THE NATIVES AND THE MINISTRY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 240, 5 September 1872, Page 5

THE NATIVES AND THE MINISTRY.

An Auckland correspondent, who is in a position to obtain the best information on such subjects, and on whose judgment We have every reason to rely, has sent a telegram to the following effect : — " The Kingite Natives are discussing the possible defeat of the Ministry, ' and the difference it would make in their position. Tawhiao, the King, has advised that emissaries be sent north and south to -confer with the Friendlies if the Government are defeated. The news came to Auckland by a young chief named Rapbni Maniapoto, of the Upper Waikato, who pjroceeds to Hokianga on some mission not yet ascertained." Our correspondent adds that Mr M 'Lean's refusal to desert his colleagues is greatly approved. '

The Thames Advertiser, it seems, does not think that the retirement of Mr M'Lean would lead to difficulties, but probably; to the opening up of the Ohineinnri district, where he is said to be unpopular, we presume amoug the Natives. This remark about Ohinemuri tends to confirm a report current in Wellington, to the effect .that if Mr Stafford's resolution is carried, the new Native Minister would be Mr James - Mackay, about whom the public have heard a good deal from time to time. Mr Mackay is avowedly the personal enemy and rival of Mr M'Lean, and it is generally believed that he has been the cause, directly or indirectly, of a good deal of misunderstanding between the latter and the Natives. His influence with the Maoris is purely local, being confined to the Ohinemuri district, where he is said to have contracted peculiar intimate relations with one or more tribes. His elevation to a post which he has long aspired to fill might, as the Advertiser says, lead to the opening up of the Ohiuemuii district, but it would inevitably create tribal jealousies of a dangerous character, and in our opinion lead to another war. The capacity for small intrigue doee'not' imply, indeed it is not compatible with, the capacity for governing ; and one great difference between Mr M 'Lean and Mr Mack ay is, that the latter has chiefly distinguished himself in a way which im- , plies narrow views and circumscribed sj in pathiea. Above all, Mr M'Lean is respected and trusted by the whole of the Natives— Kingites as well as Friendlies — and Mr Mackay has not, so far as we can ascertain, gained either their respect or their confidence. — Lyttellon Times.

A correspondent from Wellington telegraphs to-day : — " The Native tribes all over Ahe Colony are in wrath with Mr Stafford's motion. Tairoa says that' thousands of _i_6ris .will kick up a row if the Government > are turned out. „ The .principal chiefs and people.; speak, out strongly m the Maori