GENERAL.

Southland Times, Issue 1170, 24 November 1869, Page 2

GENERAL.

Colonial politics call for no remark ; the Assembly is still in recess, and will not meet before February. The Native war seems to be dying a natural death. The two arch-rebels, Te Kooti and Tito Kowaru, are both reduced to great straits, having but few followers, and less of the munitions of war. The Defence Minister, Mr M'Lean, ha* been on a tour through the disaffected districts, and has met with a most cordial reception. His wonderful influence with the natives has been productive of the most beneficial results. The Kingites have decidedly refused to co-operate with either of the marauders above-named, and two of their leading chiefs, Hewi and Manuhiri, have concluded terms of peace, and promised to assist Mr M'Lean in putting an end to the strife, and restoring tranquilifcy to the country. Most of the powerful tribes — those who have something to lose, profess themselves tired of fighting, and express their desire to bury the hatchet. A few turbulent hapus still roam about, but neither with sufficient force nor daring to cause alarm, and there can be no doubt that under the guidance of their " Waihua," or "Father," as they call Mr M'Lean, most of the hostile tribes will soon lay down arms and return to peaceful pursuits. "When that consummation has been reached, New Zealand will, no doubt, enter an era of more rapid progress than has yet marked her history, for if the war has been a present hindrance and grievous trial to the colonists, it has forced the country upon the notice of thousands wbo otherwise would probably have remained ignorant almost of its existence.