“AT LAST.”

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5557, 20 January 1879, Page 2

“AT LAST.”

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir,—Sir George- Grey and Co. must find themselves in very shallow water when they consider it necessary before constituents arc addressed to do some very popular local act in order to gain a vote of confidence from electors. Sir Georgs the other day turned the first sod of a railway line that is not surveyed or the route even determined upon, and for which if surveyed a contract could not yet be legally accepted. The result was as wished. Sir George received a unanimous vote of confidence from his constituents. Perhaps we may yet hear of the line from Taranaki to Waikato being commenced in like manner as the Thames and Waikato line, both being somewhat similarly situated, the native consent inneithercase being obtained. Perhaps Government may represent that Dr. Hector went through with Manga, and at his (Manga's) request, to see aud report upon the capabilities of a rail-v-v being formed. Whv did not Mr. Shecu.m himself go with Manga, as he intended ? Probably ha will say he had not the time at his disposal. The real reason is that he was refused permission, and then he asked that Lis friend Dr. Hector might be allowed to go, merely to see the formation of the country as to coal, gold, &c., and puro'y for scientific purposes, aud for the information of European and native alike. Manga and his people were reueatedly told that the Doctor had no connection with ?ny Government whatever, being solely the Governor’s man ; and Sir George Grey's Government standing or falling could not in the least affect his position ; and above all, that he was not in any way whatever connected with either land buying or land surveying. The arrangement was that ho should proceed with Manga to Ta Kuiti, via Mokau, returning through the Tuhua country, heading the Mokau and Wanganui rivers," his return journey being under the guidance of Mr. A. (Jawtle; Manga proceeding to Punui. The natives noticed that Dr. Hector invariably -went on to the top of hills from which lie could get a view of the surrounding couu'ry, aud that he frequently made use of his note-book- When the party arrived at Te Kuiti, Manga’s contemporaries, Wahanui and other chiefs, were very angry, and kept out of the way, demanding that Hector should be sent back the way he came; aud Manga was to see him a little way on his return journey. They started; but instead of making the Kuiti they came on to Punui, not by the usual road, which leads through some important settlements, but -a back way very little used, very hilly, and a long way round ; and as soon as the Punui was reached Dr. Hector merelywaited to change horses, and leaving the native territory as soon as practicable, made his best way home again. The natives say he stole through. The relations between the Government and the King party are not of a very friendly character. Major Te Wheoro has been two weeks with Tawhiao, trying to get a favorable expression from him, but he will not even talk about Government. It is thought that should Sir George G:oy ever visit Tawhiao again he will hear some straight talk. Tho wind has been sown, and the hurricane is growing. Matters at Taranaki are not improving. Te Whiti is fast gaining strength, his cultivations are on a scale never before attempted by any section of natives, and he can at this moment raise more fighting men than any other two chiefs in New Zealand, Tawhiao included. Ha says, however, that he does not mean fighting. But if a Minister should interfere about Horoki he would “make his nose bleed.” The Government papers repeatedly stated that Mr. Sheehan had only to ask for Hiroki, when he would be given up by Te Whiti. We must suppose that Mr. Sheehan’s time is too valuable to attend to matters of such minor importance as this. Mr. Sheehan, with the numerous secret agents he has in his pay, both male aud female, is probably in a position to obtain a correct idea of the views of the natives on this and all other matters, except with regard to his personal influence over the natives. Agents of the class he employs take care to give information on that point most acceptable to tho liberal payer, and it is more than probable Mi 1 . Sheehan knows that if ha went to demand Hiroki he would he unceremoniously bundled out of the settlement, if happily nothing worse happened. It was all a yarn about Hiroki being wounded, and about his being seen by the search party, who by-the-by were very handsomely paid, aud naturally very anxious to keep the game alive as long as possible. Hiroki arrived at Te Whiti’s settlement three days after the murder of McLean, and was received with the greatest honors, a special church service being instituted to commemorate the event. Those who are in a position to judge think Sheehan will be a long time before he has time to visit To Whiti for tho purpose of demanding Hiroki. Te Whiti is procuring all arms and ammunition possible. It is reported that within the last few months upwards of 250 guns have been, obtained. Latterly the chiefs have been asking if the present Government are likely to stand long after next session meets. Even officials are reported to have said : “ Tho Government will not stand, and it is all Sheehan’s fault, for if Sir George had his own way matters would soon be settled.” Quite probable, now that native matters are not so flourishing as was promised. Grey may keep away and try and throw all blame on other shoulders. He is not one that will long stick to a sinking ship. Let Sheehan take care of himself.—l am, &c., A. Rail. The Swamp, Piako, January 6.