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New Zealand Herald, Volume XV, Issue 5173, 15 June 1878, Page 4

Several communications have reached us, verbally and otherwise, from settlers directly interested in the recent agreement made between Sir George Grey and Tawhiao, calling attention to some points on which they consider that it will injuriously affect them. It is quite natural that, however advantageous the bargain may be for the whole colony, the settlers of the locality should make their voices heard, and it is only right and proper that their representations should be carefully considered. For the colony at large, the agreement is unquestionably of the greatest benefit. That, we presume, no one doubti. But care must be taken that the interests of a considerable body of settlers are not sacrificed. Indeed, if it is proved that Bettlers have suffered substantial damage by the action of the Government taken on behalf of the whole colony, these settlers, as a community, will be entitled in fairness to compensation. It is to be hoped that the details of the arrangement may be so settled finally as rather to be of advantage to those Europeans holding land in the " native district," to be under the despotic rule of Tawhiao, but at present there seems ground for apprehension that they may be injuriously affected by all progress being stopped in the country around them. The first consequence of the agreement which has emerged, is the stoppage of the construction of the road between VVaipa and Raglan. For many years past the people of Raglan have agitated to have this road made, as it is of vital importance to them. It was the only means, except by a sea voyage, by' which they could reach Auckland, and with the railway through Waikato, and this road completely formed, access to Auckland would be comparatively easy. At length funds were obtained from Parliament to make the road, and now the work has been stopped. The agreement undoubtedly gives Tawhiao power over this road. For some distance on the Raglan side it runs through land purchased from the natives, but for the rest it passes over that part of the confiscated land which is to be returned. Then the case of the friendly natives in the Raglan district will have to be considered. A good many of them have remained friendly to us all through the war, and they sold to us such lands as they desired to part with. Suppose they wish to sell more land, will Tawhiao have the power of

veto on their action 1 Then let us take I the case of the settlera of Harapipi and ' Whatawhata, on the W aipa. They will be at liberty, we presume, to make roads over the land held by Europeans, but these settlements on the west side of the Waipa are encircled by native land still in the hands of the Government, and which will be returned to Tawhiao. Through this it will be impossible to get any road, or possible only on the payment of a large bribe to the King or those about him. Those of our readers who know the difhcuties in the way of country settlers can easily appreciate the obstacle this will be to progress. The local government of the district must also be considerably affected. We believe that the highway districts of Harapipi and Whatawhata contain within their bounds confiscated land which has always been held by the Government. All hope of this becoming occupied by Europeans, and so contributing to the advancement of the district, must be abandoned for a considerable time at least. Tawhiao, by his prompt action in asserting his rights, has shewn that he has accepted the proposals made by Sir George Grey. Probably he has stopped the road to shew that he has again obtained rights over the land which belonged to his ancestors, and does not mean to continue the prohibition of this important work. But on our side the Ministry will have to be | careful that, in the final settlement, the interests of important districts where Europeans are settled are not sacrificed.