The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays.) SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 1879.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 412, 29 March 1879, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays.) SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 1879.

The Waimate Plains difficulty has had the effect of causing a stir in the colony, and almost every paper has spoken on the matter. It is astonishing how remarkably fast bad news travels, and the different versions that are given of any calamity—no matter of what nature, fcjuch has been the case in the present instance, and numerous different statements have appeared as to the Native Minister’s action at Parihaka, as also to the removal of the survey parties from the Plains. However, one thing is very certain, Te Whiti has exercised his authority over his subordinates, and brought about the present difficulty; and this is the man of whom so much was expected in the way of peace making between the two races. No doubt this groat prophet felt small when the time came and passed by without the fulfilment of his prophecies, and the devil within him has been stirred up against the Europeans, the result .being the stoppage of the surveys on the Plains. Te Whiti might hare gone a little farther, and caused all the surveyors to bo murdered; but he is a wily cautions savage ami feared the consequences. He sits upon his throne in the mountain fastnesses, and orders this and that to be done, no doubt offering a little encouragement in the shape of future happiness to his servants. This man has forfeited all claim to trust, and no more dependence should be placed upon him. Government to all outward appearances, intend taking decisive measures with regard to the Wrtimate Plains difficulty, by placing a sufficient number of armed men in the vicinity, to push on the survey by force, if necessary. Nothing more could be expected, for had the present affair been smoothed over there is no telling where the matter would have ended. It would have been the signal for a general seizure of confiscated lands over the colony. The time has arrived when the final blow can he struck, and the Maori taught submission to the laws of the land; but allow the opportunity to pass, and the difficulty will be increased tenfold. At last the Grey Government have something to carry out that will not permit of promises, but which must be dealt with in a manner that will leave no doubt on the minds of these law-breakers what the future intentions of the Government are. Te Whiti is a sly fox, and whilst not wishing to take an active part in opposing Government, he is nevertheless the chief mover, and as snch should be treated. We should think the protection he has granted that notorious scoundrel Hiroki, would bo sufficient proof of his good intentions towards Europeans ; in fact, in our minds, he is not a whit better than the man to whore he has extended his protection. Parihaka is to the Maori what the refuges were to the Jews in olden times, with this difference, however—upon reaching a refuge, the Jew was protected till a fair trial was given him, and if found guilty, he was handed over to justice ; but the Maori, on committing a crime, starts off in all haste for his refuge, and it is a matter of very littlfe importance to the inhabitants whether he is guilty or.not, for protection is granted. If the Government intend making a decided stand against further interference by the Maoris'on the Plains, they should also demand, in a forcible manner if necessary, the giving up of Hiroki, and others who have committed similar crimes. It is snch men as these, by the recital of their deeds, that incite others to commit murders, not that any of them want much persuasion. The Maori is something after the stamp of the tiger, for once blood is drawn, he cannot rest till he has had his fill. Those who have been over the Waimato Plains since the removal of the surveyors, seem surprised at the jolly appearance of the Maoris (about forty in number), and the civil way they | wore addressed. No doubt the natives J think it is all right, and that they will not be molested again. Not so, trouble

is browing for To .Vliiti, the groat man eater Tito Kowaru, and their followers, for ifthe Government were even disposed to let the matt'r rest as it now stands, a determined people are not to be so easily appeased. Quito'enough has boon pot up with already, and those people must be dealt with very firmly. If it is any consolation to To Whiti or Tito Kowaru, we predict that the Phi'ns will ere long be under cultivation, but the tillers will not he of the color they love. These gentlemen may weep and wail, but the trouble has been brought on by themselves, and the host of a bad bargain had better be made. It might bo as well for them to take a farewell glance at the land of their forefathers; for so sure as the Maori rat gave way to the European rat, so sure will the Maori himself have to yield to the European. Kind means have been tried, with no success ; some other treatment must he adopted. By reference to our advertising columns, it will he seen that about 60,000 acres of the Plains are to be sold at Carlyle, on the Oth May next. Some are of opinion that the decision of Government is premature, and that they should have waited till the dispute was settled. But we are'inclined- to, think that n right step has been taken, for it shows that Government are not dumb to the feelings of the people in regard to this important matter. It might not be policy to sell the land till the difficulty is settled, but wo should think such steps will he taken before the oth May to do away with any fear on the part of those who intend to buy.

The New Zealander of Wednesday last, savs: —Another murder would render the passive action ot the Government no longer possible. Hiroki is still at large, and justice remains unsatisfied until the time has come when the Government can assert its power to compel his being delivered up. But a second affray of the kind would demand an instant march on Parihaka. We trust that future bloodshed may be prevented, but we should not be found unprepared. The land must be re-occupied, although we have some doubt of the propriety of sending back the surveyors unless protected by a sufficient force. Even wore the survey completed, the difficulty and danger ol settlers going on the land might prevent occupation. The determined attitude of the natives requires to be met by one equally determined, Are we then called upon to employ force to root out Te Whiti and his followers from Parihaka, in other words, to strike at the head and front of the mischief? No; the Government is not anxious to rush into war if it can be prevented, and it is seldom wise to be the first to begin, though it would be

impeachable to neglect any measure of precaution and safety. We think there is another and more direct means of effective retaliation. There are from Wellington to Hawera one hundred men possessing stout hearts, who would hold ziny position assigned to theui ? on conclitions. We speak with confidence, knowing many of the sons of the settlors, that if the Government gave 50 acres of land in the Plains to each man, on the condition that he hold it for seven years, a hundred picked men would volunteer at once to proceed to their land, prepared to hold it against all comers. The men of Wairoa (now Waverley) held their redoubt and their land, though completely isolated and surrounded throughout the whole period of Tito Kowaru’s war, and they numbered little more than fitly. The quantity of land we have suggested would bo a fortune to many a man. Nor would the sacrifice on the part of the Government be very great. On the contrary, we think it would be a positive gain. Indeed, if more settlements were necosary to security, they should bo at once made. Here then is the answer to Te Whiti, who might be distinctly informed that the Government would plant posts of volunteer settlements from Waingongoro to Parihaka, and maintain them out of the reserves set aside for the use of the natives. This is what we should understand by a strong policy, and we are well assured it is one that would prove eminently successful. Whatever power might be legally wanting to give effect to the contract, would be obtained from the Assembly when it meets. Public opinion would endorse a stroke of policy at once so vigorous and sound.