The Southland Times. WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 1868.

Southland Times, Issue 994, 29 July 1868, Page 2

The Southland Times. WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 1868.

We are again brought face to face with the Native difficulty. The Northern news published in our last issue is important and ominous, showing plainly ±hat_we_ mnsfc prepare for a war which threatens to be as fiercely and treacherously carried on the native side as any yet experienced in the colony. It is humiliating to know that at the commencement of renewed hostilities the Maoris should have gained a signal victory — a victory that will inspire them with confidence in their powers to conquer, and draw to the rebel flag thousands of the undecided, and, so-called, friendly natives. The pleasing delusion which has been cherished during the last two years, that the war was ended, and the outrages occasionally heard of merely the doings of isolated bands of Hau haus who were not sympathised with by the Maori people, has been dispelled, and we are again forced to realise the fact that discontent and a thirst for revenge still burns in the breast of almost every tribe of natives in the North Island. From all quarters rumors of preparations for a determined struggle are being received. The pivot of the Maori creed is an " eye for an eye, and a 1;ooth for a tooth," and they are carrying it out. The accounts of the onslaught at the Turo-turo-mokai redoubt, and of the bloody cannibal orgies which followed, areof such a diabolical description as to make every civilised man bristle with indignation, and pant for the opportunity of punishing the murderers, and administering a lesson to the whole Maori race which it would never forget. This melancholy record of death, treachery, and ' barbarous mutulation must suggest the inquiry — when will this state of things end ? Never until the colonis ts of New Zealand force the Grovernor and the Government to a determined war ; a war that will settle for once and for ever the question of British supremacy. The vacilating policy hitherto pursued, the sentimental vaporings of the pseudo-maori philantrophists, the persistently misplaced faith in hollow expressions of loyalty, must be succeeded by a determined, energetic, and unflinching effort to tread out the: last spark of rebellion. What has the G-bey policy brought the country to? It has plunged it into debt, destroyed the prestige of the British arms, impregnated the Maori mind with the conviction that the British Government, and the Grovernor of the colony, were so completely under Missionary and Exeter Hall influence that no matter what atrocities were committed, what nuni-. ber of lives sacrificed, no adequate punishment would follow. They have ample grounds for coming to such a conclusion. Weakness, indecision, and systematic inactivity have naturally inspired the Maoris with the belief that right is on their side, and they must conquor. Is it possible to imagine anything more stupidly insane than the formation of a Penal Settlement at Chatham Islands, with only about a dozen men as custodians of nearly two hundred of the most fierce and determined rebel prisoners. The escapeof these prisoners with arms and ammunition is an indelible disgrace to the country, and a stinging censure upon the Defence Dej artment. When the prisoners were first exiled to the Chatham Islands, rumors were afloat to the effect that Sir Gteobge Gteet never intended that the term of servitude to which they had been sentenced should be enforced. This was the conviction of the Maoris themselves, and recent events would certainly go far to give a coloring of truth to the report. The well known Maori proclivities of the ex- Grovernor, and the peace at any price policy he maintained, has lead to a long series of mistakes too momentous to be calmly reviewed. It would now be useless to pine over the past. The fact is that years of war, involving the expenditure of millions, and fearful loss of life and property, has left the colonists in a less secure position than they were before the first outbreak. The question now to be considered is, what policy Bhall be adopted for the future? . ■

It is certain that the war policy of New Zealand should now be uncompromising, prompt, and determined, the rebel natives must be completely beaten. The time has passed when sentimental sympathising with the 'noble savages' can be tolerated. The seed sown by the peace party has brought forth fruit, and what is it ? Treacherous murder, the mangling of the bodies of fallen foes, and a return to the vilest description of cannibalism. Is Sir Geobge Bowen equal fco the emergency ; is he prepared to determinedly and unwaveringly face the difficulty ?. We fear not. From His Excellency's despatches to the Duke of Buckingham, published in other columns, it would appear that the , present Governor is likely to follow in I the footsteps of his predecessor. His account of his journey from Auckland to Wellington is more like a newspaper report than a State document. He appears to be perfectly delighted with the questionable enthusiasm with which he was received, and is evidently indoctrinated with the views of those who accompanied him, paliation of Maori oifences, and conciliation — a policy that has been tried and failed. It must now be war in earnest, and any Government that will not put down rebellion with a strong arm cannot continue to possess the confidence of the people. There must be no more sham trmls, no more prisoners sentenced to penal servitude allowed to escape, and no more mock confiscation of rebel lands. If the Native difficulty is to be : settled, prompt and certain punishment must, follow Maori depredations, and no quarter given to the perpetrators of such sanguinary murders as it las recently been our melancholy duty to record. The war that has now commenced must be sharp, short, and decisive. If this cannot be done it would be better to abandon the North Island altogether. -

We understand that Mr J. M. M'Clure is to meet his constituency, at Ryal Bush^ this day at noon. Oar Bluff correspordent, under date 28fch insfc., says : — I have to report a narrow escape from drowning which occurred hero on Sunday morning. The party in question, Torrence Galloway, took a small flat bottomed dingy from the wharf with the intention of having a paddle about the bay, but not knowing the harbor he proceeded too far out and was caught in the current— it being ebb tide at the time, which he could not stem, and from which he could not extricate himself, Finding he was being rapidly carried out to sea he raised an alarm, which was fortunately heard by a few people on the wharf, who manned a whale boat and put off to rescue him. At the same time a boatman who . was at Tewais point, seeing the dangerous position G-alloway was in, put off to a convenient distance, and under his guidance Galloway succeeded in. pulling through the cuirent abouF 30 yards from the rip — where there was a very heavy sea on } which would have instantly engulphed his /rail craft. The whaleboat having now got down, G-alloway was saf^jv transhipped on board, and landed again on terra jirma— the dingy being loft at Tewais point. , ■ Mr T. B- Bain, late clerk to the Christchurch Bench, and now undergoing his examination on a charge of embezzlement preferred by the Son. John Hall, has been removed to Sunnyside, the lunatic asylum of Canterbury, on the warrant of two medical men. The matter was freely commented upon in Christchurch. Three shoemakers, it is said, won Fishhook, the gem of the Maribyrnong stud, the whole of which was disposed of by lottery, some time ago, in Australia. Those fortunate disciples- of St. Crispin also drew a lucky number, which placed into ' their stable ' Fishhook's dam, the celebrated Marchioness. The owner of the Maribyrnong stud gave 3,600 guineas for Fishhook, and 1,200 guineas for Marchioness. Of the entire lot, valued at £20,000, only one prize came to New Zealand. . ....... The "Lyttleton Times," 22nd July says: — '*' The Provincial Treasurer's statement of accounts for the quarter ending June 30, has just been published. The receipts during the quarter amounted *o £250,315 9s 4d, including, among many small sums, £44,106 Is on account of land revenue, £5592 on account of Westland contribution, and £190,000 on account of the Canterbury loan of 1862. The expenditure during the quarter amounted to £27,672 10s sd. To this must be added £11,943 3s Bd, balance against the province at the Bank of New Zealand on March 31 1868, now repaid. The balance in hand, on June 30, was £182,546 6s Id. But this balance is reducible by £51,929 17s Id due to the Bank of New Zealand. Payment of this is deferred until a vote of the Provincial Council has been passed." We learn from the " Wakatip Mail" that " the Chinese are doing well on the shores of the Lake — a situation that i suits them admirably. They are well sheltered from the wind, are quite dry, and can live in the bush surrounded by fine timber. One or two of their headmen tell us to expect a large population next spring, so we shall probably soon find in each of -the pretty nooks and bays that surround the Lake a Chinese encampment. Certainly Swiss chalets and cottage ornees would look more pleasing, and make the scene more attractive ; but these cannot be expected at present, and we must be content with more prosy and practical effects.' ' The Christchurch correspondent of the Westland Observer says that a most important document has appeared in the form of a report from Dr Hector on the river Wai.aakariri. He states tiiat in his opinion Christchurch is in imminent danger -from an overflow, and suggests certain remedies for lessening, if not removing, this danger. It is somowhat remarkable that just at the time the Maori war is resumed the orders for the removal of the remnant of the Imperial army should have been received. It is stated that transports have been provided for moving the 18th regiment from New Zealand to the Australian Colonies. ' '

The Melbourne • Herald ' contains an advertisementof a'Grand distribution of freeholdproperties' on the Art Union principle, in 9300 shares of two guineas each. AMr Hu^h Peck has determined to dispose of his freeholds, divided into 270 prizes ; each prize consisting of either a hotel, a dwelling-house, a building allotment, site for a gentleman's villa, or a market garden. The total value is stated at £19,528 2s sd. A plan of an improved sheep washing machine has been shown us (' Timaru Herald ') ; as far as we can judge by a cursory examination of the plan, the apparatus seems admirably adapted for the purpose intended, that of washing the fleece on the sheep's back well and expeditiously, and giving it thereby a far higher value in the market than obtained by the old and primitive process. The apparatus is about to be fitted up at the Levels station. The patentee of it is Mr John Alves, of Dunedin. The apparatus complete is by no means costly, and would well repay the flockmaster in the increased value given to his wool. "We have to acknowledge the receipt of the abstract of certain principal results of the late census, and other Parliamentary papers. The 'Sydney Mail' says:— "The Governor has gone for a crui3e to the southward and th§ south-west. It is his intention, after getting a glimpse of Biverina, to return home by way of Melbourne. He has been received with loyalty wherever he has gone, but under the present constitutional regime he can promise nothing as he goes. That is a prerogative which belongs only to a Minister, and Mr Martin accompanied him to do all that is needed in. that line. Perhaps it makes it all the more enjoyable for the Governor not to be worried by deputations about roads and bridges." The following summary of Parliamentary news is compiled from the telegraphic correspondence published in the 'Otago Daily Times.' The Eoad Board Bill contains 248 clauses ; existing road districts may be brought under the Act by petition to the Governor when the petitioners outnumber those that in a similar way oppose it. The new districts are not to be less in area than 15 square miles ; if the petitioners against the formation of a Road District are in the majority, the application can be renewed from time to time. The Board is to consist of six members elected by the ratepayers, and the revenue to consist of rates, tolls (except on the Main roads), any grants from a Provincial Council or the Assembly, and 20 per cent of the land fund where less than half the land is sold ; 25 per cent where £ ths is soldi and 30 per cent if f ths or more is sold. This regulation is not to be applicable to Timaru or Gladstone. All bridges, roads, or ferries, are to be managed by the Board . The Superintendent may direct the Boards to construct Main Koads, and, on refusal, construct them at the expense of the Board. The Main Roads made, all funds applicable to them can only be expended in repairs. The Minister is to report annually to the Assembly. The Governor may issue regulations to facilitate the work. Where the Superintendent has failed to act, the Governor may do so. Wellington, -• July 20th. The Escapees have retired from their entrenchment, and scattered — it is expected . to their homes. Mr Booth/ R.M., has arrived from Patea. The Natives along the country to Taranaki are avowedly disaffected. Colonel Gorton at Wanganui, - has— scarcely- -obtained any of the 100 Tolunteers called for. Wellington, July 21.— Nearly all the members are now present. The Treason Felony Bill has been in committee all the afternoon. After an attempt to throw it out by Messrs O'Neill, Gallagher, Haughton, and others, it passing with slight amendments. Colonel Haultain is going forthwith to Patea. Wellington, July 22.— 0n Tuesday, the Treason Felony Bill passed with slight amendments. A petition from Waikouaiti to be made a County has been presented. On the committal of the Bridges and Ferries Bill, Mr Yogel moved, and Major Heaphy seconded, that it be committed that day six months. An animated debate ensued, but Mr Hall declaring that the Bill was absolutely necessary for Westland, the motion was lost by 32 to 20. On going into committee, Mr Trarers moved an amendment that the title of the bill "be ' Westland bridges and Ferries Bill.' After a long debate, Mr Vogel's amendment, that the bill should only apply to districts, was carried on the voices. Thereupon Mr, Hall refused to go further that night, and moved that the chairman ' report progress.' On Wednesday a petition from Picton to be made a County was presented. A despatch dated May 22 was read. It stated that transports would be provided for moving the 18th Regiment to the Australian colonies, relieving troops there ordered elsewhere. The Crown Agents leport that £92,000 of General Government fives, £297,000 ditto sixes, and £521,151 Provincial sixes ha I been sent in for consolidation. For the new loan, double the amount required was tendered for in the first two days, one firm tendering for the whole. Mr Stafford moved the first reading of the Disqualification Bill. It debai'3 office-holders of the General Government from seats in either House, and provincial officers also while the provinces share in the consolidated revenue. The Colonial Executive and Superintendents alone are excepted. No one spoke upon it. Wellington, July 24. The Offences Bill was under discussion all last night* The Houss was one continued scene of laughter, confusion, and recrimination. The Sunday Observance Clause was thrown out, by 30 to 18 ; and an attempt to do the sama with the whole Bill was defeated on a iivision, by 28 to 21. Mr Travers gave notice of a motion to consider the Government Native Policy, for Wednesday. Mr Haughton's motion, for a reduction of the Gold Duty, is to come on the same day. This afternoon, the second reading of the Mortgages of Stock Registration Bill came on for consideration. ' It was opposed by Messrs Travers, Bell, Borlaae, Fox, Brown, and Brandon ; bat it was carried on Mr Hall consenting to refer it to a Select Committee. The Provincialists held a party meeting this morning. The " Melbourne Herald " of July S says :— It was rumored last night that -v- Charles Darling was likely to be appoint .''l to the Gover-' norship of South Australia. ( We (" Ly ttelton Times ") understand that the Government have appointed C. C. Bowen, Esq., R.M., and J. W. Hamilton, Esq., R.M., to act as comniissiouera to enquire into and report upon certain charges made against Mr Warden Kynnersley. Messrs Bowen and Hamilton start for Westport this morning, 21st July. .. ; ...

We understand that Mr Smith, who for sometime past has had charge of the Invercargill Telegraphic department, has been promoted to a good position in the head office at Wellington. During his term of office in this thown, he has made many friends, and earned the reputation of being an efficient and painstaking publio servant. The ' c Atlas " announces that the Indo-Euro-pean Telegraph Company have obtained the amount of capital required— £4so,ooo. Passing through Lowestoft, Nordeney, and Berlin to Odessa; thence by sea to the Crimea j and again by sea to a point south of the Caucasus, and so to Teheran, the lines will be so connected as to place this last place in instantaneous communication with London. We understand that in two years from now the company will work the Persian line from Teheran to Bushire, and that the Indian Government has promised to lay down a Becond sea-line from thence to some point on the coast, which will be in telegraphic communication with Kurrachee. The three Powers through whose territory the wires will pass— Prussia, Russia, and Persia—^have con ceded that the eompanys' employes should refcahv the entire charge ; and as the line can be completed to a sum incomparably smaller than the cost of a Bed Sea cable, there is at last excellent prospect of a cheap and efficient service. The following account of the arrest of a murderer will be read with more than ordinary interest. The Meroo (N. S. Wales)^ correspendent of the 'Western Post,' writing upon the circumstances connected with the apprehension of a chinaman, Ah Mow, charged with the murder of one Ralph Lee says :— The t murderer of Lee has been produced. The circumstances attending the capture as far as I can collect them, are as follows: — Some days since tha Chinese residing in the neighbourhood of the murders held a great prayer and invocation meeting in the temple of Joss, concluding with casting lots amogst themselves in a form very similar to our " shake in the hat," in order, it is presumed, to give Joss an opportunity of employing detective agents of his own choosing. Without desiring to detract from any intrinsic merit that imaginary gentelman may be supposed by his enemies to possess, I must never-; -theless observe that the labours of his nominees on the occasion were considerably lightned by a prior knowledge of the fact that the Chinaman, subsequently apprehended, had already commited more than one murder in his own country, and was then missing, This missing man was accordingly found in a drive in a digger's hole, on a spot near the Cudgegong, a few miles distant from the scene of the murder, and was pointed out to senior constable Chiplin, of tne Hargraves police, who apprehended him. He at once confesed to the murder of Lee, but denied all pai ticipation in the atack on the children According to his own acount, the murder was the result of a squabble about some change claimed in what he alleged to have been a halfcrown, but which Lee maintained to have been merely a florin. Prisoner states ttu the murdered his victim with his pocket knife — a statement which does not tally with the medical evidence given at the magisterial inqury held on the body of Lee.