CORRESPONDENCE.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 81, 23 August 1873, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

[Our columns are open for free discussion ; but we do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Correspondents.] TO THE EDITOR OF THE STANDARD. Friend, —We have rumours of certain accusations made by Mr. J. Peachy, who has seen our unlawful proceedings in this district of Waiapu, beginning at Whare Kahika (Hick’s Bay) and ending at Uawa (Tologa Bay.) That is, the misconduct of the Native Assessors, as, he stated; also his calumnious reports reflecting on the Maoris in this district, and his disparagement of the place, and people among whom he resides, they being the owners,—suffice it that all his statements are wrong. Europeans are aware that the Maoris are not a people of knowledge, but are willing to listen to the teaching of those into whose hands the conduct of the laws are entrusted. We do not mean to say that we have made great progress in our knowledge, but we are better than we were formerly. It is only within the last-few years we have known there was a law to permit the sale of spirits in this district. Formerly there was no law of the kind ; then Mr. J. Peachy used to land large quantities to sell to the Maoris, not to men only but to all who had money to pay for it, from the oldest person to the youngest child, he then had no compunction or fear, money being the main object; and he was pleased at not having to pay duty or license. These are the sort of things that were done unlawfully. We deny the statement of this old man. What he says is false; if true he would have deserted here long ago. Another thing; he has no right to complain, as the lands belong entirely to the Maoris ; however, perhaps he will soon leave us as he desires. That is all. —From your friend Tamati Tautuhi.