The Waikato Times. "OMNE SOLUM FORTI PATRIA." SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 1873.

Waikato Times, Volume I, Issue 178, 28 June 1873, Page 2

The Waikato Times. "OMNE SOLUM FORTI PATRIA." SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 1873.

Mr Mack ay returned to the Waikato last evening byoach. He has had the opportunity since lie left the district of consulting with one of the iWinißiors of the Crown person »lly, and by telegraph with the Cabinet in Wellington. There is every probability, therefore, that the policy of the Government) will becornu apparent shortly. We trust that tbis may be the ca<e ; it u quite time that the Government spoke to the natives \u terms that could not possibly be misuu<i«r«>tood. Much as we device peace, and strougly ub we have supported

Mr McLean in his policy, we cannot help think.ng (hat the time for action has arr.ved. The affairs of this district, and of every other on the native frontier, are in a most unsatisfactory state. We do not mean to convey that physical danger is to l>e anticipated ; but that which is worse is to be. We have talked a great deal through our representative, Mr Mackay, as to what we would do and A-hatwewouldnot. Letusconsider fora moment what « c have done. In thefirst place wehavecollectedat no i coat a respectable foi'ce on the frontier line (we use the term for want of a better). We have built ( a series of redonbts, and are making a road to connect' them. A grave mistake in our opinion has been the scrupulous adherenco to the European side of the line. The natives will consider this fact a tacit acknowledgment of the sovereignty of their " King " over all land without the bonndary line, and it is difficult to conceive how they could put any other interpretation upon the action of the (Government. This line of redoubts may be useful for defensive purposes ; this, however, we are inclined to doubt. Where is the use of making a chain of forts that can be easily flanked on either side ? Theoretically, of course, it leaves a force in rear of any attacking party. In this instance, however, it would be quite competent for the King's forces to attack any settlement not immediately on the frontier and get back to his own place without molestation. When we speak of the possibility of making a successful attack upon our settlements, we only desire to point out that the redoubts erected and garrisoned at considerable cost, will not effect the end desired — security for the settlers. We do not anticipate an attack, otherwise we should not write so calmly on the subject;. The position in which we stand appears to be this: stand off the grass or we will fight ! As there is apparently no intention of standing on sacred ground, there is little probability, therefore, that fighting will commence unexpectedly. This ground, sacred to the savage, must hpwe.ver be trodden on, and not only trodden on, but utilized by the European, to the extent, at least, of being allowed to do with the property of the Maori the same as we do with the property of the European, i. c. } take as much as we require for the running of roads wherever we please. The fact of two laws existing, one for the Pakeha and another for the Maori, is, we were going to say, a disgrace to the British nation ; but, probably, the expression would be a little too strong. It is, however, a stain on the escutcheon of those statesmen and soldiers, who, when they had the power, left ns liable to any such indignity. The time has arrived for action, and we trust that the necessity will be as clear to the members of the Assembly as it is to us ; but, as we have said previously, futile chasing of fugitives could be productive of no good. The making of roads should be the form that action f should assume.

Tuesday, the 24th instant, being the festival of St. John, the brethren of Lodge Beta, No. 450, 1.C., met at high noon in the Royal 'Hotel, Hamilton West, to celebrate it in the usual masonic manner. The following brethren were duly installed in office for the ensuing six months .— J. K. McDonald, P.M., W M. ; RE. M. Campbell, S.W. ; S. S. Graham, J.W. ; W. Cumming, P.M., Secretary and Treasurer ; J. Burgess, S.D. ; S. Ticklepenny, J.D. j and — Carpenter I.G-. The auditors (Brothers Harris, P.M., and Campbell,) reported that the finances of the Lodge were in a flourishing state, there being a balance in hand of £42 16s 4d. After some other business bad been transacted, the Lodge was closed until the Thursday before full moon in July. An adjourned meet ing of the carpenters of Auckland was held in the hall of the Mechanics' Institute, on Wednesday evening. There was a good attendance of operatives. The following resolutions were adopted :—": — " That as several of the employers are willing to give 9s a day, we hereby agree to accept that turn as the current rate of wages until the Ist September next, when we shall expect 10s a day ; and that a copy of this resolution be sent to each of the employers in Auckland." " That in order to carry out the foregoing reso" lution, it is desirable to form a Carpenters' and Joiners' Society, which shall have ior its object the regulating of rates and prices of labor, and giving temporary assistance to men who are out of employment, or who may lose their tools by fire, or otherwise become destitute." A committee was appointed to draw up rules with a view of forming a society. The Star of the South teturned to Auckland on Wednesday evening, after a passage of seven clays. She brought but few passengers and little or no cargo. Looking to the active competition the new company has in the Sydney trade, it will doubtless take time to establish a trade with Auckland. The great drawback seems to be a currency exchange. Afire broke out in the pottery of Messrs Carder Bros., Hobsonville, on Wednesday morning. It originated in a heap of coata. Through the energy of the employes it was put out before much damage was done, although a loss of about £50 was sustained. The origin of the fire is a mystery. Mrs Sarah Ann Bell, who was brought up before the Police Court, Auckland, several times on a charge of wrongfully opening and appropriating contents of a letter, has been committed for trial at the Supreme Court. Mr Joy, her counsel, has reserved his defence. The Captain of the schooner Florence is to be sent to Auckland from Samoa in irons, together with a seaman named Peterson, on a charge of barratry. The steamship Victoria arrived in Auckland harbour on Thursday evening, with a largo and varied cargo. A dinner is to be given to his Honor Mr Justice Johnston on S«turday next by the members of the legal profession prior to his departure for Xapier. New Zealand Bank Shares were sold in Sydney on the 17th instant at £17. The Hero left Melbourne on the 20th instant, and was to leave Sydney on the 25th instant for Auckland.