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Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 487, 24 December 1879, Page 2

Tun tunc is now approaching when we have no doubt Government. will do something with regard to the Waimatc Plains, but we arc not prepared at present to say by what means they intend to. establish Ihoir rigid to a landed estate that lias not its equal in the colonies. That there will he a struggle on the part of the present occupiers, wo have not a doubt ; but sufficient time has been given to prepare lor any emergency, and wo therefore hope that every precaution will be taken, it necessary, to effectually put the Maoris under the European yoke —that is to say, that they shall ho made to feel that the laws of the land apply to them equally with Europeans. Te Wliiti still persists in saying there will be no lighting, but we have only his word for that. Wo place, as much reliance on that gentleman as we do on most of the Maori race, and the occupation of the Plains by Europeans will prove the truth of his statement. We do not wish to frighten settlers, but it is hardly to bs ex peeled that the Maoris will quietiv submit lo such a line track of country being taken from them without making some attempt to retain it ; but it is in the power of Government, by their firmness, lo quieklv settle die question. It is a well-known fact that the natives are not in a position to undergo the hardships of another lengthened war, for disease, consequent on the lives they lead, has thinned their ranks of some of their host warriors, and those wtio are left bear no comparison lo the lighting - men of even a few years hack. All tilings considered, then, we think that iinnness is all that is required ; and we hope ere long to be able to record f lie occupation of the Plains, with no fear of future disturbance.