The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1868.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 285, 30 June 1868, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1868.

The latest n<nvs from the North Island, though of the most unsatisfactory, is not of an unexpected kind. It was hoped that the murders of the first victims at the Patea were only isolated acts of a few of the bloodthirsty and fanatical Hau Haus, and that justice would soon overtake the villains. Unfortunately later accounts go to show that though the general body of Maoiies may not acquesce, a large number do not at least actively oppose such atrocities, and it is even further shown that one of the leading; men of their own - race has been killed by the same crew, because he was a friend and an ally of the Pakeha. This new outbreak, for in no other light can these murders be regarded, show conclusively that the Maori of the present is the Maori of the past. Circumstances may have changed him in some degree, 'cannibalism is in. dulged in as a treat instead of being customary as of yore, but brutal murder and mutilation, treachery of the foulest kind, and cruelty unsurpassed, still \xak in the hearts of at all events a number of the, so called subdued rebels. Settlement is put an end to for a time in the disturbed districts, farms that have been purchased in good faith and cultivated at a large expenditure of time and money, have to be abandoned by their owners, who are too happy to provide for their own and families' safety by flight, and the savings of years, the thrift of half a lifetime probably, are swept away by the brutal native. And yet we boast ourselves as ■ Englishmen, we prate about our invincibility and our prowoss, whilst a \ handful of half-armed, undisciplined natives keep a whole colony in one continual ferment and alarm. Thanks to the flour and sugar policy, thanks to the high pressure humanitarian manner in which the Maori has been treated, to enormously expensive and useless armaments, to interference on the part of the authorities, and one general class of mis-management the Maori difficulty has been an endless and disgraceful source of debt and dishonor. Britis blood has been freely shed, innocent men have been repeatedly murdered, violence of every description that would have been visited with swift and condign punishment if the perpetrators had been European or other white men, have been condoned with the natives, till a section of them believe that the whites are afraid of them, and that at any time they can with perfect safety enjoy a little white murder with perfect impunity. It is satisfactory however, to find that for once the Government have acted with something like promptitude, and Colonel M'Donnell has a carte blanche for a three months' campaign with some three or four hundred men at his back. We have no fear that the perpetrators of the murders will come off scotfree ; but at the same time it is quite possible, that as several days elapsed before any pursuit could be given, that, a large number of them may escape their just punishment. It is also just as likely that Colonel M'Donnell's raid may afford an excuse to the more turbulent of the Maories for recommencing hostilities, and what with this and the internal native dissensions, it is by no means impossible that the colony is again to be committed to a general Maori war. Should such unhappily be the case we hope that no half measures will be adopted, but that this will be the last. There is ample power in the hands of the white population to stamp out the rebellion and the rebels, and sad as it may be to confess, there is little doubt that nothing much short of a war of extermination, as far as the hostile tribes go, will ever give anything like security to the settlement of this favoured colony. Exeter Hall theories have been tried, and failed miserable a little Schmider practice will prove the only true panacea for the present, and protection against future outbreaks. Fortunately the Thames goldfields have attracted a mining population that will, if the opportunity is afforded goji

bail for the good conduct of the duskylanded proprietors in their neighbourhood. The peace of that locality can thus easily be secured, and'the Government can devote their attention to rebels in the more remote districts. The Assembly will meet very shortly, and the emeuie could'uot have arisen at a more fortunate time in that respect. We only trust that when they resolve on the question, they will allow no temporising nonsense, but will deal with the Hau Hans as they deserve, for stern retribution is in fact really mercy at last.

We are glad to learn that Mr Kynnersley came up yesterday, having ridden the distance instead of waiting for a boat. There are a number of mattors that require his attendance, and as the Estimates are passed and the money voted for the West Coast available, the various public works will no doubt be now set about \Vithout delay. Mr E. Harris is also back we are glad to say, and the whole business of the departments is in working order a<rain.

If the local breweries are only up to the full requirements of the district, as far as the capacity of production goes, the Nelson importations of ale must rapidly fall off, for beer in every respect equal to the best Nelson, is now produced in Westport. We yesterday were shown a sample, brewed by Mr Lendrum of this town, and for color, flavor, and soundness, it could not be surpassed here or elsewhere. It was a-thoroughly good article, and we can conscientiously recommend buyers to pay the brewery a visit and judge for themselves The cost of freight is saved, a superior beer is obtained, and a homo industry patronised by such purchases. We heartily wish Mr Lendrum every success ; if he continues to supply as good a sample as the one referred to, there can be no doubt of his trade flourishing.

By the John Penn, Dr. Thorpe, the newly appointed hospital surgeon, arrived. He inspected the present building . yesterday in company with Dr. Cotterell, and, no doubt, was not very favorably impressed with the accommodation afforded. He will formally enter on his duties to-morrow. The nomination of candidates for the Hospital Committee took place yesterday, and at Westport twenty-one nominations were made. We have not received returns from the Caledonian and Addison's, but on the list of those nominated here appear several names of Addison's Elat men. The following is the Westport list, —Messrs S. Gilmer, A. J. Brown, Dr Giles, E. J. O'Conor, Carmodv, O'Connell, P. E. Smyth, H. Neil, J. Powell, J. Bailie, T. Field, W. M'Farland, P.Harris, W. Cotterell, G. Haskins, J. L. Munson, J. Clune, D. Garvey, A. Dalv, Lempfort, H. E. Campbell. The poll will take place on Saturday next as we have previously stated.—Since the above was in type we have received the Addison's nominations, and as will be seen by reference, three of the gentlemen previously proposed here have been proposed there also. The names are—John Clune, Charles Lempfort, Edward Ryan, John Grady, and Edward Roache. We have heard nothing of the Caledonian.

When we stated yesterday that no magistrate was left in Westport we had no idea that an authority of the kind was blushing unseen amongst us. Yesterday morning, instead of the Resident Magistrate's Court being closed, R. Reid Esq. took his seat on the bench. There was only one case, that of O'Toole charged with criminal assault, and this wa3 adjourned till today, bail being allowed as on the former occasion.