South Canterbury Times. MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1882.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2994, 30 October 1882, Page 2

South Canterbury Times. MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1882.

However we may disapprove the tactics of the Government in the House, we very willingly own that, judged by its results, the Native policy is eminently satisfactory. At the Parihaka juncture an attempt was made to show that the action of Government was tyrannical and invasive of the rights of subjects of the British Empire, and a protest was got up against the high-handed violation of the Habeas Corpus Act, which the detention of Te Whiti in custody involved. We never entertained the least sympathy with this kind of thing, considering it misplaced, totally uncalled for, and likely to weaken the hands of the Government at an emergency when the general welfare demanded that party strife should cease, and all unite to secure common safety. The truth is, the very best man that could have been selected was chosen to grapple with the native difficnlty, and his action did not belie the confidence reposed in him. Looking back upon that memorable epoch, we cannot withold a tribute of sincere admiration for the decision, promptitude, and completeness of the steps taken to avert a desolating war of races. The colony was steered through a very terrible danger, and the services of the Native Minister on that occasion entitle him to our gratitude. So far as the case of Te Whiti is concerned, we believe the feeble bowl that was got up about that prophet has at length died out, and a good many of those who joined in it have come to see that they were made egregious fools of. , The very exceptional circumstances of the case demanded that something should be done with this venerable old nuisance. Accordingly he was taken into custody—not consigned to a dungeon, but taken out sight seeing, and treated with the utmost respect and consideration. We venture to think that a better means of calming the truculent spirits of Te Whiti’s follower’s could hardly have been devised. He has seen for himself the power and resources of the colonists and dislike to bloodshed, and ha has been pretty well convinced by this time of the futility as well as the inexpediency of his people coming to blowsi with the Europeans. In the active interest which Mr Bryce still continues to take in native affairs, in his vigilance, and in his meeting their assemblies, we see a steady pursuance of the policy of mingled conciliation and firmness. The meeting at the Waikato now going on, is attended by the Native Minister in a friendly spirit.. If by a judicious acknowledgment of poor old Tawbiao’s regal dignity, his goodwill can be secured, so much the better. Every meeting like that now going on, must produce a good result in drawing together the two races, and cementing their union.: We augur the very best things! from the wisdom and vigilance of the Minister.