A VOICE FROM THE NORTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6261, 10 December 1881, Page 6

A VOICE FROM THE NORTH.

*■ BrT a few years ago the disclosure of the peculiar outlay of public money in fanciful presents for natives caused some surprise and indignation. In those days of retrenchment, it is expected that this unseemly expenditure is abolished, yet it transpires that it is not wholly so. It comes particularly under the notice of settlers in districts where the native population exceeds the Europeans. There, this display of Governmental generosity is occasionally observed. A petty chief in tU3 North has lately had consigned to him a handsome tombstone, purchased by public funds, iu memory of his father. The tombstone, with au elaborate inscription, will he erected in a secluded spot, where for many years few will see it. In the existing state of colonial affairs, it is not necessary to conciliate, the natives. Wo do uot fear them. Their knowledge of the superiority of the Europeans, and the force of the law, guarantees our safety. They are well acquainted with their bust policy. To grant presents as a means of gaining their gratitude is, to those acquainted with the native character, an iueliiectu.il proceeding. Besides being valueless iu his consideration with what he is obliged to purchase, he attributes it to his self-importance, and becomes more importunate for further concessions from Government. To encourage industries among the natives, assistance in the form of fanning implements, or even machinery, would not be unreasonable ; but to give grand tombstones for chiefs is rather a whimsical way to benefit the Maoris or contribute to their welfare. Are favourable concessions expected in return from them in land purchases or other matters? In the present view of native lne in the North, these people are hkely to become a serious difficulty in the progress of that portion of the country, liiey do not contribute in any appreciable

degree to the general welfare. Large tracts of the most valuable land are held by them without being of any benefit to the revenue, to the highway boards, county councils, or public works. In fact, they oppose or retard auy improvements. These lands are still in their pristine condition, and but very small portions are cultivated for the use of the owners. Their chief subsistence ia by digging kauri gum, which to natives is an iujurious pursuit, since they neglect for it the more useful and permanent industries, especially culture of the land and the trades. But few derive benefits from the gum trade, certainly not all the North ; and with a little ready money, for a brief season, the Maoris are extravagant, relapsing into want for the i rest of the year. The gum supply must soon be exhausted, and then the improvident natives seem destined to become a serious burthen, in time, to the Government. Why are they r.ot required to contribute to the general welfare ? There must be something very defective in the measures employed to ameliorate the condition of these people. It is a false and ruinous kindness to natter and leave them to their own imperfect resources. Experience has shown that hitherto our civilization has only partly improved them. Even Christianity concedes to them much of their old savage customs and ideas. Their domestic habits are still highly objectionable and injurious, nud in their intercourse with Europeans faults of character have been acquired. The Maori lias indeed made little progress. Much concession has been made to tile fact of their being a savage race, but the secret of that state is idleness. We might ourselves have been all that savages are but for our industry. There can be little excuse for the natives now. There are instances where they have attained to a state of civilization and even refinement, bat the cases are as rare as they are illustrious. The term "the neglected North" has be come familiar, but the little progress it has made in comparison with the Southern provinces of New Zealand is attributable largely, if not solely, to the peculiar condition of the natives there occupying sueh an extensive, and at present unprofitable, area in idleness, and Government support. A movement is required by a man like Mr. Bryce, who will not act the part of a weak father to a spoiled child. When these difficulties are removed and the natives are brought into a sphere of activity and industry, when more encouragement to settlement is given, then the hitherto retarded Xoith shall develop her latent resources and realize her early promise of prosperity.—[Communicated.]