The Lyttelton Times. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1869.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2523, 3 February 1869, Page 2

The Lyttelton Times. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1869.

Oj? two separate occasions within, a week before the departure of last mail from England, Tlte Times vouchsafed to enlighten the British public upon the state of affairs in New Zealand. As we observed on a former occasion, it is always interesting to learn the opinions of TJie Ernes upon our affairs. Not that we expect Tlie Times to throw any fresh light upon a subject with which it cannot be supposed to be as intimately acquainted as ourselves. The guide of others still more in the dark than itself—a blind leader of the blind—the opinions of Tk Times receive more attention than they intrinsically deserve. It is chiefly on account of the importance that is sure to be attached to them in England that they command our interest here.

It was thought by many persons in New Zealand, more especially in the North Island, that the disasters incurred both by the settlers and the colonial forces at the hands of the insurgents, would rouse a feeling of sympathy in Great Britain when they became known, and lead to the offer of assistance on the part of the Imperial authorities. As we anticipated at the time, the result has been ; altogether different. If Ike Times is the exponent as well as the guide of opinion in England, the British public look upon JNew Zealand disasters with the moat complete indifference. No words could perhaps more completely express this state of feeling than the following: —" When the public is informed that "a British colony has been suddenly "involved in a troublesome war, its "first impressions will undoubtedly "partake of anxiety and concern. " When, however, it is explained that "the colony in difficulties is New "Zealand, a considerable decline of "solicitude may probably be anticipated; and when the whole truth "of the story is told, as we "can tell it this morning, we "suspect the colonists will be " curtly commended to their own sense "andstrength for the speedy settle"mentof the affair and the effectual "prevention of such troubles for the '_' future." The article of which this is the opening paragraph was written after the receipt of the news of the total defeat of our forces under Colonel McDonnell, and there is nothing in it which contradicts the impression conveyed by these words. Any idea of assistance being afforded to the colony -unless specially paid for—is altogether ignored, and the advice tendered by The Times is given in a spirit of the most perfect indifference, as if the Imperial Government had no responsible connection of any kind with the colony. Again, if The Times is to be taken as a true index of the changes which occur in public opinion, it isevident that a change of some importance has taken place in the English opinion of the treatment which is due to the Maoris in time of war. Not many weeks ago The Times noticed the disadvantages under which the settlers laboured in having to carry on war against savages according to the usage of civilized nations, but declared that England would never allow these wars to degenerate into wolf hunts. Now, however, The Times alters its tone. In oue of the articles to which we now refer, it says-" Their resistance to authority "must be sternly and speedily re- " pressed. If it be not, there must speak of what will be, " not what ought to be-no survivors' " to represent the higher characteristics "of the race. * * # " Maoris are not unready at perceiving I'the tendency of English sentiments. ' Let them, then, be made to under- ' stand that what the past policy "towards them has been, the future certainly will not be." If, m say) The Times is the true exponent of British public opinion, then has Great Britain not only repudiated all respousibility for the defence of its subjects in one of its own colonies, but has intimated to these same colonists that the best way to settle the question is to exterminate the hostile Native race Is it possible for the public organ of a great people to sink lower than this ? The advice of The Times may be summed up thus: It tells us that there are three alternatives. To raise and maintain a force of our own to pay for a sufficient number of Imperial troops, or to employ one half of the JNahves m keeping the other half in order Assuming, as it does, the attitude of an indifferent dilettante lookeron, it cannot be expected to favour one line ot policy more than the other On one point, alone, is ifc thoroughly clear and determined. No assistance in men or money i 8 again to be expected from Great Britain. The colony must rely upon itself. If 1 ?n oaes t0 exterm 'Mte the Natives Ihe fanes will turn its blind eye while the performance is going on. But on no account must the British taxpayer be called upon to contribute a single whing. This is the ultimatum of tlie British public - exterminate the Natives if you please, but do not ask us to pay for it.