PUBLIC MEETING ABOUT NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 431, 31 May 1879, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING ABOUT NATIVE AFFAIRS.

On Wednesday afternoon, several gentlemen had met together, when the native doing at New Plymouth were brought up, and it was deemed advisable that a public meeting should be convened in Carlyle at once, for the purpose of hearing an expression of opinion from the settlers. Next morning notices were posted around the town that a meeting would take place that evening in the Council Chambers, and at the hour named (7 o’clock) the room was completely crowded. Considering the short intimation, the attendance was remarkable, and showed clearly that in a case of emergency, our townspeople will turn out in sufficient strength to quell any native disturbance. Mr G. F. Sherwood being elected to the chair, said there were those who would still say there was no cause for alarm, but he was of a different opinion. In 1860, the position of affairs was almost exactly similar to what it was now. The same messages were sent from Wellington to the effect that the natives did not intend fighting, and'the settlers believed it, the result of which was that terrible disasters followed. Mr Sherwood spoke of the manner in which the first murders took place at Waireka (Taranaki), when seven or eight settlers, deceived by the Government .of the day, wore mercilessly slain by Maoris. He did not believe there was one in the room who would like to be called an alarmist, but we ought to prepare for the worst, as appearances were not at all favourable. Government were no doubt being misled by their officers, as if good work was done by one official, another (considered better) was sent up to undo it. Settlers would not loose anything by having arms and ammunition served out to them, and if they were not required, so much the better. If a murder were committed within a short distance of the town, what was to be done. No assistance could possibly be rendered, since hardly a settler possessed the means of defence. .Government should atonce be petitioned to forward weapons of war, so that something could be done in case of need The native action seemed to be premidated, for it was not confined to one spot alone, other districts having been molested at the same time as New Plymouth. Te Whiti’s influence was reaching a long way. At the time McLean was shot by Hiroki, the cry was, “ Oh, it is not a political murder,” but the contrary had since been proved. This crime had caused considerable excitement amongst the natives, and at any time similar outrages might be expected. Before Tito Kowaru commenced his butchering career along this coast, exactly similar warnings were given as at the present, and it would be well to heed them in time. The only way to stamp out the evil would be to crush the Maori King and Te Whiti. The natives should be met with the strong arm of the law, followed by the sword, if necessary. Government should be asked to provide every male adult with arms and ammunition, as the whole County was confiscated land, and according to Te Whiti’s doctrine, this would be re-taken with the rest. Were wo to allow it. No. The natives must be taught that we were the masters of the position, and intend to remain so, Mr Sherwood concluded by moving, “That this meeting is of opinion that in consequence of the present attitude of the natives, it is urgently necessary that this district should be immediately put in a state of defence and that the Government be requested to at once forward a supply of arms and ammunition here, to be issued to the settlers when occasion required.” Mr Tregear seconded the resolution. Mr W. Williams said the difficulty had to he faced before, and he did not think it had now assumed a different phase. Great evil had been done by Europeans poisoning the.native mind as to the meaning of confiscation. Hitherto, the wars had to be fought by Government, who paid men to do it, but the settlers would have to settle the present difficulty j in fact, it would be a settlers’ war. The first American settlers had to fight for dear life against a savage foe, and the same would haver ta be done

here. Forbearance was not a virtue' when the Maori told us to our faces we were his slaves ; and it was not likely a British subject would take it quietly, The present difficulty bad no doubt been brought on by incompetency. When the ultimatum was presented on the rialns, to the effect that if the, Maoris did not ■ gfve : way, Colonel Whitmore and an armed force would bo sent up to decide the question, the natives to a man said “Lot Major. Brown finish his work.” But unfortunately another . was sent instead of Whitmore, win. niade matters still more complicated. TJito Kowaru at once turned round and said, “ You make one statement, and another comes here and contradicts it. Who are we to believe ?” Natives could not understand this mode of dealing. The fire had now been lit close to our own doors, much closer than we cared for. Did not think there was stay fear of a rising, but there was danger of an isolated murder. If we asked Government for arms, we ought to learn how to use them. Mr Hirst said when he addressd an audience, he liked to stand before them the same as he would like to stand before an enemy—face to face. He had been through most of the war that had passed, and never wished to see such horrible sights again as at times came under his notice. They were too horrible to dwell upon. Let Government'fight their own battles (the Waimate Plains), and we would fight ours. However, the question arose how were we to do this. The settlers were not in a position at the present time to make a stand against any natives who might take it into their heads to molest them. The means of defence were required, and Government should be asked to supply them. It would be too late to send to Wellington for arms after a house had been set on fire or a murder committed. When tha Imperial troops were removed from Patea, the settlers mustered 38, and these few were determined to hold their own. Surely a bettor stand could be made now.

Mr McDonell addressed the meeting. The resolution was then put, and carried unanimously. Mr Tregear then rose to propose the following resolution, “That the settlers of this meeting sign their names as being willing to form themselves into a corps for the local defence of Carlyle, and request to be armed and drilled at once."—The mover did not think the suggestion of arming the settlers indiscriminately would be one likely to meet the views of Government. He was fully convinced that the present difficulty would result in a settler’s war, and it would be the last Maori war we should see in New Zealand. The time had come when we must vindicate our names as Englishmen, and properly a organised corps was the only way of doing it. Would not be in favor of going to the Plains, Parihaka, or Taranaki to fight. There would be plenty to do at home. By adopting the plan proposed in the resolution, it would give a sense of security to the whole district. It should be impressed upon Government that we were in earnest. The Maoris were forcing the difficulty on us, for the purpose of regaining their territory ; and the question stood thus—lf we cannot return the land to the natives, wo must return the natives to the land. Mr Hirst seconded the resolution.

Mr Williams said it was very easy to get warm at a meeting,.but it should bo remembered that something was required afterwards. It was a wise precaution to be in readiness, although settlers should be taught how to use rifles when they got them.

Mr Sherwood would willingly append his name to the list, but it must be on the understanding that it was a local defence force. He hoped other towns would take the same action as Cai lyle. Mr D. Hughes would caution the meeting not to sign as volunteers, in which case they could be taken anywhere. He had experience of this, and was ordered to a distance to fight the enemy, Wiving to leave his wife and family to take care of themselves. Many would sign not knowing anything about the Act. A discussion took place on the advisability of having the Militia called oui, but it did not meet the views of the meeting. Mr Williams was in favor of going anywhere, if required. Better to fight the Maori on his own ground, than let him come too our door. We did|not want the fighting here. Mr Dale was agreeably surprised to see such a large gathering, and it showed that the settlers were alive to their interests. It was time we took the matter in hand, and if Government could be induced to accept our services as a local defence force, it would be wise to form a corps. The thing should be gone into with proper spirit, and then some good might result. If a war broke out, it would take the settlers in each, town all their time to do their own fighting, and Government would be compelled to do the remainder. On the resolution being put, it was carried unanimously, and the Chairman called upon those in the room to sign their names, which was readily responded to by all present. A Committee consisting of Messrs Sherwood, Dale, Tregear, and Hirst was formed to watch events, and also to forward copies of resolutions to Government.