THE WAIMATE PLAINS.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1183, 27 January 1880, Page 2

THE WAIMATE PLAINS.

The following coining as it does from the Wellington Pod of Friday evening last, may be looked upon as authoritative: " After a long and careful consideration, the Government arrived at a final and definite decision on "Wednesday as to their course of action iv regard to" the native difficulty on tho West Coast of this Island, including the Waimate Plains. \he Hon. Mr. Bryce (Native Minister) and Major Brown (Civil Commissioner) left for the West Coast on Wednesday — Mr. Paris having gone thither a day er two previously. The Stella was to have left for Opunake on the same day, tv ith about 90 Armed Constabulary, but her boilers being found out of order, her departure was deferred until this evening. This will increase the strength of the Armed Constabulary in the vicinity of the Waimate Plains to about 800 men. With this force it is intended quietly, but, at the same time .steadily and certainly, to push on the main road from Hawera to New Plymouth along the coast line, crossing the Waingongoro river, and passing Opunake The A.C. will do no more than rougly form the road, and after that is completed, the metalling will be let by contract. This roaa, although it necessarily would be of great strategic value in case of any difficulty, is intended merely to facilitate the peaceful settlement of the country, and no opposition ia anticipated from the Maoris. There is to be no " tak- \ ing possession " of Waimate Plains, und no question as to the validity of the confiscation has been or will be entertained. Government assumes that they have all ways been in legal possession of the land, ; to be utilised when desirable, but instead of advertising it for sale, and proceeding to survey it off, without making a road through it, laying off reserves, or ascertaining what native right had to be provided for, the Government have expressly instructed Major Brown so assure the natives that ample reserves will be made far them, and their wishes consulted as to where these shall be situated, that the Royal Commission will investigate all alleged Government promises brought before them by Maoris, who are to be urged to take advantage of probably the last opportunity they will have of raising such questions, which will be dealt with fairly and impartially, and every sound claim equally redressed. Major Brown is also instructed to take every possible opportunity of personally explaining these points io the natives (mcluding Te Wliiti himself, Avho will be kept officially informed of all that is done), and to circulate Maori translations of the Act and proclamation, of which we published an abstract on Wednesday. By the time the the road is made the Commission will have reported, and Government will bo in a po&ition to proceed with the survey and peaceful settlement of the Plains after making due provision for all valid native claims. It will be remembered that it was the reckless intrusion on some private native holdings last year that mainly provoked forcible resibtauce. This is to be studiously avoided, and indeed the utmost care is to be used not to irritate the feelings of the natives or provoke their opposition. It is believed that there will be no .such opposition, but Te Whiti being convinced that the Government is the stronger of the two, will quietly accept tbe position. In any case, however, Government with 800 troops and 1500 Volunteers on the spot, is master of tho situation."