WELLINGTON.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3677, 7 October 1880, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

This day.

A cottage in Majoribank, street, occupied by Reals Lindoff, was destroyed by fire this morning. The origin of tho fire is supposed to be a spark from the fire place. Tho building was insured in the National for £100, and the furniture for £100 in the same office.

During the passage of the steamer Tui from Kaikora, a man named Whittingtott

fell overboard and was drowned. Efforts were ■ made to rescue him but without avail. Whittington leaves a wife and large family, who are in Wellington. A short time since Whittington was burnt out in Kaikora. It is not known how deceased fell overboard.

Wesdneday. The Policy of the Government. A letter has been addressed by the Hon. Mr Bryce, Native Minister, to Wiremu Kingi, the chief who was arrested with other native prisoners, and who was liberated with them on Monday last. Mr Bryce reminds Wi Kingi of a promise made by Government to deal justly with the natives, and to settle their grievances on the West Coast so far as possible. He then points out that this promise haß been fulfilled by the appointment of a Eoyal Commission and the proceedings of that Commission; which has recommended that certain native claims should be settled and ample reserves made for the natives, while Parliament has passed as Act empowering the Governor to give effect to these recommendations, but at the same time Parliament has said that all acts of lawlessness must cease, and .that any natives who obstruct the Government in giving effect to it? plans will be punished as the law directs. Mr Bryce goes on to say that the Government has done, and is prepared to do its part, and large and ample pieces of land will be set apart for those natives who desire that the trouble should cease. Roads, which will benefit both Maori and pakeha, have been,made; and arrangements have also been made for the friendly occupation of land, by which both races may live side by side. Government has said that it desired peace, not war, and its words have been proved, even by the arrests which have been made to prevent foolish obstruction to clear the settlement of obstruction which might have brought on war, causing death to the Maori people. It only remains for the natives to accept what is offered before it ia too late. The Government has decided to set Wi Kingi and his companions free to prove the truth of the Governor's word, that he did not wish to retain the prisoners longer than was necessary in the interest of both races. Mr Bryce adds that the desire of 'the Government is to release the rest of the prisoners, and this will be done if the proposals now made to the natives are accepted. The letter concludes with an earnest appeal to Wi Kingi to help the Government in causing confusion to oease, and in promoting the real interests of his people. ■• , . y' ,'•■