WHAT IS HIS OBJECT?

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5478, 7 June 1879, Page 6

WHAT IS HIS OBJECT?

TO THE KDITOK. Sib, —I mean ia ploughing np the paddocks atj Taranaki. An of t-repeated question just now. My idea is this : It is intended as a parallel assertion of right to our surveying and pegging-off the land in dispute. They took our action goodhumouredly, uutil they thought things were going too far, then they quietly carted us off, and gave us to understand that tbey had had enough of it. Now they want to see how we will act under exactly similar circumstances, with this difference ia the details, that, in place of theodolites, chains, and fern-hooks, they operate with coulter, share, and mould-boards. How will we take it ? It remains to be seen whether we wili shew the same amount of forbearance as our much maligned and misunderstood aboriginal friends have done. It is to be hoped our settlers will do so. Their position must be eorely trying, but they will surely not be outdone in this matter of forbearance by these so-called savages. Great coolness has been exhibited by the latter. Let us try and act as coolly—thinking carefully over every move, and doing nothing precipitately —we muat look the matter straight in the face, andascertain the rights and the wrongs of the case, and, if possible, avoid pluDging into the horrors of what may ultimately come to be looked upon as an unjust war. They evidently believe that their right to the land is better than ours, and in this belief they are prepared to oppose our encroachments to the death, if necessary. They have shewn an amount of forbearance and strategy beyond anything that could be looked for from any but men with intelligence far above the average even of white races. Let us deal with this man Te Whiti, who ia evidently the life and sonl of the movement, openly aud honourably, drop bounce and suallow diplomacy, and I firmly believe that the whole matter may be Eettled without the loss of a drop of blood ; but, on the other hand, the gaiu of the confideuce and admiration of these men, who have shown themselves such ablb diplomatists, brave warriors, industrious workers, and forbearing opponents. In the first place, we must admit that possibly wo were wrong in dealing as we did with the land—that our right to it was not so clear as we supposed. While they, on the other hand, must admit that their action as regards ploughing operations, was equally objectionable. Then the whole matter should bo laid beforo a commission formed partly of natives itnd partly of Europeans, men in whom both parties can place CDnlideuce. If after a full investigation of the whole matter onr opponents decline to accept the recommendation of the commiisioners, then, aud not till then, let recourao be had to arms", and let it be settled once for all who is the strongest. Let it by all meaus be demonstrated to our dusky neighbours that while we are determined that no injustice shall be knowingly done them, "no defiance of the authority of the Queen's mana will be permitted for the future." —I am, &c , A Native.

P. S. —Te Whiti's policy seems to me to be simply a practical adaptation of the old saying that "What in yiod for the goose is good for the gamier," or " Tit for tat." Every move lie has made indicates it. When Mr. Sheehan asked him to submit his claims to a Government Native Lamls Conrt, ho replied, " You submit your claims to my Court." Mr. Sheehan wautcd him to come down to the Court; he replied, "Bring your Court to me," or " You come here to my place," or somethiug to thesamo effect. Wo send surveyors to work under his very nose, no doubt to his intenso annoyance ; ho sends his ploughmen to work under the muzzles of our gun?, to onr equally intense annoyance. Rely upon it, if we once fire a shot, he will follow suit, and where will be the end of it ? Many a bitter tear will all for fallen friends and dear ones lost before the question can be answered.