Neto Zealand AUCKLAND.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XX, 12 September 1861, Page 2

Neto Zealand AUCKLAND.

[From the Monthly Summary of the Southern Cross, Sept. 6.] POLITICAL. When the last mail left for England, the present Ministry had just succeeded in holding their own, and the struggle for office was over. The expected arrival of Sir George Grey was the all-absorbing topic of the day, We still remain in statu quo. No tidings have as yet been received of the new Governor's movements, but he is hourly expected to arrive. There has been a dead calm in the political world during the last month, but whether it will prove to be the calm which precedeth, or the calm which followeth a storm, time only can show. The General Assembly even are unable to raise any excitement, though Ministers may vociferate and members cheer. No-

body appears to think that anything is to be done till Sir George Grey comes. The debates drag their slow length along ; dreary discussions \ take place in Committee of Supply ; and the house, for lack of something better to do with itself and the time of the country, has been actually going into the question of privilege ; though, unfortunately finding that it possessed no privileges, aud could not send unfortunate printers to limbo, the question collapsed, and the fourth estate is still at liberty to make remarks on the great men who reign over us. Ministers have shown a wonderful talent for silence, and their views on native questions are still shrouded in the deepest mystery. As matters, however, have turned out," this is not likely to be of any very serious moment, as it is not probable, from all accounts, that, on native matters, Sir George Grey will allow much beyond humble suggestions from Ministers, and is not very likely to be much influenced by them, unless they should happen to chime in with his own ideas on the subject. The news received from England by the last mail has been eagerly perused. The debate in the House of Lords on the 28th of July, has caused much discussion, and has even been alluded to in the General Assembly. There seems to be a pretty general impression that Lord Grey has been unjust to the colonists, and certainly there can be but one opinion as to some of his remarks, which are ungenerous in the extreme. The Duke of Newcastle and Lord Lyttelton on the other hand have won golden opinions, and the refusal of the former to sanction a suspension of the Constitution Act, as proposed by Lord Grey, shews that he at least recognizes fully all the exertions which have been made in this country by the settlers and their representatives, to place the relations between European and Maori on a proper and permanent footing. In this age of testimonials and addresses, it may be easily imagined that such an occasion as that of a change of Governors must call forth all the energies of those good people who delight in such things. A public meeting was accordingly called for the purpose of making arrangements as to the best manner of receiving Governor Grey with due marks of respect on his arrival here. Unfoi tunately, however, the gentlemen to whom the task was entrusted, travelled so much out of the record in their speeches that the intended compliment to Sir George Grey became something very much like a vote of censure against Governor Browne. The meeting would not stand this, not that they were unwilling to treat Sir George with all due respect, but they would not do so at the expense of hi 3 predecessor, and, for fear of any mistake on the matter, passed a resolution highly complimentary to the latter. Indeed we may safely say that never was Colonel Browne more popular in Auckland than at the present moment. Colonists are not on most occasions very demonstrative ; they are rather given to grumbling even with those whom they like ; it is their -great prerogative, but the circumstances under which Colonel Browne is leaving have served to break the crust of reserve, and he has been given unmistakeablv to understand that he has gained the confidence of the people of Auckland, and that, for the future, come what come may, they will always remember with satisfaction and gratitude, his exertions for the good of the colony. Whether there is to be a new policy or not still remains unknown. No sign is yet given. The confidence with which men assumed that all difficulties would disappear at the approach of Sir George Grey is very much shaken by the stolid manner in which the natives have received the news. It seems to interest them as little as whether Mr. Fox and his peaceful band of negotiators, or Mr. Stafford and his fighting brigade, occupy the ministerial benches : a subject which they treat with supreme indifference, so long as they are left to their own devices. One thing, however, is certain, that the policy of years back would be of no avail now. The natives are neither to be cajoled nor bullied ; they are no longer to be treated as children, and humoured and pampered They must be brought to reason, or, if that fails, they must be subdued. Sir George Grey will have to speak to them in much the same strain as his predecessor, and, from what we know of the natives, we anticipate that he will speak with much the same effect. The success of the diggings at Otago will not be without a great effect even upon this province. Should the present brilliant expectations not prove fallacious, a great change may be anticipated in the future of New Zealand. It will be amusing to notice what effect this news will have in England, and whether great politicians even will not involuntarily treat with much greater respect than hitherto a country where the circulating medium is to be dug out of the ground. "We shall probably be made much of by the Imperial Government ; there will be less talk than hitherto of throwing us upon our own resources, and they will suddenly discover at home what we all knew long ago, that, from a military and naval point of view, this is the most important post in the Southern seas. THE NATIVES. Little or nothingof importance has transpired during the last month as to the state of the native mind generally, or the intentions of those lately in arms. They still remain quietly at home, and seem prepared to offer a merely passive resistance to the British authorities. By the last accounts received from Waikato it appears that the natives there are quite in a state of suspense as regards the future. They are not anxious for war ; but, whilst they evidently deprecate a return to hostilities, they still cling to their long cherished idea of maintaining a distinct nationality. This idea is the great stumbling block in the way of the progress of the native race, tending as it does to make them iorget the 'benefits which have accrued to them from contact with the white man, and to induce them to return to the manners and customs of their forefathers. Maori nationality is the stake which they have been long playing for, and every day makes this only more evident. The immediate cause of the war is completely lost sight of: William King is seldom mentioned, and all interests centre at Ngaruawahia, where the young king remains surrounded by guards shrouded in mystery ; but still the symbol of a something which the native is striving to attain. It redounds much to the credit of the natives

that but little ill-feeling exists, save amongst the tribes to the south of New Plymouth, in consequence of the war. The Waikatos fully recognise what was done by the troops, and, while speaking of them in terms of praise, freely admit that, in a long contest, they, the Maoris, would have no chance against men who appear to them perfectly regardless of life. As for their own friends who have fallen, they say that they went out with a full knowledge of the risk which they were running, and that when men fall in battle in open daylight, it leaves no germ of bad feeling behind. We hear, too, from all quarters, that they talk in a much more subdued manner than formerly of their prowess, the bitter experience of last year having evidently convinced them how powerless are mere acts of individual bravery against the appliances of modern warfare.

What the result of Sir George Grey's arrival will be it is difficult to guess. The natives interpret his mission variously, and, whilst some suppose that his arrival will prevent further war, others, looking to the past, are- not so sanguine on the subject. They have, however, determined not to be the first to provoke hostilities, and the probability is, that if they can, consistently with their pride, make certain concessions, they will embrace the opportunity with alacrity, but wheiher~any such concessions will be made in really good faith, and not merely for the purpose of gaining time and opportunity, it will remain to be seen. Sir George Grey must test their good faith by making them open up the country, the only real way of testing it we know, and if they are willing to comply, we may possibly escape a war.

The Waikatos have not frequented the town much of late, but we observe that the Thames natives are constant visitors. A considerable number of the former are, it is said, engaged in planting, but we regret to hear that many refrain from doing so on the ground that it is needless to work, as the soldiers may reap all the fruits of their industry. The feeling, however, is not very general, and, indeed, one may say that in this, as in other matters, great uncertainty and indecision reign. We already hear of divided councils iv Waikato, and it is even affirmed that William Tamihana is suspected of a desire to abandon the more violent views of his supporters, and that a party of natives, who were preparing lately to pay him a visit, en route to the king, to tender their allegiance, were dissuaded by him from so doing.

Looking to the present state of the native mind, Sir George Grey arrives at a most critical time. He will find great changes since he left ; new ideas amongst them, and objects of ambition, not simply material as formerly. The power of the chief, that lever with which in olden times, it was possible to do much, has dwindled down to its nriuimum ; property is beginning to assert its right amongst the native race, aud the holders of property to usurp powers formerly hereditary; a democratic feeling is abroad in the country ; the younger generation, conscious of the advantages which they possess over their fathers, and intellectually sharpened, even if not improved, by contact with Europeans, are unwilling to remain longer in leading strings. This is only what might have been expected, but it will render all negotiations with the natives exceedingly difficult, and a formal treaty entered into,«ven with leading chiefs, will not be so binding as it would have been some years back. We have already several instances of this. During the late hostilities even friendly chiefs were unable to restrain the young men of their tribes from proceeding to the seat of war, and, so independent have individuals become in their line of action, that those of the tribe who remained at home did not consider themselves in any way implicated by the conduct of those who had taken the field, a sure indication that the old Maorildeas of the individuality of the tribe, rather than of the man, are well nigh extinct. The Maori is commencing to respect himself as an individual, and to rejoice in the exercise of his individual rights. His future depends entirely on whether he can be likewise taught, to appreciate the meaning of individual responsibility, a lesson not so rapidly acquired, nor so agreeably ; but one absolutely necessary, notwithstanding. We trust that this great object, this Organization for good of a race which, it left to itself, will soon organize itself for evil, may be attained. The work will demand energy, perseverance, determination, and patience, and we trust that we shall not find these qualities missing. The natives to the north remain quiet, but watch with great interest the course of events. No danger need be apprehended from any of our old allies there. One of the most gratifying facts under the present circumstances of the country is, that the best feeling reigns in the neighbourhood of the settlements. Distrust exists rather in parts of the country where the European is little known. Notwithstanding the large number of soldiers aud sailors in and about Auckland, where there are always a large number of natives, we have scarcely heard of any disturbances, which is the more remarkable, as the Maori, though a very good-tempered man, is not at all shy of a street fight if his dignity happens to be rather rudely touched. The fact speaks well for all parties. There are not many Maoris iv town now, but it is probable that many will come down to welcome Sir George Grey on his arrival. GENERAL ASSEMBLY. The last month has been devoted by our legislators to the transaction of business, an object rather lost sight of during the earlier part of the session when party movements were the order of the day. This day the business of the session will, in all probability, be brought to a close, though it is said that the Assembly will not be prorogued immediately, but will remain in session, adjourning from day to day till Sir George Grey's arrival.

The passing of the Estimates has been, of course, the great business, but several debates have taken place on other matters, amongst which, as probably the most important, we may mention that on the New Provinces Amendment Bill, a bill introduced by southern members in order to prevent the dismemberment of the Province of Canterbury, Timaru having shown indications of a secessional bias. After a long debate, the house agreed to fix

the number of electors required to sign a petition for separation at two hnndred and one. The inquiry instituted, on the motion of Mr. Weld, into the charges made by Dr. Featherstou against Mr. Richmond, ia reference to the Parris correspondence, terminated on the 23rd August, when the committee reported that " there is no ground whatever for any imputation that undue pressure has been brought to bear in the Executive by Mr. C. W. Richmond on the Waitara question ; and that this committee, without imputing blame to Dr. Featherston, considers Mr C. W. Richmond's vindication to be complete." On the 21st August, Mr. Stafford moved a resolution to the effect that, in the opinion of the house, it was advisable for the Assembly to be called together again not later than March next, which was agreed to, Much of the time of the house has been occupied by a discussion on certain rival Audit and Money Control Bills. The great dif* ference between the ins and the outs in this matter is, that the latter show a very great desire to keep the provincial authorities in this matter within strict bounds, and to reserve the power of control to the General Government, whilst superintendeutal traditions rule amongst the ins. Mr. Busby has been heard at the bar of the house, in support of a charge brought by himself against Mr. Commissioner Bell, in consequence of transactions in the Land Claims' Court. He spoke at great length, and recapitulated a long list of grievances. The matter was finally transferred to a select committee. NAVAL AND MILITARY. We have had no reinforcements during the month. The greater part of the troops are ia camp at Otahuhu, where long lines of huts have arisen, and the tents are gradually disappearing. A grand review was held at Ellerslie, on the 20th, of all the troops both in the town and camp. Men and horses were -in admirable order. Commodore Seymour has returned from the Fijis and New Caledonia in the Pelorus. The vessels at present on the station are Pelorus, Harrier, and Miranda. The Cordelia may be soon expected to join the squadron. The Assembly was prorogued by his Excellency the Governor on Saturday last, on which occasion he delivered the following speech, for which we are indebted to the kindness of the New Zealander for a proof-slip : — honocbablb gentlemen ov the legislative Council and Gentlemen of the Hottsb o» Representatives — Being advised that the business of the country no longer requires your continuance in session, I now release you from your Legislative duties. I thank you for the manner in which you have expressed your readiness to «i<a Hio Imperial Oweminent in the maintenance of luw and order and the preservation of the tranquility of the colony, as well us for the readiness with which you have seconded my efforts in that direction, and recognised my desire to promote the prosperity of the colony. Gentlemen of the House of Repbesestatives — I thank you, for the supplies which you have so liberally voted for the public service, more especially for those intended for the benefit and advancement of the aboriginal natives, and assure you that those supplies shall be economically administered. I have much satisfaction in informing you that the revenue is increasing, and that the recent discoveries of gold in large quantities, apart from other normal causes, leave no doubt of such an increase of population as will add largely to, and permanently maintain, the revenue of the colony. Honourable Gentlemen and Gentlemen— The Act for giving legal force to the regulation of the Registrar-General of Deeds, will, I trust, result in great and lasting improvements m the transfer of landed property, a subject second in importance to few ever brought under the consideration of the Legislature. 1 have assented with pleasure to the useful measures which you have passed on many other subjects, which, cannot fail to promote the welfare of the Colony. This being the last time on which I shall have the honour to address this Assembly, I take advantage of it to offer, personally, to the honourable gentlemen of the Legislative Council and gentlemen of the House of Representatives my warm thanks for the great courtesy I have invariably received from them. I declare the Assembly to stand prorogued to Monday, the 7th of October next. T. Gobe Bbowns. September 7, 1861.