THE NATIVE CRISIS.

Evening Post, Volume XVII, Issue 547, 27 June 1879, Page 2

THE NATIVE CRISIS.

It is with much gratification that we learn that the Government have issued definite instructions to the Armed Constabulary in the disturbed district to arrest immediately all Maoris who may re-commence illegally ploughing on land belonging to European settlers, and to detain them in custody on a criminal charge of forcibly entering on property and committing wilful damage. The Government, we understand, consider that the time has. come when no further forbearance should be shown to the Maori law-breakers, and that there Is a sufficient force on tbe spot to enforce the law, even if the insurgents should number several hundreds. We are assured that it is the fixed intention of the Gdment to act with the utmost vigor, and to compel obedience to the law at whatever cost. We are very glad to hear it, and are convinced that the Government will meet with hearty support and approval if they carry out this very proper course of action. It is only to be regretted that their decision has been arrived at so tardily, and that at any rate when the settlers at length, after long and patient forbearance, took tbe law into their own hands, and did what the Government ought to have done long before, they did not receive cordial encouragement and assistance from tbe Government.