La poire est mure.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1210, 1 February 1859, Page 3

La poire est mure.

Many years have now elapsed since we first maintained that a system of direct land purchase from the natives, under reasonable restrictions, —was inevitable, and that the introduction of it was merely a question of time. It was clear to us, from the beginning, that the Crown's absolute right of preemption would have to be ultimately abandoned, because the contract under which the natives ceded that right, was incomplete. There was no consideration, quoad hoc. The Queen's Government and protection was a consideration for the cession of dominion, butuot for preemption. The contract was incomplete, because, although the natives pledged themselves to sell to the Crown only, the Crown was not pledged to buy. And if, as might perhaps be argued, an obligation to buy was implied, the Crown, by neglecting to fulfil it, virtually annulled the original contract. The natives were deceived as to the effect of the treaty; and the disappointment which they felt at being unable to dispose of their lands, aftev-having so long enjoyed the advantage of free trade in land with the settlers, was one of the causes of the northern war. True it is, that Governor Fitzßoy, by timely waiver of preemption, was able to partially allay the feeling ; but the evil had borne fruit, for trust had vanished from the native mind. The records of the protectors office shew that Governor Fitzßoy was forced into this measure by the natives themselves, and not, as falsely alleged by, Governor Grey, though intimidation from the European colonists. We have stated that direct purchase was "merely a question of time." We believe that : the time has now arrived —that the pear is. ripe. For a modification of the existing system | has' become nccesssary to the prosperity of the j Auckland province, which is now, for want of lrind, being fast left behind in the race of progress by all 'thV Southern provinces, Taranaki

alone ejpcepted, which labours under the same disadvantage. And the Auckland public, for the most part supine and apathetic — more Dutch than English, to appearance, is now becoming so thoroughly roused to a perception - of the fact, that a steady, combined, well organized movement towards a remedy has now become possible. It may be said that a remedy has been already provided, under the financial scheme, by the borrowing of £180,000 for the purpose of extinguishing native titles. So far good ; but when this sum shall have been expended, upon what do we fall back ? Not upon the keeping back one sixth of the land fund for the purpose ; for the sum so set apart would be utterly inadequate to extinguish, with sufficient promptitude, the title to lands of which the price is being rapidly and continuously enhanced by the native owners. If the story of the Sybilline leaves be forgotten by the Government, it is certainly borne, well in mind by the settlers, who simply desire to overcome the difficulty themselves, and are ready to find the means. We are not in the habit of going in, excepting where we expect to win. Having some knowledge of circumstances — of the quarters in which support may be expected, a3 well of those in which opposition is likely to be raised, we commit ourselves to stating that there is every leasonable hope of success. Having undertaken our share of the task, — for it is no more than a share, we shall persover,e in it to the last. These few lines are merely as "arles," — in earnest of the engagement to go to the root of the question in future numbers. Our own scheme for the extinction of the native title by direct purchase, without risk to the peace of the colony, and without excluding collateral purchase by the Government, has been long before the public. Another scheme, moved by the member for the city, (Mr. Daldy) was carried by resolution in the House of Kepresentatives. For this we gave our vote, as being a step in the right direction though not entirely agreeing with it in detail. But we are able to state, that the movement will not be hampered by any dispute about details. Those who are likely to take a prominent part are agreed in combining their forces to obtain an acknowledgement of the principle, leaving forms for after consideration. We have also reason to feel assured that the true bearings of the question will be brought prominently under the notice of the Home Government. We take occasion to remind the Auckland colonists that a question of this importance cannot be carried by journalism alone. A public journal is able to render valuable assistanse, when supported by public feeling; but is idle to suppose that mere declamation can effect what amounts almost to a constitutional change. The object can be attained only through the energetic exertions of the settlers themselves.