The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1882.

Thames Star, Volume XIII, Issue 4346, 5 December 1882, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1882.

The Natire Minister's letter to Wahinui may be regarded as a supplement to the recent meeting with the Kingites. The natires asked for a little time for con« sideratioH, bat Mr Bryce insisted|apon an answer at once. Our impression is, that this was neither judicious nor Fair. To | them his proposals were a matter of the utmost importance, and he might with good grace have appointed a short time— say two or three months' hence for an answer. It is more than probable Mr Bryce lost ground by the course he adopted—for he, to use a familiar phrase, originating no doubt from the action of our feline friends when angry, " got their backs up." Having received an answer in the negative, Mr Bryce would be nonplussed for the moment. Public opinion would not sanction forcing railways through the King Country straight away, simply because we were powerful enough to do it. This letter may be regarded as a masterly retreat from a difficult posi> tion. Mr Bryce lays forcible reasons before Wahanui for opening the country. His first argument is that the natives' c nduct in keeping the country closed, was a sign of emuity. I here is a great deal of force in this statement, but we wonder if Ready Money Eobinson were anxious to keep his lands to himself— *h«ch it so happens be is anxious to have a railway through, and Government are going out of their way to accede to his desire,—and forbid all tres» pasnerfl, Government included, Mr Bryce would be so ready to regard it as a sign of enmity. Practically the Kingites exhibit no enmity, all they desir ■ is to be [left alone. Mr Bryce then points out the advantages which would accrue from opening up the country. He concludes : "The question now is, whether you desire to confer with me for such a purpose. If you do, well; we can meet at some place I Bhall appoint, and discuss the things which concern us all. If you do not

desire to make proper arrangements, stillJ you will remember that I have made the offer to meet you, and that I deNire to make arrangements alike to all. It is my wish that the contents of this, my letter, should be communicated to the people, so that they may know with whom the fanL. lies if troubles hereafter come upoii us." The letter was dated November 15, and Wahanui has had ample time to act upon it. Mr Bryc-- has now justified himself; he has proffered the olive branch, but apparently it has not been accepted. Wahaoui in the communication had every opportunity for explanation and negotiation offered him ; and if he treats Mr Bryce with contempt, as he seems inclined to do, he will take a fatal step, and tbe Kingites will henceforth have only themselves ■ to- blame if their wishes are disregarded. The first result of Wahanui's silence is the occupation by Government of Kawhia harbor.