FIFTY YEARS AGO

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 106, 31 October 1931, Page 11

FIFTY YEARS AGO

ITEMS FKOM " TEE POST "

TE WHITI CLIMBS DOWN

There was great excitement at this time fifty years ago over tho Maori troubles on tho Wost Coast, no one being quite sure how Tc Whiti aud hia followers would treat tho arrival of armed forces on the scene. Matters began to look better, however, and wb road: "Te Whiti's speech at yesterday's Parihaka meeting displays a complete change of front. In fact, he admits this himself, but pleads that the circumstances havo changed also. Ho acknowledges that in September he did moan something very like fighting, but, as lie shrowdly points out, things wero quite different then, because there wero only a few Constabulary, whereas, now 'tho land is covered with armed men, and every south •wind blows soldiers.' This ia a veryhappy figure of speech, and 'frs Whiti will doubtless be able to expand it next time by adding tho north wind also to the list of soldier-blowing breezes. Under present circumstances ho counsels passivoness and patience. Stripped of metaphor, his utterances amount to an admission that he only restrained his followers from violence because the Government happened to be too strong for him. We know now that his gaugo of peacefulness and moderation is to bo found in the proportionate strength or ■weakness of the armed force on the "West Coast. It is satisfactory that he has at last made this quite_ clear, boeause it places us in a position to consider what steps should be taken to secure the good behaviour of Te Whiti and his people in a loss costly and troublesome way than keeping up a standing army "and calling out _ the volunteers. Those schools of fanaticism add sedition—the monthly Parihaka meetings—will have to be put down with a firm hand. The multitudes of Maori loafers from various parts of the colony -will have to be rigorously expelled from Parihaka and sent home to their own tribes. Parihaka will have to be reduced to a quiet agricultural village, with its own proper population, instead of being the headquarters and rendezvous of all the disaffected natives in the colony. Te Whiti and Tohu must be prevented by very decisive measures of restraint from any longer preaching sedition and keeping the colony in a state of ferment and anxiety. If they remain rebellious they will have to suffer for it by the loss 'of some benefits which they might otherwise enjoy. They must be taught the lesson of submission and obedience. If they are British subjects, this is due from them. If they are rebels, it is necessary that they should be quelled at once. If they are foreign foes within our borders, it is high time they were conquered and subdued. From every point of view, therefore, vigorous and decisive measures commend themselves as forming the only course proper under tho existing circumstances." THE BAND'S LITTLK JOKE. "On Saturday evening a dinner was given by the citizens of Masterton to the 32 volunteers who are going to the front. During the loyal toasts, the band, being bent on fun, saluted His Excellency with 'The King of the Canjribal Islands.' The Mayor, who is contesting Wairarapa North, proposed <The House of Representatives, coupled with the name of Mr. Goorge Beethamj' whereupon the band struck up 'The Dead March.' The solemn music produced an infuriating effect on Mr Beetham's supporters. Laughter and hisses brought tho impressive music to an end. Ono of Mr. Beetham's o.omnritteeraen indignantly addressed the Mayor,, who roplied that as Parliament was dead tho dirge was quite suitable. Oil was poured later on the troubled waters when Mr. Bcetham himself said that he did not believe any offence was intended." ' GOLD AT KAIWABEA. "The indications on the terraces of the stream seem to point to the conclusion that a reef exists in the locality. Mr. G. D. Hewitt has prospected aa farup as the gorge. At the junction of tho two streams he found good colours from,tho "base, to the summit of the hilL A few persons, under the title of the Wellington Prospecting Association,, have since then been carrying on the work of prospecting and driving. There are few persons who know of the work being here carried on, but two or three mining men have expressed themselves, it is understood, as considerably interested in the . result, and have recommended, that the present limited operations should give way to more extended works under the control of a company, in which the public could take .up shares. Some specimens.sent to us by the prompters have a very promising appearance. The gold is evidently reef gold, and one piece, with a tiny portion of quartz attached, weighs six grains." , OHRISTOHUEOH CATHEDRAL. "The ceremony of consecrating the Christchurch Cathedral took place this morning. Nearly all the business places in the city were closed in honour of the event. Tho weather was beautifully fine. The Governor had intended to be present, but was' prevented by State affairs. Long before the hour fixed for the ceremony a large crowd assembled outside the Cathedral, which, soon after the opening of the doors, was literally crammed, and about 2000 were unable to obtain admission. At 11 o'clock about forty of the attending bishops and clergy, headed by the Primate, bearing his crozier, walked in procession round the building to the western doorway, thenco into the Cathedral, the ceremony of consecration proceeding in the usual form. The lessons were read by Archdeacon Harper and the Dean of Christchurch. The Primate preached a very impressive and appropriate sermon. The service occupied about three hours."