THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR 0'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1879.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3435, 27 December 1879, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1879.

In our la9t issue we published telegrams referring to the contemplated action of the (Joverumont regarding Te Whiti and his followers at Paribaka. The Government are to be congratulated for their determination to carry out the scheme for the settlement of the Waimate Plains, and the formation of roads and other necessary works. Considerable tact and policy will, however, bo required during the task, and for the interests of the colony it is to be hoped open hostilities may be avoided with the natives. It is stated thai the Native Minister intends to be present the better to deal with emergencies; a wise course, showing the Government are prepared to take the consequences of their action directly upon themselves, and not allow such an important undertaking to be carried out by a subordinate. The natives have always shown a preference for dealing with responsible persons, and Major Atkinson, a prominent member of the Government, who has been a resident of New Plymouth, for many years, and is well acquainted with the state of tlie native mind in the district, will be able to give his colleague, the Native Minister, valuable assistance and advice. There is, however, one' feature calculated to lead to the belief that this policy of the Government will not lead to any disturbance, and that is the well-known peaceable disposition of Te Whiti, who has advised his people to use moral or passive resistance rather than physical or forcible means. No doubt the old prophet is wise enough to perceive that, however his people might succeed for a time, a day of reckoning would come and retribution could not be far distant. The presence of so many armed men no doubt is also a persuasive argument, together with the well known determination of the Government to proceed at all risks with the settlement of the Plains, and the opening of the country with roads and other publio works.