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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 153, 18 December 1863, Page 2 (Supplement)

The Daily Southern Cross of the 24th ult., contains the following remarks;— “We understand the recent advocacy by certain lion, members of the interests of the Maoris, and we think we also understand why they are so anxious to obtain a guarantee against confiscation for the rebellious Maories in Wellington and Hawke’s Bay. In reality a great number of the run holders in these provinces have been living on the fruits of illegality. They have rented large tracts of country from the natives as sheep and cattle stations, contrary to law; and if these Maoris, many of whom have compromised themselves in the present insurrection, were to have their lands forfeited as a punishment for their overt act of treason, things would go very ill indeed with our runholding friends. Hence the outcry that, if some guarantee be not given that treason will be condoned, the natives would take up arms all over Hawke’s Bay and Wellington. We refer to this point to show the party in question that they are observed ; and to warn them not to tamper too much with the interests of the public. While they rented their runs from natives, and while they grew rich on the fruits of illegality, we did not often complain. But when it is attempted to stay the arm of justice, by asking for a condonation of treason, and subdue the power of those chiefs whose treasonable proceedings Mr. Mantell so well described, we tell them they are presuming too far on the forbearance of'the settlers of this colony, whose interests they are prepared to sacrifice to their own.”