The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. Equal and exact justice to all men, Of whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or political. TUESDAY, FEB 1, 1887.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2272, 1 February 1887, Page 2

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. Equal and exact justice to all men, Of whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or political. TUESDAY, FEB 1, 1887.

At the late meeting between Mr Ballance and the members of the Ngatimaniapoto tribe, at Otorohanga, the latter evidenced in a most remarkable manner the respect, and even affection, which they entertain for Mr Wilkinson, the native agent. Ever since it became known that the Government intended to dispense with the services of this officer the native mind has been much disturbed, and the sentiments given expression to by Mr John Ormsby were not only those of Walianui, Taonui, and the Ngatimaniapoto, but of the vast majority of the native people with whom Mr Wilkinson's duties have brought him in contact.

The reason of this is not very far to seek. Mr Wilkinson is a man who has earned and retained the respect of both races, and that is saying a great _ deal. In carrying out the manifold difficult and delicate duties of his office, he has not only called to his aid the most consummate tact, but he has always been straightforward, fair, and above-board in his dealings. Maoris can appreciate good qualities such as these, as keenly as their European fellow-subjects, and it is precisely for this reason that Mr George Wilkinson enjoys in such a high degree the confidence of the white and dark races.

Of the action of the Government in regard to Mr Wilkinson, it does not require much to be said. So far as we can gather, there does not appear to be any grounds for doubting that Mr Ballance was actuated solely by considerations of economy and a desire to abolish the Native Department. In this the Minister has our heartiest sympathy. It -was his predecessor's highest ambition to go out of office leaving no successor. Mr Bryce was denied the fulfilment of his wish, but in Mr Ballance he has found a successor equally desirous with himself to put an end to the mumbo-jumbo mystery which for so many years has shrouded the Native Question, and hindered all honest attempts made to solve it. As a matter of fact, indeed, Mr Ballance has succeeded so well, that at the present time there is actually only one native agent in existence, and he is Mr Wilkinson himself. But, as Mr Ormsby pointed out it is not possible yet to do without the Native Office in Waikato, where, at a comparatively long distance from the seat of Government, exists the only " Maori difficulty" worth calling such; and if the Government agree with this view, who so well fitted for the position of agent as Mr Wilkinson 1 Nobody knows better than Mr Ballance the value of Mr Wilkinson's services to the Government; nobody knows better than he the extent to which the colony is indebted to the agent at Alexandra for the acquiescence of the natives in the survey policy and their acceptance of the Native Lands Administration Act, albeit they do not agree altogether with that measure 1 After what transpired at the Otorohanga meeting, we are inclined to think that the Government will reconsider their decision; indeed we have pretty fair grounds for concluding that Mr Wilkinson will be retained in the service of the Government. But in any event it is but that gentleman's due that we should place on record the high estimation in which he is held by the people of the two races inhabiting this portion of the colony.