SIR W. MARTIN'S PLAN OF NATIVE GOVERNMENT.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2808, 26 July 1866, Page 3

SIR W. MARTIN'S PLAN OF NATIVE GOVERNMENT.

Although his Excellency, in his speech on opening the Assembly, did not mate mention of auy specific measures to be introduced by the Ministry with respect to native government, there can be little doubt that it is intended io make some comprehensive inquiry this session, with a view to legislation on that subject. - In his despatch to the Secretary of State, narrating his interview with Thompson at Hamilton, his Excellency states that he was anxious to get Thompson to Wellington, for the purpose of giving evidence before any committee that might be appointed on native affairs. Various circumstances point out this as a favourable time for coasidering the whole native question. The war has died away. We may count upon our posts in Waikato, the East Coast, Taranaki, and Wanganui, being left unmolested, if the detachments are kept at proper strength ; and surely the Government will not be foolish enough to send expeditions to those parts of the country where the hostile tribes have secluded themselves. If we are not able to keep a strong enough force at all the posts, we had better abandon some of them. It is pretty clear we must have some change of system. Sir George Grey's plan, introduced with such parade, has entirely failed to preserve the peace of the country, or even to introduce a proper system of law and order amongst those tribes which have remained peaceable during the late war. Besides, the system hardly afflicts the moat .fei'tile cause of dispute and irritation between the races — the land. That it the question of questions ; and any attempt to introduce law and order amongst the Maoris — to civilise them, or, we might almost now say, to re-Christianise them — must be based upon a good measure, carefully worked, on the subject of native lands. Taught by the costly experience of years, the colonists of New Zealand have of late taken two steps of immense importance towards a proper system of native government. These are, the passing of the Native Lands Act, and the abolition of the Land Purchase Department of the Government. The Nativo_ Lands Act is of incalculable importance ; it is " the turning-point of our work." With the exception of the measure for the consolidation of the Land Acts passed in former sessions, the legislation of last session of the Assembly on native matters was foolish, and if acted upon would prove most mischievous. The Native Rights Act, by which all persons of the Maori race were declared to ba naturalborn subjects of her Majesty, and to be within the jurisdiction of the usual courts of law in the same -way as Europeans, has been treated by the * Courts as a dead letter ; and we understand that in the new Resident Magistrates' Courts Act, to be introduced by the Stafford Government, the clauses in the old Act making distinctions between the cases of Maoris and Europeans are to be repeated and continued. Mr. FitzGerald's next effort in legislation was the Native Commission Act, by which the Governor was empowered to constitute a commission of not more than 35 Maoris, and not more than four Europeans, for the purpose of reporting as to a native electoral franchise. Nothing has been done under this Act ; and if any -inquiry is to be made this session, a better court for the purpose can easily be constituted. The Outlying Districts Police Bill probably never will be put in force. It is hardly possible to conceive anything better adapted to perpetuate irritation and crime than that Act. It would be seen from Mr. Cardwell's despatch which we published a few days ago, that the greater part of Mr. FitzGerald's native legislation would have been deleted from the statute-book, had it not been that the Home Government are determined not to make themselves responsible for measures affecting the natives. No man is entitled to be listened to with greater deference on all matters of native legislation, than Sir William Martin, late Chief Justice of New Zealand ; and in the papers presented to Parliament are two letters from him which deserve most careful consideration. The first of these takes a general view of the state of native districts, and makes suggestions with reference to future legislation and administration ; the second is entitled " Notes on the best mode of introducing., and working the Native Lands Act," in whichjthe details of a plan are given. We propose, without entering at all upon matters of controversy, to give a summary of Sir William Martin's plan aB developed in these lelters. After a sketch of the political condition of the tribes in Waikato and the south-west coast, Sir William writes at some length upon the Hauhau superstition, stating what he considers the cause of the strong hold it has taken upon the tribes to the south of Auckland — namely, the "old feeling of distrust and exasperation towards our Government." He says that some of the natives " accepted it in faith, many in wilfulness and bitterness." It is strongly urged . that in attempting to pacify the country we should not attempt to exercise an authority we do not in fact possess ; that the natives should be warned of their insecurity, and assured of our readiness to extend our system to them whenever they may desire it ; that then they ihould be left alone until the present exasperation shall have ceased, and time rendered them more reasonable and disposed to union. Having thus cleared the way, Sir William proceeds to consider the mode of dealing with native affairs for the future, and on this subject hia first suggestion is that the war be " completely and finally wound up." This of course is not to be don© by sending expeditions to the Ngatiruanui conntry,or to Kawhia, but simply by letting thenatives alone — not carrying on war against them unless to resist attack. Representation of the natives in the General Assembly being at present unattainable, it is proposed that drafts of measures referring to the natives be circulated throughout the districts that have accepted our authority, any objections made to receive full consideration ; and that no Act of Assembly affecting the natives should be brought into operation till a notification has been received that the Royal assent has been given. Our readers would see that Mr. Cardwell, while approving generally of Sir William Martin's suggestions, objected to measures being delayed for the Royal assent, doubtless for the same reason as induced him to spare the absurd measures of Mr. FitzGerald, and also because of th« possible disastrous consequences of delay. In the "Notes on the best mode of working the Native Land Act,' 1 Sir William Martin details Tfith^reat care the system of native government which he proposes; and although there doubtless are weak points in the plan, we think that everyone who read it must have been astonished at the somewhat contemptuous way in which it was treated by Colonel Russell, the Native Minister. The following is Sir William Martin's statement with respec tfco his plan : — The. plan of internal administration for Native Districts, which I submitted in the '* Notes on the best mode of working the Native Lands Act, " and which, may he established by meansjof that Act interferes in no way with the existing institutions of the colouy, It lets them work, and lets the native

gradually and safely take'their part in workiag them. Under it tbey must become really subjects. They cannot have the benefits of the system without workiug through the Government, and accepting the authority of the officers of the Government in all matters of business with the Engljsh. They will become possessed of the franchise iv common with the settlers whom the operation of the Act wiU introduce. For their own wealth and proiperifcy, they must become dependent on' the presence of the pikeha alongside of them. Ihe only part of the system which will be in any degree independent will bathe function of the Native Magistrates in deciding disputes among themselves— an arrangement which has always existed, and which relieves our office™, whilst it tends to satisfy within safe limits the desire of self-government. The Native Council will, if worked in the mode suggested, become simply a board of trustees for managing certain property, and appropriating the income amongst the purposes of the trust, similar to the many local boards which already exist in the colony. The natural effect of the measure recommended will be to unite both populations' and bring them under one system. The Native Lands Act puts into our hands a lever •wherewith to more the whole native population, a means of establishing law and carrying settlement everywhere. If this great power be thrown away or watted, the mistake will deserve to be classed with the most «erious of the mistakes hitherto made ; yet w« shall waste it if we are content to use it for effecting purcl>«es here and therein detached patches and on no system. In a future article we shall give an abstract of the details set forth in-Sir William Martin's •econd letter.

The fourth anniversary of the Onehunga Band of Total Abstainers' Association was celebrated by a tea and public meeting on Tuesday evening last, at the Princes-street schoolroom, Onehunga, the walls of which were handsomely decorated for the occasion. The meeting was throughout a lively and entertaining one. At six o'clock tea and an abundant supply of other refreshments were served out to the assembly. After tea, the proceedings commenced by singing the anniversary hymn, and the secretary, Mr. Bycroft,*was called upon to read the report of the society for the past year, which showed an encouraging progress. The increase in members had been 68, the total number on the books now standing at 267 all ages. Of these some had removed to the Waikato district, and, it is believed, still continue steadfast to their principles. Monthly meetings had been held during the year, the average at which had been forty, but a drawback to these was named as being the want of speakers- in One- < hunga, the committee having occasionally to seek help from Auckland to supply the lack. 'J he report concluded by asking earnestly all those who loved their country to join themselves to the cause of total abstinence by personal example, and thereby, assist in philanthropy, and promote the true pros, perity, comfort, and happiness of the colony. The treasurer's statement followed, which was considered very satisfactory. Addresses of both instructive and amusing nature were given byseveral friends from Auckland, and also some recitations by several juvenile members in a creditable and pleasing manner, the chief of which was entitled, " Buy your own Cherries," in rhyme, and occupying about 15 minutes in delivery. The titles of others were: "John Gilpin," " The Trembling Eyelid" (a wreck story), "Which is best," &c ; and also two dialogues, given by youths, added to the entertainment, the one on "A Thousand a Year," and tho second on " The House with the Picture hung over the Door." Several excellent songs were given, and after what was felt by all to be an evening's enjoyment and profit, the company— numbering over 150 —dispersed to their homes at half-past nine. — (Communicated. ) The narrative of the voyage from Sydney somewhat detracts from the excellent character gained by the 'Kaikoura on her voyage from England. Perhaps such another gale may not be experienced for a twelvemonth, and the fact of one of the Panama ships making so slow a passage as seven days would not be noticed, were it not" the first trip of the vessel. Bntitmustbe added thatthe nautical description of the ship's behaviour in the storm is not very favourable. She rolled and pitched in a most disagreeable manner, and was unable to force her way to wind as well as was expected of her. It is tiue that she had an. enormous quantity of coal on board, and was not in the best trim. Further, her old three-bladed screw having been broken on the voyage out, she had one of two blades fitted in Sydney, an old screw belonging to the almost forgotten steamer ' European.' This screw was thought to be a success ; but as every one agrees, that no" vibration was felt from ifc, one is tempted to believe that the screw could not have been doing its full duty. It is to be hoped that the voyage to and from Panama will not be affected by the change of screw. — Wellington correspondent -of Lyttelton Times. We understand that a shopkeeper in Queen-street has been found by Mr. Wark, manager of the Gas Company, to have been tamperingwith the meter on his premises, so as to prevent it registering the amount of gas consumed. As there is no Act I a force here protecting gas compauies, it is stated that the ouly ground of prosecution would be for malicious damage to the meter. Mr. James Whyte begs to acknowledge the receipt; of the following Bums on behalf of the widow and children of the late Mr.'Aicltin :— William Aitken, Esa., 10s.; Mrs. Squirrel, ss.j. j Peter Beck, 10s.; from the ladies of Newton, by Miss Hudson, £1 ISs.; Miss Hudson, lOs.j Mrs. Hutcheson, 10s.; a friend, 2«. 9d. A social meeting of the members of the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, High-street, was held last evening in the school-house adjoining the chapel. The object of the meeting was to consider the present condition , and prospects of the church. The attendance was numerous. The Rer. J. Buller presided ; and, after £ea, made a few preliminary observations. Mr. J. Fletcher, one of the circuit stewards, delivered a statement showing the financial position of the Church. Several addresses were afterwards delivered by ministers and others. v A habit has become general in this town of poisoning dogs, registered or unregistered, on- the chain or off it ; cats, fowls, and domestic animals generally — which it is about time to put a stop to. We do not so much complain of the killing of these poor dumb brutes as we do of the great danger to human life that is caused by this cruel habit. Poison is thrown down recklessly in all parts of the town, and generally within private enclosures, not by the owners themselves, but by some vindictive neighbour who, very probably, wants to help himself to another person's firewood. Children are running about these enclosures at all times, and parents know how fond the youßgest of them are of picking up anything and putting it in their mouths, unless they are very carefully watched. If this wholesale poisoning is not put a stop to, we ahall hear of some frightful calamity one of these days. When * child has been killed, perhaps some stringeDt measures will be put in force after the evil has occurred. We are, therefore, not sorry to see that a bill is to be introduced thi3 session into Parliament-io limit the sale of poisons, and we are certain that the prohibition cannot be too forcibly put, as there is little doubt that the facility with which they are now purchased is a great imcentive toj the pernicious use of them. — Wellington Indtpendent. A general meeting of the members of the Fire Brigade willjfee held this evening, at eight o'clock, at the stores of Messrs. E. and H. Isaacs, Fort-street. Mr. Burgham announces that he will give another of his Phantasmagoria Entertainments this evening, at Craigs Buildings, Sjmonds-street, at seven o'clock. On Thursday night last Majcr Youn*, of the 65th Regiment, attempted to commit suicide by cutting his throat with a raz >r. The major had attended mess the same evening, and no one can give any definite reason why he attempted the rash act. It is presumed, however, that it resulted from a disappointment he had experienced with regard to bw not fillini?the post of Colonel Wyatt, which he- seem* to ho-ve looked forward t© for sometime. Medical aid was promptly in attendance, and we are glad to le»rn there is every hope of- his recovery.—Devonport Independent. At the Police Court yesterday, two privates'of the Royal Artillery, named Hay ward and Spencer, were committed to the Supreme Court, for trial on a charge of robbery from the person. The details of the case will be found in our police report. During the hearing of the case, his Worship complimented constable Bell upon the activity and intelligence he - 'had shown. We have been requested to state that, in consequence of alterations to the Welle.sley-street Schoolroom, there will be no penny reading held this week. The next meeting of the Auckland . Garrison Hunt is advertised to take place on, Friday afternoon, at three o'clock, at the Prince Albert public-house, on the Onehunga Road. *

The monthly meeting of the-Papakura Association will take place at the Papakura Hotel, on Wednesday eytning next, immediately after the cattle sale. The general meeting of members of the Auckland Club will be held on Saturday afternoon next, at the club-rooms,* for the consideration of business of importance. Messrs. C. Arthur and Son announce that they •will hold a sale to-day, at 11 o'clock, at their mart, to close consignments, saddlery, clothing, shirts, boots, <fee. Messrs. Tnrrell and Tonks havo been instructed by the importers to sell by public auction to day, at 11 o'clock, at their nyirt, 1,200 cases and packages of American goods. Mr. Alfredßuckland will sell to-day, at the Newmarket saleyards, at 1 o'clock, fat and store cattle, sheep, fat and store pigs, milk dishes, churn, &c.