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Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 217, 19 June 1872, Page 3

44.399 years from now the sun will bum out. says the Monthly Scientist. When a man comes in the store and talks of honesty, watch him ; if he talks of his wealth, don’t try to sell to him ; if he talks of his religion, aon’t trust him a dollar,

THE HON. THE DEFENCE MINISTER IN THE WAIKATO DISTRICT. We learn that the principal-difficulty in the way of the settlement of the native question as regards the King and his party is the jealousy which exists between Rewi and the King. A formal meeting with more than one of the two tribes—the Ngatimaniapoto and the Ngatiraukawa —at one time was in consequence of this feeling of jealousy found impracticable by the Defence Minister. Several of the leading chiefs have visited Mr McLean, and were unanimous in the expression of the opinion that in a short time they would be better prepared to come to terms with the Government. The communications between the Defence Minister and the natives were of the most friendly description. Some of the extreme Hauhau party, however, are disinclined to come to any formal arrangement. There is little doubt that what little has been done will have the effect of paving the way for a future settlement. At an interview between some leading chiefs and Mr McLean, the points at issue between the Government and the natives were fully discussed. The principal was their objection to the construction of roads and bridges, and the extension of the telegraph wire. Mr McLean assured them that there was no intention to construct any of these works in Tawhio’s territory, till he expressed a wish that they should do so. He explained to them that other tribes were anxious to have roads constructed in order that they might be able to get their produce to market and get money for it. In order to convince them that there was every intention on the part of the Government to respect their rights, Mr McLean reminded them that when the military operations were carried on some time ago, he ordered their territory to be respected, and further bad offered to send a force to protect the Waikatos if Te Kooti was found to be too strong for them. In reference to the murder of Mr Todd at Pirongia,this act was in no way condoned by the Government ; and Mr McLean hopes that, when arrangements are made with Tawliio, the ends of justice in this matier, and the protection of Te Kooti, will be attained without having recourse to war. Mr McLean impressed upon the natives that the Government had no desire for war, and were anxious to encourage them in the cultivation of the arts of peace.— Waikato Times.