THE WAR AT WANGANUI.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 666, 6 May 1865, Page 3

THE WAR AT WANGANUI.

Memorandum by the Governor Tho Governor, fearing that an impression prevails iv some quarters that the present war is carried on for the profit and gratification of the colonists, trusts that his responsible advisers will, in all instances, whether in recommending measures for the Governor's adoption, or acquiescing in those he may recommend, make such a full and explicit statement of tho objects they have in view, and of the reasons on which the proceedings they advocate are bised, that no misunderstanding can take place in the minds of just and uuprejudicod persons regarding the propriety aud nocessity of the course which may be adopted. G. Ghey. March 4, 1865.

MEMORANDUM 11Y MINISTERS.

Min's'ers, in referring to tho Governor's memor. nlum o'the 4th instaut, expressing a fear "that an impression prevails in some qunrtera that the present war is c rried on for the | rofi; and gratification of the colonists," aro prorap ed >y thoir desire t) meet his Excellency's wishes, rather than by any senso of the necessity of rebuttiug imputations so vague and so indirect.

Ministers feel that they might safely rely upon his Excellency's sense of justice for their defenco. They are not aware that "any difference of opinion has existed betweeu his Excellency and themselves regarding either the advisability of taking decided action in tho country between Taranaki and Wan. ganui, or regarding the ends sought to be obtained by such action. They believe th it on these subjects there has been a frco interchange of opinion between his Excellency aud his responsible advisers, and that such consultations have in no case resulted in any difference of opinion. Ministers would undoubtedly have preferred that his Excellency should, after visiting the Southern Island, as proposed by them, li.we arrived at Wellington, and Wanganui if necessary, about the time that Lieut.-General Sir D. A. Cameron commenced his operations there, and they at the same time proposed that a member of the Ministry should accompany the General to Wanganni, in the hope that such a course might facilitate any peaceful overtures on the part of the insurgent, natives. The Lieatenant-Genoral, however, considered that the Governor's presence in Auckland was imperatively required, and finally did not adopt tho proposition that he should be accompanied by the Minister for Native Affairs, considering his presence unnecessary.

It is possible that these circumstances may have given rise to a supposition in the minds of some persons,* ignorant perhaps of the proclamation of the 17th of December, 186-1, that the LieutenantGeneral Commanding, being without the presence of any high civil authority, became involved in hostilities which might havo been avoided. Ministers, however, cannot assent to this view. Had they seen any probability of successful negotiations resulting in the submission of the hostile tribes, they would have pressed their original proposition. His Excellency U well aware that the country between Wanganui and Taranaki has long been a focus of sedition and fanaticism. There, in 1854, was held tho meeting of Manawapou, at which death was decreed against any native tvho should sell his own land to the pakelM ; thence issued armed bands of marauders and plunderers during the Taranaki war ; thence, up to the present day, issue organised parties of fanatics who traverse the native districts throughout the island, parading the cooked heads of Europeans — in one instance, it is said, leading captivo with them two British soldiers, and, in at least one case, adding caunibalism of the most disgusting character to their other crimes. Ministers will not dwell upon such facts as that all communication between Taranaki and Wanganni has been long prohibited by these tribes ; that the mails have been stopped ; that the mail steamer having beon wrecked on the coast, neither civil nor military authorities at tue nearest port could have access to it by land ; that this district is the refuge of native criminals, as was shown in tho case of Henare Tahau, who escaped thither after attempting to murder a native woman. More recently Mr. Hewott, a much respected European settler, the Native Assessor Rio, and other friendly natives have beeu murdered; a European road party fired on ; and tho progress of Her Majesty's troops resisted by force of arms. The loyal natives of Wanganui have been threatened with the same destruction as Europeans. Tho gallantry with which they have defended themselves and their European fellow citizons will bo fresh iv his Excollency's momory.

Ministers cannot but admit that it would have been for " the profit" of the colonists, if the Lt.GeueraL Commanding had found it possible by vigorous action so to carry on war in the headquarters of fanaticism as to have insured submisrice, and tb-s pat & stop to » rebellion which baa

incalculably retarded the progress of New Zealand ; winch has depreciated the value of property throngho'it the country districts of the Northern Island, and which has placed both islands of Now Zealand in a state of tho gravest financial embarrassment. They must also submit that tho colonists, tho friendly natives, and all who desire the welfaro of this colony and its inhabitants, whether of native or European origin, would derive " gratification " from the establishment of law, order, aud peace, in the place of anarchy, and tho most degrading barbarism. Ministers would further state that, though they bol.eve that the repression and punishment of tho rebel tribos of this district, and tho opening and occupation of their country, is an absolute necessity — -rogard being had to the safety of the neighbouring settlements, and the peace of the island gonerally — they nevertheless have advised his Excellency to oppose the demand o' the Lieut.-General for reinforcements from England (nor will they advise any operations to be undertaken which may • involve the retention of Imperial forces in the colony), aud Rubtnit their opinion, thot a colonial forco of bushrangers aud cavalry, united with tho loyal natives whose interests are identified with those of the colonists, will bo sufficient to undertake and execute all operations that are requisite. The expression of thesa opinions will probably sufficiently rebut the insinuation of improper anxiety to retain.the troops for tho " profit" of the oolonists. Further, Minivers will content themselves with requesting thai his Excellency will inform them whether on any occasion they have offered him advice which might fairly appear to havo been dictated by any disregard for the true interests of uatives, or any undue desire to obtuiu landj'even lor legitimate purposes of sale or colonization?.. -Ministers, in'tehdering advice to his Excellency will, at all times, as heretofore, be ready to state their reasons and objects in so doing, and will do so in writing whenever he may require it. Fred. A. Wsld. Wellington, 20th March, 1865. Memorandum by the Governor. In their meinoramlum of the 20th instant, Ministers request the Governor to inform them whether, upon any occasion, thoy havo offered him advice which might fairly appear to havo been dictated by any disregard for the true interests of the natives, or any undue desire to obtain land, even for legitimate purposes of salo or colonization. In leply, tho Governor has to state that Ministers have not, in his opinion, at any time tendered to him advice which was either directly or indirectly open to such a construction as they have alluded to iv their memorandum. G. Gkkt. April 1, 1865.