THE GOVERNMENT POLICY.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 14, Issue 708, 12 August 1869, Page 2

THE GOVERNMENT POLICY.

(Wanganui Chronicle.)

The Government policy is "defensive" But what does it mean ? AH that the settlers in these districts wish for—all that they could reasonably desire—is to be tie* tended in the peaceable possession of their homesteads and properties. They did not come to New Zealand to fight—they are. not a war-breathing people, combative in (heir propensities, or fiVry in their character. They wish to live in a quiet, neighborly way, caring for their flocks and herds. In moments of excitement —in the thought of atrocities which stir the feelings of strong men —threats of Nativo extermination may have been occasionally uttered, but no one deliberately thinks of such a thing; no one contemplates seizing new territory, though it is contrary to the great law, " Replenish the earth," that whole tracts of country should lie waste as they now do, while there are hands to work and mouths to. (ill. No one wishes to do the slightest injustice to the Native race ; but, certainly, tiie colonists desire, and have a right t* demand, protection for themselves and punishment for criminals. The question which is now before Parliament and the country is, How are these objects most ikely to be accomplished? Wid the policy of the present Government achieve what is necessary ? Hitherto the Government has left the pub ic very much in the dark. So far, its policy has been one of concession, which, means retreat rather than defence. Tnere is such a thing as dividing and governing; and cases in which aggression—a ould front —is the best, in fact the o< ly su-e, defence, No one can be insensible to the diiiioulii s of the Native situation, but nearly ail are igreed that any "giving in" will be attributed to weakness, and not to any other belter feeling. Let us look at the case of our Waitotara and Patea settlers. What is to be dune for them ? '1 hey are begin* uing to put stock upon their lauds againsome of them have pitched tents—others have buiit whares: it is weary waiting! Spring is coining, and the country will be inviting. It is terribly hard that 8 horde of savages should prevent people from using and enjoying land which can ba turned to good purpose, —that a fair and fertile district should be converted into a desert. IJut settlers are running great risiis. A Defensive Policy should be able to defend them, and we wait with much anxiety for some further development u{ the views of the Ministry.