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Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 671, 8 April 1879, Page 2

When writing, about ten days ago, on the subject of the Waimate Plains difficulty, we advocated the policy of firmness m dealing with the natives there ; and we expressed an opinion that Mr. Sheehan would bring the matter to a successful issue. Our views are singularly borne out by an article which appeared tn the Wellington Post of about the same date, and almost m the same words, (which we have just seen), and the same reliance on Mr. Sheehan's judgment is therein exhibited. Both articles have received the fullest justification by subsequent telegrams •from the scene of action ; and, although it is hazardous m these matters to predict the result, we still adhere to our opinion that it will be peaceably attained, and our confidence m Mr. Shebhan remains unshaken. All the elements of a native war of the first water were there, a false step, the smallest wavering, a hurried measure, too great precipitancy, the least indication of vacillation or yielding, and, to use a homely expression. 11 The fat was m the fire." We should

have been ignominiously checkmated, or else, fighting m haste to repent at leisure. We have to thank the firm and dignified, yet conciliatory attitude asBurned by the Native Minister that these contingencies have been averted, and will, we apprehend, be entirely avoided. We must not overlook the part which Mr. James Mackat has taken m this affair. "The best laid scheme of men and mice oft gang agee." So m the subject under consideration, as a Minister cannot be übiquitous, his whole plans might have failed, and the direst results ensued, had he not used the greatest prudence m the choice of an emissary. It is not so much the performance, m one's own person, of the actions which are the result of mature deliberation ; as the ability to cause others efficiently to perform their parts m the whole plan of action ; which constitutes the acme of generalship or statesmanship. We have twice seen m this district the effect of a Native war, even on a small scale, the ravages of which are hardly yet obliterated. We know how depressing the effect is, for a length of time after peace has been established ; we know what struggles for existence have to be passed through, both during the fighting, and for at least a year afterwards ; and knowing all these things, we perceive how great a responsibility rests on the shoulders of one man, and we are enabled further to see that, to this island, the Native Minister is by far the most important member of the Government ; indeed, probably he is . to the whole colony, and a false step on his part would cause destruction and misery to many, while all would have a lively sense of the same through that most susceptible part — the pocket. Viewing then all these things, we heartily congratulate "the man at the wheel" on having steered us clear of the rocks and shoals, which upset his course, and we fervently hope the same hand may guide us to the end of the voyage.