NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Press, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5542, 23 June 1883, Page 5

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

I By Telegrafh.J [from our correspondent.! WELLINGTON, June 22. A despatch from Sir J. Jervois to Lord Derby on the present state of Native affairs has just been presented to the House. His Excellency says—''Affairs are progressing satisfactorily, and I have no reason to differ from my Ministers in their view of the present relations of the Government of this colony with the Native race.* Those relations Beem to be undoubtedly of a much more friendly character than have existed for many years, and tend to the solution of difficulties which have troubled most Governments here in the past, and at the same time to the progress of civilisation amongst the Maoris. The setting apart of Ample reserves of land, which, on the recommendation of a Boyal Commissioner, Sir Wm. Fox, have been appropriated for Natives, and which at their request are being let for their advantage by the Government, thus excluding speculators from dealing with those reserves, appears to assure the Natives that their just rights will be respected. With regard to the amnesty, which, as stated in my former despatch, I have lately proclaimed, a question has arisen whether any, and if any what, Maoris should be excluded from its bepefits. The possibility of thus limiting had been contemplated in the Amnesty Act of last session, and some people, more especially on the East Coast of the North Island, were of opinion that the chief Te Kooti, who directed the Natives in a savage attack on Poverty Bay in 1868 should not be pardoned. It appeared to mc, however, that although the deeds cf Te Kooti at the time referred to could not be defended on the ground that they were legitimate acts, it was infinitely better in the interests of Maoris and Europeans alike that the amnesty for all such offences as referred to in the proclamation should be without exception. If Te Kooti, or any other chief or body of Maoris, had been txcepted, he, or they, would have formed the nucleus of a party hostile to the Government, and every object of the Government, and the conciliatory policy on which they had entered would have been neutralised. It appeared to mc most sensible that lines should be drawn between the past and the future, and that with this view the pardon should be full and complete. I therefore quite approve of the proposal of Ministers that no Maori should be excluded from the proclamation Of the amnesty." Sir Wm. Jervois adds—" There seems every reason to believe that Te Kooti will act up to the peaceful professions which he has made. I think there can be no dou*bt of the wisdom of allowing Te Whiti and Tohu to return home." There is also a letter from the Agent-General in reply to the Premier's telegram, announcing the amnesty. Mr Whitaker had cabled thus: " Te Kooti. Main difficulty way amnesty. Mr Bryce met him, Bewi being. present, and explained the Amnesty. Act. In reply to a question a3 to future behaviour, Te Kooti said Jie had lived as a peaceable man for ten years and desired never again to walk in evil paths. Bewi believed the Government could safely accept Te Kooti'e statement. Mr Bryce was satisfied, u_d promised to recommend the Governor to proclaim an amnesty for offences. A

" Gazette " waß issued on the 13th declaring an amnesty, without exception, under the provisions of the Act." Sir D. Bell replied expressing pleasure at the news, and adding, *' I immediately communicated this newß to the Colonial Office, and made it publio in the newspapers, and as it is prebable that the Secretary of State may shortly lay further papers on New Zealand affairs before the Imperial Parliament, it is my intention to request Lord Derby to allow intelligence of the general amnesty to be included in the Blue Book, without waiting for the receipt of the formal despatches received from the Governor." Lord Derby in acknowledging Sir W. Jervois' despatch enclosing copies of the proclamation granting amnesty to disaffected Maoris, and reporting that he had granted permission to Te Whiti and Tohu to return home to Parihaka, says, " I am glad to learn that your Government has been able to advise you to take the action reported in your despatch.