THE STANDARD. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1872.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume 1, Issue 10, 7 December 1872, Page 2

THE STANDARD.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1872.

“ We shall sell to no man justice or right: We shall deny to no man justice or right: We shall defer to no man justice or right.”

Local and other matter leave us little space at our disposal. The principal item of news calculated to interest all alike is the timely visit of Mr. M‘Lean to the East Coast. During his presence here Tie has allayed many causes of irritation to the Natives, which, although they liad no foundation in fact, were causes nevertheless, that operated greatly to our disadvantage in endeavoring to work out with them a peaceable solution of our various forms of Government. They now understand from a high authority that the Road Board is not the bete noir they have been accustomed to consider it; and that it is their duty to support it and assist in its working. Such an announcement from one possessing Mr. M‘Lean’s influence, carries a weight which will prove valuable to our local body, and help to remove a good deal of something more than unpleasantness, which was beginning to be felt at what they began to look upon as a persecution. Their temporary triumphs over the Road Board in successfully resisting in a court of law the recovery of their assessments, was beginning to tell its own tale. They naturally think that the technicalities which have nonsuited the Board on several occasions, are evidences not only of the weakness, but the badness of our cause. It is to be hoped now that they see the desirableness of working with us, that the “influence of designing persons,” if there be any such, and to whom Mr. M‘Lean alluded, will become less.

The Commission of Enquiry promised by Mr. M'Lean, of which Mr. Locke is to be one, will also tend to dear up the haziness which seems to come over a proper knowledge of their responsibilities, while they readily accept the benefits of our rule.

The aettlement of the troublesome

dispute about the Patutahi Block is another cause for congratulation. It removes from our midst a huge difficulty, and what might have proved a fruitful source of annoying quarrelsomeness, leading possibly to bloodshed, from which it would have been difficult for us to keep aloof. Mr. M‘Lean saw the importance of the peaceful occupation of this block by the Government, and the diplomatic tact he ha,s shown in this matter exemplifies how absolutely necessary it is to have such a man at the helm of Native affairs. We award him our meed of praise, because at his door would have laid the blame of nonsuccess.

It is the intention of the Ngatiporou to lease 10,000 acres to the Government, who will sub-let on easy terms. The Ngatiporou will have a good rent-roll and capital tenants; and we shall be able to offer as an accompaniment to our invitations, some land worth the coming here to obtain ; they will, we understand, devote the proceeds of their rents to the establishment of Native schools along the coast. Thus falleth a two-fold blessing on the land, and long may it last!