The Star. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1881. MAJOR ATKINSON'S ADDRESS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 158, 12 October 1881, Page 2

The Star. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1881. MAJOR ATKINSON'S ADDRESS.

Major Atkinson has given the best possible indication that he understands the feeling of the constituency by making Native affairs the sole topic of reference in his address. That is the subject before which all others pale. The small grievances of particular townships, the want of a court-house here, or a road there, and even the harbor question, important as it undoubtedly is, must be lost sight of in view of that larger question which involves the permanent peace and prosperity of this coast. Our member makes a distinct and reassuring announcement on this question. With pardonable pride he refers to the fact that a great advance bas been made during the past two years, and be declares emphatically that an end must and will be made of the present standing threat to the peace of the colony this summer. That is well, and of course, in Baying it Major Atkinson speaks not merely for himself, but for the Government. An article in the Wellington Evening Post, which, if not the direct mouthpiece of the Government, at any rate has the very best information as to its intentions has the following referring to the present position: — " This is the new phase of native affairs, and when the Government make a definite repressive movement it will not be at all of the same kind as that advocated by Mr. Bryce, or under circumstances at all B\nnW. The Constabulary will remove the fencing as before. If the Maoris oppose, they will be arrested. If they resist, sufficient force will be used to overpower them at all costs and hazards, and Te Whiti, having distinctly incited the lawless proceedings, will be held responsible, and will be treated accordingly, whatever this may involve. Having once sanctioned and incited lawless resistance to authority, he bas at last placed himself outside the pale, and will have to take the consequences, which will probably be his personal imprisonment, and the final breaking up of the Parihaka settlement, now that has become a nest of rebellion." That is the policy which this coast expects; and if we are given an earnest that it will be prosecuted, Major Atkinson need have no fear for his election. But he will be judged strictly by that standard.