“The Press” In 1866

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31255, 30 December 1966, Page 8

“The Press” In 1866

December 31 Congratulations have been going around at the completion of the purchase of the Manawatu block from the Natives. And by the Lyttelton Times and the Wellington Independent and other journals, it seems to be regarded as a sort of additional triumph of which to be proud, that this purchase has been effected in spite of the opposition of what is called missionary influence and of Parakaia Te Pouepa, whom our contemporary characterises—as if that were a sufficient term <** reproach—as a church “reader.” Some letters which we publish today explain the truth; namely, that the whole affair, so far as the dissentients to the sale are concerned, stands exactly as it did. Dr. Featherston has bought the land and paid the money; but one considerable section of the Ngatiraukawa tribe have

refused to receive any money, have protested against the sale, and so far as their own particular holdings are concerned, have paid a surveyor to lay them off, and are deliberately resolved to prevent any occupation whatever of their land.

It is impossible not to be struck with the identity in every particular between what is done here and what is done at the Waitara which Dr. Featherston so furiously condemned; an identity which extends even to the contemptible expedient in which the Lyttelton Times unites, of running down the men who have opposed the sale and speaking of them as if they were nobodies. This is exactly what was done in the case of William King, until we found out to our cost that William King had unfortunately sufficient influence to raise half his race against us.