THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1879.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3154, 28 March 1879, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1879.

The position of native matters upon the West Coast of,our island is anything but satisfactory. The action of the Government in taking steps to throw open the Waimate Plains for occupation has the support of all sections of the community, but the effect upon the native claimants to the land is bidding fair to lead to unpleasant results. The Ministry will be called upon to exercise all the ability and tact for which they hare often been credited with possessing, and especially ■will Mr Sheehan be called upon to prove his qualifications for the high position he holds as .Native and Defence Minister. We are convinced that Mr Stieehan will prove equal to the cituation, for, together with an intimate

knowledge of the native character, lie is of a determined and courageous temperament—qualities that go far in securing; the respect and esteem of the Maori race; for while he shows discretion and an inclination to conciliate, he will yet assert and maintain the rights, of the Government of which he is a member. The steps already taken by Mr Sheehan are approved of by the Press of the colony, and the earnest, manly manner in which, the Native Minister discusses all questions with our Maori friends, proves that while he is prepared io use all reasonable means to settle such differences as may arise, he still has a determination to uphold and assert the authority of the law. Some of our contemporaries are disposed to take high handed measures with Te Whiti and his people, but such should ODly be resorted to as a last resource, and that for many reasons. The Wellington Post upon the situation says :—" We rhall not be surprised to hear of some more fatal and decisive action on the Waimate plains ere long, than the removal of a surveyor's camp equipments per bullock-dray, or than the pulling up of a few pegs. If, however, blood is shed, the time for parley will have passed. There will be but one course open to the Government, and that we have no doubt will be to at once take steps to exact a terrible reckoning, and at all hazards to bring the offenders to justice. We are quite able to do this. If there is to be another fight on the West Coast, perhaps no better time could be found for it. The natives are concentrated there. We know their strength and position, and we know that neither could oppose any effectual resistance to the forces which could be brought against them. The Waimate plains must be opened up. for settlement. The law which for fourteen years has been trifled with must be strictly enforced. We must have possession of this confiscated landat whatever cost now, and thesafety of life and property on these plains must be assured. This must be dene peaceably, if possible, but if not so, then by other means. We need not fear ' a little war' on the score of expense, for there is abundance of land in the same locality which would pay the expense if the natives should foolishly render such an application of it necessary instead of the one at present contemplated of assuring them in the peaceful, permanent occupation of the blocks not already taken. If there is any outbreak, the truest mercy will be in its immediate and severe repression. The natives should be made to understand this, and those who are inclined, as the majority are, to moderation, and submission must be made to comprehend what they have to gain by controlling and restraining their less reasonable and more impetuous comrades, what they have to lose if they fail to make this control and restraint effectual and per^ feet."