The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays.) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1879.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 415, 9 April 1879, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays.) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1879.

We are not among the number of those whom the New Zealander says “ gloat over the difficulty experienced by the Government in carrying out the survey of the part of the Waimate Plains not yet completed.” We heartily Avish the Government had no difficulties, as it would then be equal to its task. We are not in love with war—the fall of Mew Zealand securities, the murder of settlers, the ruin of the outlying districts, and the stagnation of business, are not among the things that avc vK-sir“. But nothing is more conducive to peace than readiness for Avar. Even civilised nations arc brought to their senses by some sho'v of force ; vrifners rJie bate complications in Europe, in which Lord Beaconsfield, by a slight show of force, lowered the tone of Russia—and surely saA'agesnmy be credited Avitb as much of the better part of valor as the Emperor of Russia. It is true that in New Zealand avc have no standing army, and as far as experience has gone, it is not a luxury to be desired. To arm the settlers well Avon!.! probably produce a greyer effect on tin. native councils then the landing of in Lmerial regimen i. The natives wisely wish to have only a war of words. They knew they could never be beaten in that lim*. To let them choose their AA-capons. then, means giving up the Plains. They hold possession, and in effect threaten force. The Government hope to prosper without either possession or force. It would take a lot of talking io make us give up our purse, but foAV words and an empty pistol Avonld probably succeed. Thu Government that accepts a war of words with Maoris, and hopes to Avin, lias certainly some “ difficulty'’ in store, and avo Avonld not be so void of pity as to “ gloat” over it.