ALEXANDRA. (From a Correspondent.) DRUNKENNESS AMONGST THE NATIVES. Alexandra, June 21.

Waikato Times, Volume VIII, Issue 482, 22 June 1875, Page 3

ALEXANDRA. (From a Correspondent.) DRUNKENNESS AMONGST THE NATIVES. Alexandra, June 21.

How truly* raJQirahed 'liefwmiwfc- be if he reads the newspaper roports^of me doings and sayings at Alexandra. tV^iea here, nis simple story was that he had come to visit his old friend Te Wheoro, at whose house he slept, and with whom he had spent most of his time while in the settlement. He told Te Wheoro and others repeatedly, ihat he had but one word for him at present, viz., to ask him to put a stop to the sale of intoxicating drink to his people, and he said that if this, his first request was complied with, it would be a beginning, and that he would soon return with other words for him, but not otherwise. This fine old chief urged his request with such energy as shewed that he really meant this to pave the way for settling the troubles which evidently cause him much anxiety. Now if the Government could enforce the anxiety raised on the subject, and so shew him that his words were respected, and that his visit had not been in vain, they would make a very powerful friend in the very heart of the enemy's camp, and he, fe4fei^nj(Qif»i ofWJbaJ; he had accomplished, would sooVOSjSgfesrojfeie further step towards the civilizatiohs^fms ra&"* air D. McLean is well aware of his position, and surely no one knows better than he does what immense influence may be exercised over the native race by following up their own suggestions, and improving upon them, while allowing them to think that the whole work is their own. Manuhiri and Kewi areboth of them equally anxious now to put a stop to drunkenness least it should lead them again into trouble, and surely no British Government can refuse to assist them when they only ask us to enforce our own laws. Englishmen can never sink so low as to prefer to destroy such a brare people with the brandy bottle, rather than assist them to improve in civilization by every ligitimate means in our power.