To the King Country.

Patea Mail, 23 February 1882, Page 3

To the King Country.

Mr Bryce is making an official tour in Auckland, apparently to inform himself as to the real meaning and consequence of the Maori King’s new attitude towards the pakeha race. One result is that Mr Bryce has had a friendly chat with Rowi, (lie Maori king-maker and adviser. It is said this interview took place at Rewi’s request. Knowing something of official diplomacy, we should rather say that Rewi bad the idea suggested to him in a pleasant, accidental, roundabout way, and at once acted on it. The natives in the King Country are changing their policy of sulky isolation, and meeting the pakehas more than half way. The Maoris want cushioned coaches drawn by steam, and they want fine clothes of guaranteed London pattern, so that the Maori gentleman may be a tip-top swell, and the Maori lady may be a Regent-street belle. It is all quite natural, though coming suddenly like the measles, or like a new revelation.

Mr Bryce will be able, after this talk with Rewi, to make an interesting statement to Parliament on the Native question, and on the improved relations of the two races both on the West Coast and at the head of the Waikato. Mr Bryce is a fortunate Minister. Difficulties that looked formidable, and solvable only by blood or long years of waiting, have been melting before his ardent glance. His policy is the essence of simplicity. He says, “ I will and the Natives have now been taught to know that Ids word is not the word of a trifler, and so they bow before his will like children that superstitiously respect a higher power.