PRESENT CRISIS OF THE COLONY.

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 15, 13 September 1845, Page 2

PRESENT CRISIS OF THE COLONY.

Some few weeks since, we took occasion to remark on the state of affairs ' which prevailed ' immediately subsequent to the last action with the Natives, and the consequent evacuation of their pah by them. As will be recollected, we commenced those observations with the aphorism — " Coming events cast their shadows before ;" and from . the „ correct authentic information which we - possessed, and on which we grounded our remarks, we warned the Government against the least concession or temporizing measures with the rebellious Natives. Since that period these shadows have elongated, and our most recent intelligence from the seat of war, as well as from other quarters, of the feeling prevailing at present throughout the whole of the Northern Island, convince us more strongly, that on the policy pursued, by the Government, during the approaching summer, not only the prosperity,' but the very existence of the Colony, is wholly dependant. The calm and quietude apparently prevailing in the northern districts, should make the ! Government more vigilant and cautious. — ! Whatever may be the flattering unction with which some, high in authority, may deceive 1 and console their minds, under the late disastrous events, ther« is not a native throughout the Island, but considers, — and most true it is, — that his countrymen have been victorious, aid that the former halo of European super iority, is completely dispelled. This crisis has been rapidly consummated by the rash folly of entertaining too low an opinion of native courage, and tact for warlike operations ; and if, when further reinforcements arrive, the Local Government are cajoled by

insidious advisers, to forbear, and to put an end to all future active hostilities against Heke and his friends, the Europeans will be still more degraded in the estimation of the New Zealanders. In our last number, we animadverted on the improper influence which Missionaries and Protectors have obtained in the Councils of the Government of this Colony. From most authentic sources we understand that the Rev. R. Davis, the Missionaiy at Kai-kohe, the residence , and locality of H eke, has expressed his opinion that Heke has been sufficiently punished! ! — and, also, states, that he (Heke) would now make peace with the Governor; — but that he does not, by any means, consider himself conquered. Now, we would ask — what business has this Reverend Mr. Davis to interfere at all in a matter not religious ? Let him, as it was said of the monks of old, keep to his "bell, book, and candle," and leave politics and war to those whose profession they are. It is the fear and apprehension that this baneful counsel may, through the Protectorate here, have some influence, that we would call particular attention to some most undoubted information which we have received. His Excellency declared in the Legislative Council that every movement throughout the island was soon known to him : with deference,— we consider our sources quite as abundant : and probably, the intelligence we, from time to time, receive of passing events, is much less distorted, and conveyed more simply in the language of truth, than sinister reports composed for particular purposes. Should the Governor determine that all further operations shall cease, and terminate the war for the present, he will do just sufficient to make Heke the greatest chief in the colony, while, at the same time, he will sink the loyal Waka, and our other allies, below the level of slaves, in the estimation of all the other New Zealand chiefs. It would doubtless be most agreeable to Heke, if he could, through the plausible intercession of his spiritual patron and preceptor, persuade the Governor to make peace for the present, as it would give him an opportunity of 'organizing a rebellion ten-fold more formidable than the present has yet assumed, in which he would no doubt be joined by Papahia, and many other powerful chiefs, who have, as yet, only been restrained by fear of consequences. A disgraceful peace would entail the ruin of the Colony, and blight the cheering prospects now so happily developing. In illustration of our remarks we can state, that about a month since, the neighbourhood of Waima. which is abotft ten miles from Kaikohe, was visited by the native allies of Heke, who had made such dreadful slaughter among the soldiers at the attempted storming of the pah. Their avowed object was to escort home a chief who had assisted them in the fight ; but their real object was to obtain powder from their friends When they approached Omenaia, the Whirinaki tribe, who are the friends of Waka, hearing of their advance in that direction, determined to attack them, but Hekes allies being apprized of their intention, retreated to a strong position to await the attack, but the Whirinaki tribe proceeded no further than Omenaia As soon as the return of the Whirinaki tribe to their homes was ascertained, the rebel natives visited the houses of the Europeans, but exercised no personal violence. They questioned the parties as to their fears, in case of actual warfare, and where the less , fear was evinced, they seemed most pleased. ! As they could obtain nothing by intimidation or begging, they paid honestly for their purchases. They vaunted of their warlike deeds, and of having killed and wounded a much greater number of the soldiers than they had ' lost. They asserted that it was Waka and Moses Tawhai, who had frustrated them : had they not taken arms, the soldiers might have come to the Waimate, but they should never have returned ; and that, even at the present time, had not the troops Waka to protect them, they would instantly attack them- at the Waimate. Such is the state of affairs and the feeling prevalent among the native tribes, in the district of Heke. Beyond that, towards Hokianga, those-natives who have hitherto remained neutral, either from fear of other tribes, or that Heke might not have been so successful in his resistance of the troops, now, consider him as victorious, and hold him in high estimation as a warrior. ■ The season of the year requires their attention to cultivate their food, and will occupy them most probably, for some few weeks ; but there is every reason and symptom to anticipate, that afterwards, should the least concession be made to Heke and Kawiti by the Governor, the whole European population northward of the Waitemata, will be in most imminent danger for their lives as well as property. The war, as regards the natives, hitherto has been carried on, with the mutual understanding, that no advantage shall be taken, to come upon each other individually by surprise, — but that the attacks shall be in bodies ; but should the natives consider, by any pacific terms granted to the two rebel chiefs, that the ! Europeans cannot subdue them, the time will not be far distant, when Heke and Kawiti | will be joined by powerful numbers. Then

the natives will change their mode of warfare, and commence what they term the "patupokapoka," which signifies, — an exterminating war, by robbery and destruction to every individual within their reach. Whatever reports may be made to the Government, there is no doubt that neither Kawiti nor Heke have yet felt themselves driven to extremity, and can still obtain great assistance. Their followers consider themselves victorious, and are in high spirits, not in the least anticipating, they shall, or can be subdued. ; We have thus briefly detailed the actual state and feeling of the natives in the northern j district, at this present time. If the Govern- ! ment evince the least symptom of wavering in their measures, when the proper season arrives, and they have a powerful force at their command — the rebel forces will become most powerful, and the whole country endangered. It is folly and rashness to expect to accomplish objects and ends without sufficient means. If his Excellency wishes to govern in, and retain New Zealand as a British colony, he must have a power at his disposal that will command the respect and fear o± the natives, and when in possession, he must enforce obedience to the^ laws, and not be diverted from sound, ' firnf, mea&ures, by any false philanthropy, and ridiculous twaddle of Protectors and Missionaries.