THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume VII, Issue 1911, 2 March 1870, Page 6

THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

To the Editor of the Heraxd. Sir, —The question of Te Kooti's capture is of more importance than many people at present consider. The course we, as colonists, should pursue lias been as differently laid down as possible, so that tho people to some extent are divided in opinion. The pcace-at-anv price party advocate the let alone policy, while others as strongly commend tho treatment usually pursued towards all murderers, and would hang Te Kooti because he is such ; both measures savor a little of the extreme, while a middle course would have the appearance of wisdom and justice. Before we accept the peace p 'licv we must for our own sake consider the effect such a measure would have on tho native mind, an-.l that would in nil probability be the reverse of that usually asserted by those who support that policy. When we consider who he is—an escaped prisoner and murderer—we must not let sympathy blind tho eye of justice, we often sea as emblematic of the Uritish the white man and the Maori standing hand in hand, while justice holds the balance liicoly poised. The late self assume.! diplomatist gave us a picture to awaken our sympathy, and an evening luminary east a lialo around it, all to no purpi>se-*-as a more powerful light on the same picture eclipsed luminary, picture and all. Te Kooti nmv appear a despicable enemy, but owing to eircuinstauecs he is one against, whom wo have been obliged to make formidable preparation, and as yet without a;iv result. A single adventurer, if lie has once successfully headed a lot- ot" desperadoes, possesses a power over the untutored mind that we cannot conceive ; he is sure to be followed by nil tho disaffected and doubtful of his o\Vu race. It is absolutely necessary to the peace of this country that Te K>;oti should be taken ; if not, we may expect a general rising of all the discontented and wavering natives who know or have heard of him or his actions. Our tranquility and prosperity may depend on this, it may even yet become a question whether the whole power of the eolenv ongiit not to be turned to this one object. Tt might be an economical measure to enroll the unemployed at the Thames as an additional force for this purpose, instead of sickening their hearts by deferred hope ; place them under proper officers, with a premium on the result, and I promise an end to Te Kooti and an easy settlement of the Oluucmuri difficulty. The natives there will have time to consider the matter, as they so much desire ; and the defeat, of Te Kooti will be the most powerful argument with Te Hira and Mere Kuril ! Who knows but these worthies are waiting the result of our campaign against that individual, and may shape their course accordingly.—l am, &e., February 26, 1870. Operative.