CORRESPONDENCE. [We do not necessarily endorse the opinions expressed by Correspondents.]

Waikato Times, Volume VII, Issue 394, 21 November 1874, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE. [We do not necessarily endorse the opinions expressed by Correspondents.]

(To the Editor of tho Waikaio Times ) Sir, — As u settler residing in this district, my ways and menus do not allow me to devote muah tune to the perusal oi newspapers, or to go much to our flourishing town-hip to hear the news, nor can I say that I take- much interest m our public mon or responsible Ministers or (heir eccentricities. I have carnally heard that tho great Nativo Minister Sir Donald M'Lean is to be translated to tho honorable position of Governor of Fiji group of islands. Without wishing in any way to detract from his high qualities for administration of native matters in times pone by, I can but remember that in all our little difficulties from native panics, and murders by natives m this district, nothing of a tungiblo nature has been done. Phtitudes have been uttered and promises given in the General Assembly. There still remains tho fact that Sir Donald's great influence has been, and still is powerless for any satisfaction. An officer of his department has been stationed at Alexandra for nearly five years ; what bis duties have been, it would puzzle any man outside ths native office to tell. When Sullivan was murderod near Cambridge by the natives, Mr James Mackay, (not of the Native Minister's department), was sent into the district to tide us over tho panic ; how he succeeded, wo in tho Waikato all knowprettv well. To make security still more secure, I hoar there is a second native officer stationed at Alexandra ; his duties, I am informed, are to kesp the Hauhaus aufait in all things, particularly eveiy movement of tho Europeans. At Raglan I hear there is another native officer. What I wish to know is, What are the duties of those officers, and what aro they for ? We have already seen that when a serious difficulty arises they are, so far as the public can judge, utterly ignored. In the case of Sullivan's murder, as above, another officer, outside Sir Donald's department was sent into the district to look after the natives, or perhaps I should say to blarney and reassnre the panic stricken. After thinking over these matters, I have come to the conclusion, (in which I am but singular) that grent as the services of Sir Donald M'Lean may have been in former times in arranging native difficulties, that under existing circumstances we can very well spare him to fill the more important office to which, our Most Gracious Majesty has been pleased to call him. If it be possible, I would suggest that representations bo made to his Excellency requesting that he will remove to his new seat of Government the whole Native Department. By doing so be would relieve New Zealand of an incubus and place her inhabitants under an everlasting debt of gratitude, — I am, &c, A Settler Who has to Pat Ratbs & Taxes. Waipa, 15th November.