THE RELEASED MAORIS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2360, 9 October 1880, Page 4

THE RELEASED MAORIS.

Mr Bryce has a ddressed to Wlremu Kingi, the chief who was arrested with other prisoners, and was liberated among the twenty-six on Monday, a letter of which the following is a translation: Native Office, Wellington, October, 1880.

Friend Wiremu Kingi,—Greeting. The time has now come for me to say a few words to you. When you and your companions were sent to Dunedin you refused to accept my offer to be separated from your comrades, and said that you preferred that the Government should show kindness to your people in settlement of their grievances on the West Coast rather than to yourself personally. I then told you that the desire of the Government was to deal justly, and that I would use every effort to promote peace between the two races. Ten months have passed since that day, and the promise of the Government which I gave to you has been kept. The Governor appointed Commissioners in accordance with the will of Parliament and the whole European people to inquire into the causes of the discontent of the Natives in “ order,” as he said in his proclamation, “ that any just ground of complaint which might exist might be removed, and peace be firmly established between both races.’’ Those Commissioners have now made their inquiry and have reported to the Governor what they think would be a fair settlement of the differences which have existed, and have pointed out what lands they consider should be set apart for the Maoris who desire to live in peace. Since that report was sent to the Governor Parliament lias met and an Act been passed which enables the Governor, “as he may think fit, to make a final settlement of every claim or grievance of any native arising out of any award, promise, or engagement, howsoever made, by or on behalf of the Government of the Colony, in respect of lands situated within the confiscated territory, and, so far as it may be expedient, to do so in accordance with the reports of the Commissioners ; ” and the law also authorises him to set apart reserves for the natives in such ways as may secure their permanent welfare. At the same time Parliament has said that all Acts of lawlessness must cease, and that any natives who obstruct the Government in giving effect to its plans Will be punished as the law directs. The Government have done and are prepared to do its part. Large and ample pieces of land will be set apart for those Natives who desire that troubles should cease. Roads, which will benefit both Maori and Pakeha, have been made, and arrangements have also been made for the friendly occupation of the land by both races, side by side. The Government have said that it desired peace, not war, and its words have been proved. Even the arrests which have been made were to prevent foolish obstruction to a clear settlement —obstructions which would have brought on war, causing death to the Maori people. The sun will shine now if the desire of the Government is accepted and accomplished. Let the clouds that have obscured it be dispersed. It only now remains for the Natives to accept that which is offered in the “ accepted time,” lest the “ day of salvation ” draw to a close, and the night of confusion again arise, so that the good work which has begun be hidden in darkness. The Government have determined to let you and those with you free first of all, so that you will see that the words are true which the Governor said, “that he did not wish to return to war, or to retain the prisoners longer than was necessary in the interests of both races. Our desire is to release the rest of the prisoners, and this will be done upon your return if the Natives accept the proposals now made to them. It now rests with you to show that you are willing to help me in doing that which you wish me to do, and which I have been working at for this long time—viz., to cause the confusion to cease, and promote the real interest of your people. Sufficient from your friend, John Bryce. P.S.—I send you herewith copies of the law to which I have referred and the proclamation of the Governor put forth.