Gk-2,

with special functions, in the belief that they were capable of influencing the minds of the Natives favourably towards the Government. In several instances the character and habits of life of these persons have been such as ought to have disqualified them altogether from Government employment in any department, but at any rate especially disqualified them from appearing as representatives or servants of the Ministry among a people Avho would be only too apt to judge of the character of the Government by that of the tools it used. The very position of these persons, and the relation in which they stood towards the NatiAres and the Government respectively, implied that they should do the work of spies, and indicated the probability that they would prove treacherous to either party whenever their OAvn interests could be advanced by such a course. It was only, indeed, as spies that they could Avork at all; and, although the Government did no doubt occasionally obtain from them information that Avas correct, yet, coining from that source, it never could be relied upon. Major BroAvn, Avhen asked by us Avhether the employment of the class alluded to was really of any value, was obliged to admit that as a general rule it was not, though he specified one instance in Avhich timely information derived from such a source had been attended Avith advantage to the public interest; but even in that case we saw no reason Avhy the information could not have been obtained in another way. We very strongly urge that the sooner the Government ceases to avail itself of such services the more it will obtain the respect of the Natives, and success in its dealings with them. An idea seems to have preA railed that the class of persons Ave allude to are a necessary evil, and that if their influence Avere not secured for the Government it Avould be exercised against it. The ansAver is that their influence has never done anything for us, but constantly done much against us; and that whatever influence they have had Avas due to the money paid them for their services. Let this condition cease, and the influence of the class will be as poAverless for injury as Ave believe it to be for good. In the case of a chief like Te Whiti, who has so often shown a strong moral sense (rightly or Avrongly directed is not the question), and who has ever laboured to elevate the character of his people and to restrain them from the vices so fatal to a saA^age race, the spectacle of a Government allied with spies and seeking to profit by their intrigues, cannot but degrade us in his estimation and justify his aversion from our rule. Nor, Avhile speaking on this subject, can any one who thinks upon the effect of that rule upon, a generous race, shut his eyes to the ruin that is fast coming upon them by that fatal indulgence in drink from Avhich no Government deems it any duty to try and save them. We ask Your Excellency to read a letter from Major Brown, Avritten nearly three years ago, on 20th August 1877, in Avhich he places before the Government very plainly and forcibly the duty Avhich he conceives to be incumbent upon it to prevent, if possible, the establishment of publichouses in the districts betAvecn Waingongoro and Stoney Eiver. It is certain that one of the motives AA rhich have made Te Whiti averse from the settlement of Europeans in the Parihaka country, has been the dread of seeing his people demoralized by the publichouse. In his addresses at the Parihaka meetings he has frequently lamented the mischief that has ensued among his people from the drink which they can get in the European settlements ; and according to Major BroAvn, he has been successful in doing what neither the Avisdom of the Colonial Parliament nor the vigilance of the Executive Government haA'e done elseAvhere, he has prevented the sale (and to a great extent the use) of intoxicating liquors Avithin his own particular district. Whether any general Licensing Act could effect the object aimed at in a community composed jointly of Maoris and Europeans may well be doubted : judging by the A rery limited extent to Avhich the Act of 1878 gives any power to residents in districts chiefly occupied by Maoris, it may be safely asserted that it would not. The only course Avhich holds out any prospect of successfully grappling with the persistent efforts to-push the trade even into the remotest fastnesses of the interior where none but Maori population exists, is the absolute prohibition within such districts of the sale of intoxicating drinks. In districts in Avhich no pretence of vested interests can be pleaded, the Government Avould be fully justified in establishing such prohibition by law. And it is probable that

1879,

Letter from Major Brown on the traffic in spirits, 20th August 1877. Appendix lE, JTo.4.

XXXIV