The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays.) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 1879. WAIMATE PLAINS.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 411, 26 March 1879, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays.) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 1879. WAIMATE PLAINS.

The plans of the Waimate Plains, as surveyed for sale, are now in the district, and can be inspected at the Survey Office. The length of the block is about twelve miles, and contains some of the finest country in New Zealand. Government have wisely cut it up into small allotments, varying from 14 to 8U acres, thus giving the working man a chance of securing a home on this far-famed block. The site of the township is on Block VII., and is about five miles from the Waingongoro Bridge. It is not yet decided when the sale is to take place, but we trust it will not be long. People are beginning to feel anxious, and the sooner it is placed in the market, the better will bo the sale. As to where the land will bo sold, we have not the slightest idea, but can hardly think that any other place but Patea County will be selected —be it on the Plains, at Hawora, or Carlyle.

Since the above was in type, news has reached us of the stopping of the surveyors from proceeding further with the surveys, and of their having been carted off the Plains to this side of tl.e Waingongoro Ris r er, by the Maoris. It will be seem by onr report of the Parihaka meeting, that Tito Kowani was requested by two of his followers to demand the Waimate Plains from the Native Minister, but he declined. After Mr Sheehan and party left, another meeting was held, at which Tito Kowarn was duputed by Te Whiti to take the necessary steps to remove the surveyors from off the Plains, which Tito has done. We do not like the tone of the great prophet, and his violent action at the suggestion that Hiroki be brought to Justice, clearly indicates that his feelings towards the Europeans are not so peaceful as was thought. Te Whiti seems to have contradicted himself, for upon Mr Sheehan’s arrival, he condemned the action of Hiroki in making an exhibition of himself; bnt because the Native Minister demanded that this murderer should be given up to be tried by the laws of the land, Te Whiti allows his temper to run riot, and accuses the Government of being land thieves, Mr Sheehan the chief among them. What the Waimate Plains has to do with Hirolus being given up, we are at a loss to know ; but it is clear that Te Whiti only required some excuse for venting his pent-np wrath against the Government. From telegrams that appeared in yesterday’s Wanganni Chronicle , we notice that a very serious charge has been laid against the Native Minister, viz., of having made friends with Hiroki; bnt, whilst not at all favorable to the present Government, we do not think any member of the Ministry would so far forget himself, more especially one holding She important position Mr Sheehan does. Too many murders by Maoris have already been smoothed over, to be tolerated mnch longer; and, for the safety of the country, a more firm and decided course should be adopted by the Government. Major Brown has gone to Wellington to attend a meeting of the Cabinet, when it will be decided what steps Are to bo taken in the matter. We hope there will be no beating about the bush, but that these law-breakers will be taught a lesson they cannot soon forget. Is the country always to be in a state of fear from these bloodthirsty villains, who only remain quite till they have sufficiently recruited themselves, or made sure that supplies are at hand to cany on another war. Then they commence to assert their authority; and any poor wretches who come in their way are made to feel the love of a savage towards the Europeans. Let it not be supposed that we wish to see another war between the two races, but it is far better to have war than to live in a state of fear and trembling*