SUMMARY FOR EUROPE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 784, 18 June 1864, Page 5

SUMMARY FOR EUROPE.

We have not much to tell of the progress of the war during the month. Military operations in the Auckland Province are at a standstill; the chief theatre of the war is to be transferred to the Province of Taranaki and the District of Wanganui. Full particulars will be found in another column of the outbreak in the last mentioned place, and of the proceedings of the troops in the Waikato country and on the East Coast.

Mr Fox's reply to the Aborigines Protection Society has attracted some attention. It is right to say that it is not thought to be entirely truthlul. The Government have not altogether abstained from peace negotiations, as he seems to imply, and these have been conducted with little discretion. A. very great handle has been given to the ringleaders amongst the natives by the circulation of a document entitled, " Instructions to Magistrates," which admits of an interpretation very harsh to the rebels. In the meanwhile there appears to have been no proclamation announcing to the natives generally the specific terms upon which their submission would be received. Mr Fox also colors too highly the dangers to which Auckland was exposed at the commencement of the war ; at the same it is only right to say, that the allegations that this and preceding wars are mere struggles for land, are not warranted by fact. No doubt most of the contests have turned on the possession of land; but it would be just as correct to affirm that all Europe was fighting for the Houcjomont Farm because the fortunes of Waterloo hinged on its possession, as that New Zealand enters into wars with the natives to conquer their lands. Their designingleaders undoubtedly endeavor to persuade them that such is the case, and many of the rebels believe it. We will go further and say there is too much secret negotiation, and that the authorities do not take the means to make the vast body of the natives acquainted with the causes that led to war. But there is this guarantee that the colony would not enter into land wars, that the proceeds of the land have hitherto gone only to enrich the Provinces in which it is situated. For instance, whatever advantage would have accrued from the possession of the Waitara, would have been enjoyed only by Taranaki. It is true that the present war is on a different footing.. After providing for the military settlements, the remaining land is to be sold to recoup the colony the expenses of the war. But no one is deceived by the pretence. At best the proceeds ■ will very inadequately meet the cost,

and if there were a balance it would go to the Province, in which the land is situated. Instead, however, of the conquered land yielding any return, it is quite likely, if not probable, that it will entail a heavy cost, since claims to it are being put in by friendly natives, and the Settlements Act provides that these shall be considered and be equitably dealt with by an independent tribunal. Compensation is to be given when the claimants are not proved to have been engaged in the rebellion. The onus of proof will rest with the Government, and it is quite likely that for a long series of years claims will be substantiated that will entail on the Colony the payment not only of the money received for surplus land but for much of that Riven to the military settlers. Hence it will be seen that at the most only local interests are benefitted by land wars, whilst they are only a source of expense to the Colony at large. The Panama correspondence has been published, and it leaves no doubt as to the correctness of the course pursued by the Government. The contractors have little to hope for from any action in the Assembly. But there appears no reason why they should not be able to arrange with the Colonial Treasurer (Mr Reader Wood) who is in England, for a modification of the objectionable portions of the Contract, that would enable the Government to recommend its ratification to the House at its next meeting. Provincially, the news is not important. The Session of the Otago Council has at last come to an end. Mr Patterson's Executive continues in office. The new Treasurer, Mr Clapcott, has agreeably disappointed even those who expected most from him. He seems to devote himself honestly to the task of lessening the expenditure of the Province, and there is no question the Executive, of which he is a member, has succeeded in establishing a feeling of confidence not enjoyed by its predecessors. Arrangements are being made for the disposal of the authorised loans, and retrenchment is everywhere the cry. Any difficulties Otago has labored under are trifling compared with its resources. Its whole present liability does not amount to more than £Q per head of the population, and it has its im • mense land estate to fall back upon. We do not refer only to the agricultural lands, but to the pastoral country, the leases of which will fall in in a few years, and for there-letting of which heavy rentals will be obtainable.

The gold fields of the Province show no diminishment in richness, although owing to the winter season, and the temporary rush to Maryborough, the total yield has somewhat fallen off. Mining operations- are being conducted with advantage, by associated enterprise.