THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1881.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6213, 15 October 1881, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1881.

It ie evident by the information we have published from our special correspondent at Wellington, that the Government means to put its foot down at Parihaka, and, provided that everything be done with deliberation, prudence, and resolution, its determination will have the approval of the country. It wants no conflict, but it is certainly weary of Te Whiti being a perpetually disturbing influence, and no less of the necessity resulting from his conduct of maintaining at great cost a large armed force. The Government has not much option with regard to Te Whiti. Having sold the land of the Plains, and taken the money of the settlers, it cannot resist their demand to be protected, not only from danger, but the constant dread of it. They cannot pursue their avocations with advantage, have the liberty of action they are entitled to, or have domestic comfort with a sword constantly suspended over their heads. A Government would scarcely be worthy of the name which did not discharge one of its most important functions, that of maintaining the security of any section of the population. If the Ministry were to do nothing, and the settlers had to withdraw from their holdings, Parliament would be under a moral obligation to vote them compensation. The Government are in the presence of the general question of vindicating the law, and of the special one with respect to the rights of the settlers. It matters not what may be Te Whiti's intentions, or how pacific they may be. He is a living threat and nuisance, and it is lawful and justo to suppress him. It is necessary, if the. power of the Europeans is not to become an object of derision to the Maoris, and the laws which they impose for the public good. Forbearance has gone the length almost of pusillanimity, and so far from being productive of any good, has only increased the audacity of the Maori Prophet, and his influence with his followers. Sooner or later, the difficulty must be faced and the position of the settlers renders it imperative that it be faced now. Action is the only solution of the dilemma, and it may mean many evils, but those evils will be no worse to-day than they would be to-morrow. Nothing, therefore, is to be gained by delay. So far, the Government, appears to have acted with commendable discretion. It does not seem to have been instigated by alarm, but to have been impelled by a set purpose. It lias done the colony the inestimable service —a service that should outweigh any small faults—of setting the finances right and redeeming the credit of the country. Let it set Tβ Whiti right, and it will be able to boast of another great achievement. The effect will be not merely the extinction of the Maori Alsatia but an intimation to the Maori race that the Europeans, whilst resolved to deal justly and considerately with the natives, have the power to maintain their authority and the resolve. The deliberation with which the Government has acted, and the precautions it has taken, indicate that it has wisely determined rather to exaggerate the emergency than run the risk of underrating it. It has accumulated the means of offence or defence, and both its own reputation and the effective settlement of this question justified excess of effort, even if there has been that excess. It was necessary, however, to satisfy public opinion, and render its position unassailable, that it should afford Te Whiti an opportunity of abating his attitude and pretensions, and of permitting the abandonment of coercive steps. It has taken that course. The Native Minister has had an interview with Te Whiti, has enlightened him as to the intentions of the Ministry, and afforded him an opportunity of escaping from the consequences of his proceedings. If he will not walk over the bridge which is made for him, the Government is relieved from all responsibility. It appears that he will not, that he has treated the matter witli contempt, and it is alleged that he insulted Mr. Rolleston. Possibly this may be incorrect, but it is of no consequence, since his refusal to come to terms covers the whole ground, As a matter of fact the Government would have been justified in being mandatory instead of persuasire. A great advantage ensues from the interview with Te Whiti because it shows that so long as he is tolerated so long will he be obstructive and minatory, and that there therefore remains no alternative but to clip his wings and demonstrate that this prophet,' howover great the honour he may have in his own country, ceases to be a potential prophet so soon as the authorities stretch out their hand ;owards him. The fanaticism of his followers will scarcely be impervious to failure. Our Wellington correspondent indicates that the policy of the Government will be to make To Whiti responsible for his actions by entailing a penalty for them. He somewhat more than hints, yet does not distinctly affirm that this penalty will assume the shape of the confiscation of land to cover the expense entailed by the conduct of Te Whiti. Any proceeding of a confiscatory nature requires to be carefully considered. At the same time it has to be remembered that it is the one effective means of restraining tjtie natives, . and. it

may be said that in this instance the enforcement of the principle would be logical and reasonable. The Government say to Te Whiti and his followers "refusing to allow us to live peaceably, and therefore compelling a large outlay for our protection, and as you refuse, though offered the opportunity to amend your ways, you must pay the cost, and in land, by the sale of which we can recoup ourselves, since you have no money." The Government will exact an indemnity. This course seems unimpeachable and businesslike. Possibly it may at first alarm the natives generally, but ihey -will quickly understand the reason for the proceeding, and fear will dispelled. On the other hand, it will teach them a wholesome, though not a new lesson. When the Government -will proceed to act is unknown, but it is unlikely there will be much delay.