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Lyttelton Times, Volume XX, Issue 1129, 5 September 1863, Page 4

General Cameron was right in transferring the seat of war to the Waikato. The great tribe on that river is the source and fountain head of the native disaffection. As long as the Waikatos could boast of ignoring law and insulting Magistrates, it was quite useless to punish inferior tribes for murder and robbery. If the Waikatos are humbled and reduced to order, other tribes -will probably give way. Wherever a tribe has outraged Europeans and defied the Government, it has been either instigated or encouraged by the boastful Waikatos and their allies.

By striking at the heart of the rebellion, General Cameron has compelled the chief insurgents to stand at bay ; and we may hope that if not at Meremere, at any rate at the great fortified pah intheir rear, the Maoris may be so signally defeated, as to crush all hope of successful resistance for the future. It seems pretty clear that they have determined to make a stand either at Meremere or at Paetai. This is best thing that can happen for the welfare of both races. It is a great matter that by invading the Maori country, the evil has been brought to a head. Hitherto, the skirmishing warfare adopted has led the poor Maori to consider himself equal if not superior to the British soldier. A general engagement will teach him a lesson which we hope will not need to be repeated often.