The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1871.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 788, 14 March 1871, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1871.

Almost daily there, is evidence forthcoming that the state of the "Native mind is not hy any means so favorable to peace as the supporters of the present native policy would lead people to suppose, or as in the general welfare of the Colony could be desired. The latest intimation of a hostile spirit is contained in a notice that, until further instructions, overland mail communication between Tauvanga and Auckland has ceased. Obscure as is the notice in respect to |K c circumstances that have led to the interruption, there can be no doubt but that it has been caused by the action of unfriendly natives. Tho following paragraph, taken from a recent " Advertiser," will serve to enlighten our readers upon the subject:— " We hear that several natives of To Ilira's party made a rush at the mailman who left Ohiuemuri on Tuesday morning, but he managed to elude them. The friendliea at Ohiuemuri have sent for Mr. Puekey and Mr. Warbrick, to consult as to what is to be done in the present aspect of affairs. Hunia, the king's messenger, was to leave for Katikati on Tuesday to see Hori Tapaea. Since writing the above, Mr. Warbrick has arrived here to consult with the Government on the subject. lie confirms tbe statement, and has asked for advice should any force be employed to stop the progress of tho mail carriers. Mr. Puckey proceeded to Ohiuemuri last evening, and Mr. Warbrick returns today." The paragraph does not inform us as to the instructions furnished by the Government to tbe mail contractor, but, in order to be in keeping with the policy of the present Ministry, he would probably be enjoined to avoid any hostile demonstration. The silence of the ministerial organs and of Mr M'Lean with regard to the attitude of the natives, justifies a belief that matters present a very unsatisfactory appearance. Indeed, a review of all tho circumstances in connection with the recent murder of Mr Todd, and the subsequent insolent native de. monstrationa admit of no other conclusion than that they have been hurled down as a challenge by a very considerable portion of the Maori people, who evidence by these repeated aggravations their desire for a renewal of hostilities. Tbe circumstances in connection with one of the recent acts of hostility are that two Waikato settlers, a few weeks ago entered the bush to shoot pigeons, and were fired upon by Maoris, near the Pirioriga Ranges, twelve shots being fired. On olhcr occasions tho natives, by cutting dams havo deprived the settlers of water for their cattle. It

is uot easy to find a solution for the hostile couduct of the King natives, who for seven years have observed a rigid neutrality • unless it bo that the rivalry existing between them and the Arawas had compelled the observance of friendly relations with the European population. It is said that recently an alliance has been formed between these two powerful, and hitherto, rival tribes, and the first fruit of the bond of union between these two powerful neighbors has been a desire on the part of the natives to renew hostilities with the colonists in order to regain the confiscated district?. It is very evident that the position of native affairs is by no means assuring, and it may yet bo shown that the present Government have relied too implicitly upon the aid of the friendly natives. While tho expenditure for defence purposes has in no way decreased since the present Government have held office, it is generally admitted that tho country is less able, at tho present moment, successfully to cope with native outbreaks and disaffection than when Mr Fox assumed the responsibility. In place of dealing with the refractory and rebellious in such a manner as to effectually check a belief that the Colony was physically iucapaple of subduing the natives, the opposite policy has been followed. The natives have been led to believe that no request nor demand would be refused with a view to gain their forbearance, and as an inevitable consequence, nothing short of the presence of a superior military organisation, and a firm determination to guard against and punish future outbreaks, will suffice to convince the natives of tiie folly and uselossuess of further resistance. We must either do this, or the natives will soon imagine themselves in a position to insist upon the return of the confiscated territory, and tho abandonment of the newly founded settlements.