THE RELEASED MAORI PRISONERS.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1294, 14 October 1880, Page 2

THE RELEASED MAORI PRISONERS.

▼■ ■ — Tub following letter has been addressed by the Hon Mr Bryce to Wiremu Kingi, the chief who was arrested with the other Native prisoners, and who has liberated with, them on last Monday week : — "Native office, "Wellington, Oct. 4, 1880. "Friend Wiremu Kingi; greeting-. The time is now come for me to say a few words to you. When you and your companions were sent to Duntnlia you refused to accept my offer to be separated from your comrade-, and said that you preferred that the Government should ahow kindness to your people in the SPttleinent of their grievances on the West Coast, rather thnn to your-olf personally. I then told you that the desire uf the Government was to deal justly, and I would use every eftort to promote peacu between the two races. Ten month* have passed since that day. and the promise of the Government which I gave you has been kept. The Governor appointed Commissioners in accordance with the will of Parliament andof the whole European people, to inquire into the cause of the discontent of tht» Natives, • in. order,' as he said in hi* proclamation * that any just ground of complaint which might exist, might bo removed, and peace be firmly established between both races.' Those Commissioners have now made their enquiry, and have reported to the Governor what they think would be a fair settlement of the differences which have evisted, and have pointed out what lands the}' consider chould be set apart for the Maoris who desire to live in peace. Since rhafc repoit was i-ent to the Governor the Parliament has met, and an Act has been passcrl which enables the Governor, as he may think fit, to make a find settlement of every claim or grievance of any nature arising out of any award, promise or engagement however marie, on behalf of the Government of the Colony in respect of laud Mtuute within the confiscated territory, and so far as it may be expedient to do so m nwuid.iuce with the reports of the Commissioners ; and the law also authorise* him to set apart reserves for the Nativos in *muh way-» as miy secure their permanent wolf ate. At the samo rime Parliament has said that all not-* of lawlessness must cease, and any Natives who obstruct the Government vi giving offeit to its plans will he punished as fclie law diverts. The Government has done and is prepared to do itj part Large anil ample pieces of Uudwill be &et apart for those natives who desire that trouble should cease, lloads which will benefit the Maori and pakoha ha» c been made, and arraugementshave also been made for the friendly occupation of the land by both races side by side. The Government have said that it desired peace and not war, and its words have been proved. Even the arrests which have been made were to prevent foolish obstruction to a clear settlement — obstruction which might have brought on a war, causing death to the Maori people. The sun will shine now if the desire of the Government is accepted and accomplished. Let the clouds which have obscured it be dispersed. It only now remains for the Natives to accept that which ia offered in the accepted time, lest the day of salvation draw to a close and the night of confusion again arises, so that the good work which has begun be hidden in darkness. The Government has determined to set you, and those with you, free lirst of all, so that you will see that the words are true which the Governor ! said, that he did not wish to return to | war or to retain the prisoners longer than | was necessary in the interests of both races. Our desire is to release the rest of the prisoners, and this will be done if on your return the natives accept the proposal now made to them. It now rests with you to show that you are willing to help me in doing that M'hich you asked me to do, and which I have been working at for this long time, namely to cause the confusion to cease and to promote the real interests of your people. Sufficient. From your friend, "John" Hryok. " Wiremu Kingi Matakatea, Dunedin." "P.S. — I send you herewith copies of the law to which I have referred, and the proclamation of the Governor put forth."

Good yielils are reported from the alluvial gold-iielila at Port Darwhv. Belgian expeditions to af&gjl. — The Academy says, not content with endeavouring to reach the centre of Africa by means of expeditions from the east coast through the lake region, and from the west by way ! of the Congo, the King of the Belgians is about to dispatch two officers to undertakeexplorations in Southern Egypt with a view to the opening of communication* by that route also. The new East Coast Expedition, under Capt. Raemackers, to which we have before alluded, is to take out a small steamer in pieces, which, is to be placed on Lake Tanganyika. M. de Meuse, of the Military Cartographical Institute at Brussels, is to accompany the expedition as' photographer and mechamoian.