THE NATIVE MINISTER.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4889, 22 November 1876, Page 2

THE NATIVE MINISTER.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sib, —That political star that for seven years shone to brighten our New Zealand gloom and darkness has receded from our shores. Dark, indeed, and gloomy were the prospects of New Zealand when Sir Julius Vogel joined the Fox Ministry. Of that Ministry one alone remains in office, and it is rumored that he shortlj will retire. Of Sir Donald McLean, who may be regarded as the mainstay of New Zealand since its earliest colonisation, I wish to make a few remarks. When we, a mere handful of pioneer settlers, landed, in New Zealand it was a country densely populated by the native race. At first these natives received us on very friendly terms, but gradually misunderstandings arose, and there were also men of the Grey and Sheehan stamp in those days who entertained peculiar views of Maori rights, and greatly contributed to augment these troubles, and made it most difficult at times to maintain a footing in the colony. There was one man who had gained a wonderful influence over the native race, and his influence in many instances saved isolated settlements and the lives of their inhabitants. One remarkable instance was New Plymouth in 1849, which was saved by the opportune arrival of Mr. McLean the night before the assembled natives had arranged to ransack the town. The early settlers will remember the difficulties in obtaining land fromwthe natives in the early days. These difficulties were augmented by our own countrymen, a few of the missionaries holding the absurd view that New Zealand was not taken possession of by the British Government as a field of immigration, but merely to protect the aborigines from ether foreign powers. However conscientious their view may have been, colonizationaud the interests of settlers were greatly retarded and damaged by their influence. And one man only possessed sufficient influence over the natives; Sir Donald McLean was the only one who could overcome these difficulties and purchase lands for settlement. Others who professed to be Maori men were at times empowered, but never succeeded in their negociations.

If we want to find a contrast to Sir Donald McLean in the management of native affairs, we find it in Sir George Grey on his reassuming the Government of this colony. This singularly egotistical old man, over confident in his own abilities and influence, abolished Sir Donald McLean’s office. The utter confusion that followed, and number of native tribes that turned and fought against ns during his control of native affairs, his quarrels with General Cameron, and subsequent mismanagement of the war, afford a strong contrast to the successful native and defence policy of Sir Donald McLean.

At the close of Sir George Grey’s career, he left native affairs in a state of chaos and confusion, and the colony in a state of financial depression. To Sir Julius Vogel and Sir Donald McLean New Zealand is now indebted for her prosperity and advancement. I am a comparative stranger in Wellington. Early in 1841 I remember Barratt’s Hotel stood as the conspicuous representative of the future City of Wellington. It is many years since I last saw Wellington, and many changes have taken place. In viewing its prosperity, and that of New Zealand generally, we should not forget those who have been chiefly instrumental in bringing about this state of prosperity and security to life and property. A testimonial has deservedly been presented to Sir Julius Vogel. If it is true that Sir Donald McLean’s indisposition compels him to retire from office, I trust the early settlers of the Empire City will take the initiative in getting up a testimonial. It is one that will be responded to from all parts of New Zealand. Sir Donald was one of our early colonists. We, the old settlers, are dwindling away, and what remain of us are becoming scattered and lost in the crowds of new faces that have landed on our shores. With all the hustle of prosperity and improvement, we cannot forget old times. We can therefore better understand and appreciate the services that have been rendered by Sir Donald McLean from the colony’s earliest struggles up to the present' time.—l am, &c.. Old Colonist. Wellington, November 21.