new order of things, the Hawke's Bay Times says:—

The adhesion of s few -discontented natives is, if possible, n still weaker cause of triumph, and plainly shows the truth of the position always maintained by us—that the natives will accept the benefits offered them by Sir George Grey as far and a# long as it suits their purpose, but neither farther nor longer. A hapu that deserts their chosen King and joins the (■supposed) enemy at the Brst unpleasant occurrence is not very likely to be more true to their Queen on a like trial. References to trivial instances such as these go farther to expose the weakness of the cause of those who make them, than anything that can be said by an opposing party, and renders extremely suspicious all else that is snid about satisfactory progress and the like, especially when tha same report is made of districts where we we'll know it is not true as with our own Province and on the West Coast.

But after all, where is the credit due to the originator or follower of such a system—a system that covers over internal rottenness with the false appearance olsounHness on the surface —whose lialm for the dect.-.-cd s>ate of the Native mind is only gold and favor. Justice, ami firmness in its execution can be understood by them, and respected too, and would ultimately command their willing assent; but the contrary course, as hitherto practised, with them, tends only to bring contempt oil the Government and the settlers as a body, and to inflate the Native mind ivifch the most insane notions of their own worth, valor, skill in warfare, and general importance, as such is tJio only ground on which they can possibly undenttaad the conduct of the Pakeha.

( 'In the Province of Wellington matters are scarcely in the serene condition we might ex- | pect from the reports promulgated by the j ministerial journals. In that District which i has had the benefit of Mr. Fox's personal residence in its yicinit}', and where there was lately such a very interesting conversation at a grand fete, between Superintendent, Prime Minister and blanketed Maories, and marvellously loyal speeches were made, things can hardly be said to be colour de rose. Instance the following account from ©taki, published a short time ago in one of the Wellington papers:— " It is a confirmed and established fact that, with the exception of a few individuals, the whole of the native, ir'.bct within this Province hiwe determined upon rcoUliny the interference of the Queen's authority and law.

" There ia no mistake about this : and the Government arc fu)]v aware of the fact.

" Unon the West Coast particularly, from Wanganui to Pakariki, the Queen's authority is completely ignored,

" Robberies and petty depredations against Europeans, are of frequent occurrence without redress. The appointment of a Resident Magistrate for the district is a perfect farce, inasmuch as the King natives have determined not to recognise his authority as between themselves, or as between themselves and Europeans.''

Recently, when His Excellency risited these natives, the King natives who there arc numerous and strong, held aloof and would not Htterid the meeting, although messengers had been sentfor them, and there was an evident determination on their part not to listen to the Governor. And only a very short time ago it transpired, at a meeting of the Wellington Provincial Council, that a most important track • through the country could not be cleared of the underwood and fallen timber for fear of the natives. At Taranaki, ■where the unfortunate settlers seem to have arrived at the last point of endurance,—their 'farms ruined—their stock stolen, —and all the fruits of years of hardship and industry, swept .away in the common ruin, it is melancholy to see to what a pitch of imbecility the power of Government has descended. It would be almost amusing, if it were not too grave a subject for mirth, to recount the result-! of the late costly and sanguinary struggle. Where is the spoil and stolen property for which resti tution was-to have beeniso rigidly enforced ? Not a bullock has been returned, nor a farthing's worth of property given up—and as to

the condign punishment that ia to be inflicted on the natives charged with the murders during the war, the recent proclamation or notification relating to this subject is worse than foolish nonsense, it is an insult to the character of British law—for it is patent, that many of the suspected natives are not only known, but that frequent opportunities have occurred of their being apprehended. What a mockery it is that a document, bearing upon the highest offence recognisable by law, and emanating from the Government that is charged with the due administration of that law, should merely state that the guilty persons may be subject to arrest ! In fact, the whole tenor of the notification was an intimation to the natives concerned to keep out ofth'i way. Then ks to the Waitara land, out of which all the late troubles sprang, and in. support of the right to which so much treasure has been lavished, and so much blood poured out, we learu from late accounts that several Waikato chiefs, I Rewi amongst the number, have announced J their intention of coming to take up theirquarters in the Waitara district, and thus occupy it in the name of the Maori King! In the Waikato District, there is a sullen silence^ now and then broken by occasional outrages, and, although the greatest efforts have been made to conciliate the natives of these important tribes, and Government officers, especially selected for their peculiar ability for dealing with natives, have been established amongst them, their influence has hitherto been of the slightest possible character. Sections of the tribes, and some of the least influential of the chiefs, may have exhibited an inclination to listen to the counsels of the Governor, and to give in adhesion to his plans, but the most influential and most powerful chiefs keep aloof—they will neither see the Governor, nor his shadow, Mr. Fox. There is a deep and settled suspicion fixed in the minds of the natives, a suspicion not only of the honesty of the Government, -but of its power, and they accept concessions, firmly believing they have extorted them. We believe it just possible that so long as, a large military force is kept in the colony, the native leaders will not take the initiative in hostilities, but the Maori can wait, and in the meantime will not object to be paid for doing so and keeping quiet. By dint of a bribe here, and a concession there, Sir George Grey, may keep down for a time the turbulent spirits, but what sort of guarantee for the future does this hold out ?

It is pretty clear that if the accounts as to the pacificatiou of the country, are believed in England, an endeavor will be made to withdraw the troops, and then it will be seen how madly . foolish had been the credulous feeling of security as to the future. The present aspect of affairs reminds us very much of the circumstances antecedent to the great rebellion in India. There was the same pandering to J prejudices, the same irresolute exercise of authority, and the same concessions granted when concession could only be construed into fear. "When prior to the grand catastrophe, ominous events were taking place in various parts of the Empire, all tending towards some momentous crisis, they were similarly glossed over or ignored, and amidst all this, the Government organs were similarly full of assurances of safety, and so blinded were the authorities that the mutiny .came upon them like a clap of thunder, finding them unprepared, and.the fate of the Empire trembling in the balance. True it is, that British might and British courage triumphed,— as British might and British courage would'do in New 7ealand, but at what a cost was that victory achieved ?

It may yet not be too late. Let the Government cast to the winds the' entanglements of unskilled diplomacy; either the Queen has or has not the right to govern the native inhabitants. If the Maories are be so governed, Jet law and order, backed by the stern determination of powerful insistunce be brought to bear upon them,—extend to them the utmost protection of British law, but let them be as equally rendered amenable to its penalties, and we hesitate not to say, that this done, the colony would no longer be torn with., the struggles of antagonistic races—the Maories would learn to respect that authority -which was as prompt to punish as to protect, and, casting aside their puppet king, and tearing to shreds their mimic banners,-would enrol themselves under the standard of the Queen whose supremacy they ought to be made to acknowledge. '

Yesterday evening an occurrence took place in Maclaggan-street, which forcibly reminded one of the scenes which used to occurin the neighbourhood of Smithfield market, in London. A bullock, excited almost to madness, took forcible possession of a considerable part of the street from 3 o'clock until 5, during which time no little consternation and panic was created amongst the pedestrians. In fact, the street was not? unlike the arena of a Spanish bull fight, saving that instead of the eoura-eous bandarillos, picadores, and matadores of fair Seville, there was only a crowd of shouting and screaming men and women, striving to get out of the way. This had an equal effect in exasperating the animal, which made several ru.?he3at the spectators, capsizing some of them. After considerable trouble the beast was at leDgth .shot opposite Ross and Johnston's Hotel.

Now that the Government have so"" much difficulty in obtaining the coveted land at Coromandel from the Natives; it may be interesting to state what was the agreement made with the Natives on the same subject in 1852. The Government undertook to pay for a three years' license to dig and search for gold—for under £00 persons, .£6OO ; 500 to 1000, £900 ; 1000 to 1500 £1200; 1500 to 2000, £1000, and so on in the same proportion. The Native owners were to regiater themselves, and point out their boundaries to the Government, and the money paid to each body of owners so registered, to bear the same proportion to the whole sum that their land did to the whole block. All owners to dig gold on their own land without'payment to the Government. The property, of the land to remain with the Native owners.

We noticed a short time bnck, that some foolish sawyers in Inrercargill, arrogating to themselves the title of " the working classes," had prepared a memorial against the introduction of saw nulls! We are glad to notice that a working man write* to the Southland News on this subject, in the following strain : —" If these unsophisticated memorialists w«re to have their vruy pf it, the com-

munity at large must bo taxed for the benefit of a few pit-sawyers, and we should prefer employing the saw-mills of Europe and America iustead of our own—sending wealth away which might bo flowing iiito industrial channels at home, fructifying trade, and giving increased employment to the " working class" of Southland. These memorialists have committed themselves to a doctrine which identifies them with the dark ages of the past —when men opposed the introduction of improved manufacturing processes by machinery because it seamed to involve—although only temporarily—;.i displacement of manual industry; iV nornnt of the ,fact —as results have shown that machinery gires to men increased employment, as well a3 a greater command of the comforts of civilized life. A short extract from t-!O ' History of Machinery may not be inappropriate here:—'ln England, saw-mills had at first the same fate with printing in Turkey, the crane iv Strasbourg, &c.: the attempts to introduce them were violently opposed ; one erected by a Dutchman in 1853 was forced to be abandoned.' I fancy ' little Southland' is about to pass through the same ordeal at the hands of your modern Anglo-Turks and Dutchmen. It is disheartening to think that the ' tail end of the world' is three hundred yeara behind its nose."

We arc informed, on good authority, that quicksilver has bocn found in the neighborhood of Tokomairiro.

An alarm of fire was given yesterday ereniug. It proved, however, to be only one of the chimneys of Taniora house that had ignited, and which was speedily extinguished.

We regret to have to notify the decease of Llr. Kettle, the Provincial Auditor, and one of, if not, the earliest residents in Otago. Mr. Kettle was still in the prime of life, and hio loss will, be mourned by a large circle of sorrowing friends.

The performance of the Corsican Brother was repeated last night at the theatre, and with even better effect than on the previous evening. In the contest scene where Fubien di Franchi accomplishes his revenge upon the slayer of his brother the play £of Mr. Tom. Fawcett was really capital and characteristic, and Mr. Wolfe, who i played Chateau Jlenaud, also acquitted himself very wall. In the duel, the breatting of the swords mid the fighting with the broken points stiletto fashion was also excellently done. The two combatants walked round warily, eyeing each Qthef, and making feints in a very spirited and natural manner, and when they closed grasping each other's wrists, and it becamca trial of strength which should force his weapon to the others' heart, we were forcibly reminded of ,the descrip--tion in Cooper's novel of the Last of the Mohicans of the fight with knives Dotween Leather Stocking and the Indian. The rising of the spectre and the final tableau were also wel managed. The vociferations of a lunatic yesterday morning, which proceeded from H.M. gaol, were pxpessively boisterous, and couLl be distinctly heard in the vicinity of the Court-house. It is a lamentable thing that more suitable classification hns not been provided by the Government for the un-.: fortunate victims of insanity. Separate and distinct accommodation is most urgently required for the two classes of persons at present uuder- | going confinement in one building.

His Honor Mr. Justice Gresson will transact business in Chambers on Monday for the last time and will take his departure by the White Swan on Tuesday.

Tlio careless manner in which the blasting operations are conducted at the quarry is highly reprehensible. A blast was fired yesterday about half-past one o'clock, at the time that several persons happened to be passing, and the shower of broken rock was exceedingly dangerous.

The next meeting of the Town Board is appointed to take place on Monday next, at four o'clock in the afternoon.

. The Provincial Council was last night adjourned until Wednesday, the 18th June, at four o'clock in the afternoon, out of respect to the memory .of Mr. Kettle, the late Provincial Auditor. On the resumption of its functions, on the date above mentioned, the House will proceed to the election of a successor to the vacant office, by virtue of the powers conferred under the Act of 1861.

It is with no little pleasure that we hail the improvement that is being initiated in respsct to the footway in Princes-street. For some days past, a number of men, accompanied by a large vat of boiling bitumenous mixture, and other mysterious apparatus, have been busily engaged in constructing mi asphalt pavement from 'the corner of Eattniy-street to High-street. The result of their labor, hitherto, is in every respect a creditable one, and a remarkably level, neat and dry footputh now exists, where only \ fewdays ago it was a sea of mud. We trust that.the enterprising contractor, who is effecting so great a social convenience, will bo rewarded by extensive orders both from the Board and private individuals. We are inclined to think that asphalt pavements will be admirably suitable for Dutiedin, as it is only on very rare occasions that the sun acts ia Ofcigo with sufficient power- to have any injurious effect upon the mixture.

Building operations are still being actively carried on in every part of the city, and it is astonishing to remark the rapid change which is continually being effected in the aspect of certain localities. The most remarkable metamorphosis has taken place, eastward of the Catting, where from the Criterion to the Octagon, ranges of handsome ami substantial shops and stores now stand, where but a few weeks ago, native flax grew in rank-luxuriauce. When the jetty near the gaol is complete-1, and the new road from thence completed, this part of the city will assume a very imposing appearance.

His Honor, Mr. Justice Gresson sat in. chambers, yesterday morning, from half-past nine until cloven o'clock, when his Honor resumed business in open court, and disposed of the cases reported in another, column.

The Provincial Government of Otago, has invited tenders from parties willing to run steamers on the Otago coast, tenders to be sent in by the Bth August next. The specifications in connection with the service, comprise, a paddle steamer of not less than 90 horse power engines, and with a draught of water not exceeding six feet when loaded, to ply weekly between Duncdin and Oarnaru (C 9 miles) calling at Moeraki on the way. A weekly service between Dunedin and Molyneux, (GO 'miles) calling at Waikawa, (36 miles from Molyncux,) once in every month, by a paddle or screw steamer of not less than 100 tons burthen, and not to draw more than five feet of water when loaded, average speed to be eight mileß per hour. A weekly service between Dunedin and Waikouaiii, (23 miles,) and between Dunedin and Taieri liiver, (47 miles,) by a steamer not less thnn 60 tons burthen, not to draw more than 5 feet of water when loaded. A steam service on the Taieri River and Wuihqla Lake,' the steamer to be of about 40 tons burthen, and mot to draw more than 2£ feet of water when loaded, and to ply daily between Scrogg's Creek and Waihola, (22 miles,) going and coining the same way, and calling at the Ferry/ A service

four days in every week, between Molyneux and Tuapeka River, (30 miles,) calling at ihe Ferry and Potno'iakii, the up trip to be performed one day and the down trip on the next; also, to run two days a week between Molyneux and the Ferry, (13 miles.) going and returning same d.iy, taking the Quao brunch of the river one duy, and the Matau branch the following. This service is to be performed by a paddle steamer of about 50 tons, not to draw more than three feet of water when loaded, average speed to be ten miles per hour. The vessel te be fitted with a rudder at each end, and to be built in three water-tight compartments, tiic funnel to fold down on a level with thepadjltj box.

Provisions are required by the specifications for the due comfort and convenience of passengers, and the maximum rates of freight and passage to be charged. The following rates are not to be exceeded:— Moeraki and Dunedin, goods, 30s. per ton; wool, 12s, 61 per bnle. Oamaru and'Dunedin, goods, 303. pur ton; wool, 12s. 6d. per bale, to be landed and loaded 'at shippers expense. Passage—To Moeraki, saloon, 505., steerage, 305.; toUamn.ru, 50s. saloon; 355: steerage, landed at ship's expense. Molyneux and Dunedin, goods 305., per ton, landed at ship's expense. Waikawa and Dunedin, goods, 40s. perton, landed at ship's expense; wool, 15s. per bale; timber, 40s. per ton, brought alongside at shipper's exj^ense.

Fares.—To Molyneux, saloon 505.; steerage 308. To Waikawa, saloon 605.; steerage 40s. Scrogg's Creek to Waihohi, goods, 10s. perton. Passßge, Bs. . Bates of freight on the Clutha, not to exceed Is. per ton per mile, wool 6d. per bale per mile; passage, 6d. per mile.