THE NATIVE QUESTION.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 355, 19 September 1868, Page 3

THE NATIVE QUESTION.

A srucH more humiliating spectacle for boasted civilisation could not be offered if the whole world was searched, than that afforded in New Zealand at the present time in the relations of the white and the Maori race. The Maori is master of the situation with a vengeance, for not only is he well capable uf taking particularly good care of himself, but the system of Government that the colony is cursed with, whilst it prevents the settler from taking care of himself, aids the Maori in murder without reprisal, and in positive wrong without remedy. Sir George Grey, who is now feted and flattered, who has judges to feast him, and ministers to bow down to him, first initiated this policy, from which at the present time New Zealand is reaping such a blondy and a costly harvest. Flour, sugar, blankets, and comforts of all kinds, were the weapons with which he thought it prudent to fight, and for a time the savages, like all their kind, were content to live in plenty and in comfort, as long as the European population was small, and they were in the dominant race, fed and filled by the colonists. The last war that arose should have dispelled the illusion, but Exeter Hall and the modern philanthropists of our day insisted that it was only an outbreak occasioned by white rapacity; after an inglorious and ignominious contest, in which some of the best blood of England was fruitlessly shed, wo virtually withdrew from the contest, and in fact allowed the Maories to consider themselves the victors in the struggle. As a matter of course, the British prestige was destroyed, and when Hau-hau fanaticism obtained sway cannibalism was revived, the Queen's authority was ofluted, the heads of British officers were carried in triumph through the island, missionaries were killed and partially devoured, and all that the Government did was to let the perpetrators alone. At length some atrocities that could not he looked over even by a Maoriblind Government, were committed at Patea, and after a vast amount of circumlocution, and a determined but ineffectual pretence to believe that there was nothing significant in the slaughter of half a dozen white men, and subsequently feasting on the body of one, the Government very reluctantly instructed Colonel M'Donnell to commence offensive and retaliatory operations. Weeks passed by and the Hau-haus laughed at the Pakeha, and when at last, Colonel M'Donnell did take the field, it was with a Eals':affiau array, an undisciplined body, leavened only by about ten per cent, of trained men. The history of the warfare is short, and it is as disastrous as it is brief We have gained one single success, we have sustained repeated repulses. The Chatham Island prisoners escaped (heaven save the mark) or rather went away home, for they cannot be said to have escaped in the true sense, and all attempts to capture them resulted in defeat and disgrace. Col. M' Donnell has sustaineda serious repulse, Yon Tempsky, and captain Buck, two of the best bush fighters that ever drew a sword in New Zealand ; Captain Palmer, Lieutenants Hastings and Hunter, gallant fellows all, and thirteen other brave men fell, whilst twenty others are wounded; including Lieut. B-owan and Dr. Best, and two are missing. The actually killed are eighteen, the wounded who could not walk off the field may be added to that sad list, for we learn that they were left oil the ground and were no doubt massacred as soon as our force had retired, so if wecountforty white lives as lost in the last unfortunate engagement we should not be far wrong. What possible amount of Maori blood would compensate for that loss of civilised life, and how long will the people of New Zealand quietly submit to have the lives of their own race sacrificed, the honor of the flag under which tl- °v live sullied, the British name, scoffed at and derided by a lot of brutal barbarians ? we feed and pay the so called friendlies so that they may give information to the enemy, we permit such men as Colonel Haultain the so called defence minister, to issue proclamations which tie the hands of the military authorities in the disturbed districts, and render them incapable of action where action is required, and enable offenders to laugh openly at what they know to be empty threats. In another column we make an extract from a Wanganui paper, which will fully bear out that statement. The Government are ready to slobber over Maoris the moment the latter profess repentance for little irregularities iu the shape of assassination and robbery, whilst the ruined settler, the victim of the dusky prodigal, may petition in vain for compensation for losses sustained, through an idle belief in the ipower and the integrity of the law

under which he was induced to form a home. There is affection and forgiveness for the Maori, there is neglect and contempt for those he has plundered, and they are told in fact that they are lucky to escape with their lives. PhiloMaorism has assumed the shape of a malignant disease, with which the ruling powers are affected, and whether it is to be quietly allowed to carry off victims without demur has yet to be seen by the people of the colony. At any cost, at any sacrifice, and tinder any circumstances, the blood that has been shod must be avenged, and the honor of our race vindicated, if we hope ever to make New Zealand a home. The Hau-haus can be swept off the land if the white race choose, and whether the authorities like it or not, a policy of extermination must he commenced, and having been commenced, be carried out at all hazards. There can be no middle course, and the sooner the inevitable is begun the better for both races. Let us hope that at last, taught by misfortune and goaded into action by the Assembly, the Government may once more restore the credit that they have lost, and wipe off the disgraceful stains that at present lie thickly on the Colonial escutcheon, cast by the hands of the native race. Nothing but terrible reprisals will strike fear into the malcontents, after their late success, nothing but ample vengeance will satisfy those in these islands who are not suffering from the philo-Maori mania.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S ACT. Coxstaxt testimony is being borne to the objectionable operation of the existing Resident Magistrate's Act. In another column a letter from a debtor to whom we previously referred appears and comment on such an anomalous condition of things, is unnecessary. Surely if the creditor who arrests a debtor is satisfied, the law has no right to further imprison him till some mysterious costs or other are paid, or till a judge's warrant is obtained. . In the case in question, it appears quite probable that the latter if got at all, will arrive when the debtor by completion of his term, would under any circumstances have regained his liberty, and it is disgraceful to the statute book, and still more to the legislators, who are responsible for its contents, that such should be possible. A fortnight ago, we learn from the reports, reference was made in the Assembly to the £lO clause, which abolished imprisonment for.debts under £lO, and Major Atkinson then asked the Government if they intended to bring in any measure that would alter the law as it at present stood. He then characterised immunity from imprisonment for debts under £lO, as an actual premium for petty frauds on business men. At the same time he did not wish to leave the discretionary power of imprisonment or otherwise in the hands of the creditor, but very sensibly as well as humanely suggested that it should be left at the discretion of the magistrate, so that the punishment of imprisonment, should only be used where there was reasonable cause to believe that the debtor wished to fraudulently evade payment. Without going into the question as to the wisdom or propriety of imprisonment for debt or its probable abolition, it does seem excessively ridiculous that a man who owes £9 19s llf d should be protected from arrest, whilst another who had involved himself one more farthing should be taken in execution, and there can be no doubt that the results of this measure has been most disastrous to a large number of retail traders. The suggestion of Major Atkinson seems to meet the case fairly, and if acted on will at once be a protection to tradesmen against being swindled, and at the same time the power thus vested in a magistrate, would prevent unreasonable or cruel advantages being taken of an honest man, who really through circumstances was not able to pay what he owed. Resident Magistrates would permit execution unless the deb tor could offer some good and substantial reasons why sucb a course should not be taken. In reply, Mr Stafford expressed his concurrence in the views of Major Atkinson, and offered to assist a measure oftihe kind if the hon. member would bring it in. There is therefore every probability of the law being very materially amended, and that it needs it badly few will venture to deny. Reverting to the case of the prisoner at present confined i n Westport, we were in hopes that some gentleman, more learned in the law than ourselves, would kindly have solved the knotty poundage question, and enlightened us as to what the fees are for. The case is fairly stated now, and we shall gladly give insertion to any explanation we are favored with. There appears to be every chance of large alterations being made in the Act, and whilst the tinkering is being

done, it would probably be as well to so far simplify matters, as to render it impossible for the authorities to be saddled, actually against their inclination, with state urisouers in the shape of debtors to whom creditors have given a free release and discharge. We draw attention specially to this case, with a hope to prevent its recurrence, and trust that our member for Westland North may, when the Act is under consideration, quote this example of the extraordinary effects of its present working.

A new article of food, or rather an old article newly prepared has recently been introduced into the West Coast markets by Mr Anderson, of Lake Boga, Victoria, in the shape of mutton hams and sides. The bone is taken completely out, and the meat rolled up, so that it is most convenient to carry. It is excellently prepared, and will keep perfectly sweet for any length of time, so admirably adapted for prospectors and miners who are not always within hail of a butchers shop. The legs run from four to five pounds, and are retailed at half-a-crown the sides at sevenpence a pound, and tongues ready for eating at half-a-crown a dozen. In addition to this Mr Anderson has great facilities for curing fish, which abound in the Lake, and purposes shortly introducing this also to the Coast. The fish would we fancy find a readier market than even the mutton, though both, no doubt will sell rapidly. The papers laid on the table of the House of Representatives relative to the escape from the Chathams, contains some curious facts. The plans were laid with such skill that Captain Thomas, according to the report, could hardly have offered anything like an effectual resistance. Instead of thirtyone stand of arms there was froty-nine stand of arms taken away, and £SOO in cash, and as much flour, sugar, and tobacco as they choose to remove from the Rifleman. Besides these we learn that they robbed all the houses on the beach with the exception of that of an old lady who hid a bag of sovereigns (300) in a tea kettle while boiling over the fire. The number of prisoners escaped were 163 men, 63 women, and 71 children, being 298 souk. The quantity of ammunition taken was 4,584 rounds. Three pounds of powder were taken from private stores. The following enclosures are printed in Maori and English : —To the upholders of the law. To the council of the big house. My friends, seek for deliverance for us, Iha ve seen that you are right since we began our Karakia. My friends, be strong in seeking out the hidden thing that is to save us (alluding to a riddle that he had given them). Enough. For it is on account of weakness that we have beeu forsaken (i.e., because you have not taken up the new religion with zeal). But now has come forth the direction (revelation) of the Son and His Father. Oh people, be strong! Soon shall appear a vessel for us. "if the St Kilda is not given to us by God, there will be some other vessel. That is it, the vessel, then will be my time. Oh people, be strong ! Ist. If a word (revealed) comes forth hereafter, let it be implicitly obeyed. 2nd. To be cautious about the work on board the steamer. If any one turns aside (from obeying the prophet's order), it is death for him. If he adheres to God (obeys), his safety is there.

The Colonists correspondent is evidentally not in love with" the Maori representation system, He says:— " But the grand humbug of the House, the disgrace to the legislation of the last year, is the Maori contingent. Mr Russell is a half-cast, and I believe cannot speak Maori, and was sensible enough to propose the other day that the Maori might be represented by Europeans. Ministers, no doubt for a very good reason, opposed this and the motion was lost. I shall here tell you an incident that I witnessed yesterday. I was walking along the street with a member of the House, when " G-eneral " Mete Kingi came out of a clothing shop, where he had been getting attired in a blue coat and vest with brass buttons. He said he had seen me in Wakatu, and shook hands with myself and my companion, pointing in childish glee to his new coat and waistcoat. After some palaver, and shivering of the hands in Maori fashion, with a Btamp on the ground, ' he said to the gentleman who accompanied me, " Makee me the lend five heren." " Ka hore the money , I have not a shilling in my pocket," was the reply. "What then did this G-eneral do, —this chief of the noble native race,this one of four of the aborigines whose votes are given to make laws which shall bind a quarter of a millioD Europeans ? In the open street he proceeded to feel the pockets of the gentleman, outside and in! Indownrigh

astonishment,l ejaculated," And " this" is the material to Which Mr Stafford is indebted for the majorities, this, and Gaol Commissioners, aud grateful friends!" Heaven help the country where such things are possible, and where you find Ministers first lending themselves to the creation of the ignorant and contemptible kind oflegislator and then using him as the means of mis-governing the country and upsetting its constitution. I saw the same Mete Kingi, last night sneak up to the Government bench two or three times, and address the Native Minister in exactly the same abject-like manner as he employed when asking for ss. Whether or not he was trying to negotiate a loan I do not know, nor whether he got in or not. Under the heading " Cannibalism," an Adelaide contemporary gives the following : "An individual in Williamstown (in South Australia), bearing the outward semblance to a man, but having evidently a large proportion of the hog in his composition recently undertook to eat two juvenile relations in the shape of sucking pigs, for a wager of £l. The little grunters weighed before being cooked ten and ahalf pounds and the old hog demolished them in an hour and twenty minutes, being ten minutes within the stipulated time, fairly cleaning the bones. As they were fat and rather rich, our hero found it necessary to take a great deal of vinegar towards the close of his meal, and we are informed, used a bottle full. As for other fluid, we understand he drank only a single nobbier of brandy. He soon after was seized with pain, and continued ill for some hours. We are informed that he offered, after having succeeded so admirably with this gastronomic feat, to devour a whole kangaroo dog for a wager of £5. We should recommend this individual to secure a passage as soon as possible for the Cannibal Islands.

The obituary notices of yesterday morning (20th ult.) record the death of Mr. James Hayward, of the Surrey I Hotel, Johnston-street, Collingwood, whose name will be remembered by many old colonists in connexion with the extinction of a fire on board the ship John Melhuish, on the passage from London to Sydney, in December, 1852, under very remarkable circumstances. The vessel carried upwards of 200 passengers, several of whom are now well-known residents of Melbourne. The fire broke out in the hold, where one of the sailors had been tampering with a brandy cask, and a large stream of spirit from this cask had ignited. The utmost consternation prevailed on board, when Mr. Hayward went below, and with great presence of mind, thrust his thumb into the hole in the cask whence the spirit, which was feeding the fire, flowed. The edges of the aperture being rough, he was unable to completely stop the stream, and the brandy continuing to flow, a blue flame ran up his arm and set fire to his shirt, hair, and clothes. Mr. Hayward, however, knowing that the safety of the ship depended on his devotion, heroically maintained his position for five minutes, when Captain Jenkins came to his aid with water from the the hose and wet blankets, and he was saved from death. But for the determination evinced by Mr. Hayward, the brandy cask must soon have burst, and as there were 270 similar casks near it, nothing could then have saved the ship. The passengers presented Mr. Hayward with | a gold watch and chain in acknowledgment of the signal service he had performed; and the accounts of this remarkable escape from fire at sea, which were published in the Argus and the Times soon afterwards, attracted a good deal of attention at the time. — Melbourne Argus. It ,s by no means an improbability that Mr Stafford may suffer a defeat on the resolutions brought forward by Mr Pox, and if so he will appeal to the country on the policy he has ennunciated in reference to dealing with Provincialism. We may expect something decisive to-day or to-morrow on the subject. A Mr Cox has brought an action against Mr Barnett for having supplied him with adefective machine for making champagne, and recovered the sum of L 35, in addition to L 75 paid into Court. It appeared during the trial that, by the aid of the machine in question, an effervescent compound of port, sherry, Madeira, Hungarian wine, and sugar can be made " equal to champagne of the highest brand"— with this slight difference, that it has a cloudy or , milky appearance, and that it blisters the lips and throats of the utfortunate individuals who swallow it, A machine of this kind, capable of producing 100 dozen of Sillery champagne a-day, costs L 135, and the champagne can be turned out at the price of ginger beer. Argus.