“The Press” In 1866

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31177, 29 September 1966, Page 12

“The Press” In 1866

September 29 Whilst we have no wish to exaggerate, it is impossible to disguise the imminent danger which now overhangs the colony. It is now perfectly well known that Sir G. Grey intends to send the “one regiment” to Taupo, and there is not a man in the country whose opinion is unbiassed and who has a competent knowledge of Native affairs, who will not admit that such a step involves the most imminent danger of a new Native war. It is quite true that there are some who look on that danger as light, and some who care so little for the storm that they would, risk the danger for the sake of the advantage. There are men who persuade

themselves that the Natives are so broken and exhausted that they will offer no further resistance to any steps which we may take. . . . The mistake made by the Governor in thinking that he will get or has got the assent of the Natives to the establishment of a military post at Taupo, will be precisely the same blunder as that which he made at Taranaki when he thought that he would be allowed to occupy Tataraimaka by the troops before the Waitara dispute was settled. In other words it will be a mistake which, once made, can never be recalled. The troops once there must be < retained there, no matter at what cost of life or wealth to the colony.