The Southland Times. SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 1864.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 32, 13 August 1864, Page 2

The Southland Times. SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 1864.

Tjieiie is a party in the Colony who, in the face of past experience, would be willing to revert to the old system of dealing with the Maories. They believe the present war not only useless but iniquitous, and pin their faith implicitly to a conciliation policy. There is no exaggeration in saying that, in dealing with the native question, their sympathy for the Maoi'i out-weighs all considerations for the European settler — not from any antipathy to the latter, but from a mistaken vieAv both of the rights and character of his colored antagonist. The general feeling of the country, nt the last Session of the Assembly, was so strong as to the advisability of putting a stop at once to the rebellion by the exercise of strong measures — by the vigorous prosecution of the war, and the confiscation of a portion of the lands of the rebels, — that Ministers were enabled to secure the passing of laws with that object, which at one time would have been regarded as preposterous by New Zealand politicians. They were prepared to involve the Colony in debt to a large amount, in order to the development of their scheme; and there is no denying that they carried the sense of the country with them. The doctrines of the " peace-at-any-price " party were clearly at a disco ant, and for the the time they had to content themselves with doing what mischief they could effect in a very small way. Recent events have somewhat modified the aspect of affairs. Tiie military operations have extended over a longer period than was at first anticipated ; and we are compelled to say, have not been characterised by the unvarying success which was at first looked for. The Maori has proved himself a braver soldier, and a better engineer, than he had credit for before the commencement of hostilities. The regular troops, though behaving as well as ever in the presence of the enemy, have become disgusted with a war in which there is so little chance of gaming that renown so dear to the soldier, and would gladly be removed to other scenes, -where they might either meet a more civilized foe, or enjoy a season of rest after their arduous campaigns ; and the s-ettlers themselves, in many instances, would be glad of peace, without looking too closely at the manner in which it was obtained, or stopping to consider whether the basis on which it rested afforded sufficient guarantee for it 3 permanence. The peace party have made the most of what they are pleased to term the failure of the war. They say, " You have tried to subdue " the tribes by force of arms, and " have succeeded in involving in the " quarrel thousands, who, before the " war, were well affected towards British " rule. You should now see what the " plan of conciliation will effect." But the hands of the philantJirojjists have been strengthened in a manner that many of them had never dared to hope. The despatch of Mr. Cabdwell, and the debate on the New Zealand question in the House of Commons, show that although the Imperial G-overnment does not deem it advisable to disallow the measures passed during the last session of the Assembly, their original intention is to be greatly modified, and a more than ordinary discretion leftinthehands of the Governor. Nothing could be more opportune for those by whom the war has been considered from the first (to use a mild term) a mistake. Already the question is asked — Will the Ministry resign, now that it is no longer in their power to carry out the policy to which they stand pledged ? That question of the resignation of the Ministry is one of the last importance to the Colony at the present moment. Does the partial non-success of the military operations, coupled with the despatch of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, afford sufficient grounds for the desertion of their posts by Ministers ? We cannot think so, and will endeavor to show why. We have said that the peace party have had their hands strengthened by recent events. The Home G-overnment greatly modifies the scheme of the General Assembly ; the war has lasted longer than was expected ; the military and, many of the settlers are tired of the contest, and those best acquainted with the political antecedents of Sir Geoege Geey will admit that he would gladly wash his hands of the struggle, and return to the old system, which obtained so largely during the whole term of his first pro-consulate, and was attempted again with such bad success during the early part of bis second. ]

But there is another point from which to- view the Maori question. > If we have not succeeded in' subduing the natives, we have at least done much towards effecting that object. The "Waikato country has been swept clear of > the rebels. The pick of the men, the greatest of the. chiefs, have fallen, and a large tract of country passed into the hands of the Crown by right of conquest. The latest news from the North conveys intelligence of the most gratifying description. ¥c allude-to the unconditional 'surrender of oneKundred and fifty natives at Tauranga. We are not prepared to go . as far as some, and look at this surrender as a virtual termination of the war ; but it shows that a section of the Maori race has felt so much of : British power as to be convinced of the hopelessness of continuing the struggle, andit is surely not going too far to suppose that > their ex> ample will have a great moral effect on their countrymen who are still in arms. It will create a feeling of insecurity ■in their minds; a distrust as to the fidelity of their comrades, which may, and probably will, lead to the best results. So far, then, we do not consider the policy which was endorsed by the Assembly has failed. We come now to Mr. Cardwell's despatch, which, whilst intimating the assent of the Imperial Government to the Confiscation Policy of the Ministiy, places many restrictions on the free operation of the Acts of last session. Enough power, however, is left in the hands of the G-overnor to render it possible that, with his concurrence, the expressed wish of the Assembly may, in a measure, be carried out. A very grave responsibility rests at the present time with Sir George GritEY. Should he throw obstacles in the way ; should he attempt to make confiscation a farce, instead of a stern reality — should he, in shorty seize the opportunity for reverting to his old policy — the Ministiy will be compelled to resign ; and a change of Ministry on this Maori question means an entire change of policy, the baneful effects of which would not be bo much felt at the present as in the future. It might be possible to obtain peace now, or very shortly ; but until peace is obtained by the absolute submission of the Maories, there-^ill be no security for the future. The policy of the Assembly should be carried out. The power of organising a rebellion with the slightest hope of success should be for ever removed from the natives, and the Acts of last Session, if carried out, will effect that. Whichever way Sir G-jsoege G-uet's sympathies may tend, it must be remembered that he ha» learnt much since his arrival in New Zealand. He has seen his favorite method of dealing with the Maori fail utterly ; and he will be a bold- man if he again attempt it. Should the present Ministry be forced to resign, the opportunity may be again presented to him. With regard to the financial part of the question, the Colony is in no difficulty. The Imperial G-overnnient have agreed to guarantee one million sterling, and Mr. Wood is oi opinion that the remaining two millions can be obtained without much difficulty, on the terms proposed by the Assembly. There are fair grounds, we submit, for hoping that the policy of the present Ministry, if persevered in, will be successful. There are evidences that the natives are arriving at a juster estimate of British power than they formerly were inclined to admit, and ere long the fact will force itself on their minds that a continuance in rebellion is but another term for extirpation. It is not difficult to see what course they will choose. Their submission should be the sign for the G-overnment to stay its hand, and be merciful as well as just. It is our earnest hope, then, that the present Ministry will continue to hold office, andwith the co-operation of Sir G-eorge Gf-REY, work out the problem of the Maori difficulty to a successful termination.