THE Thames Advertiser. MONDAY, NOV. 15, 1875.

Thames Advertiser, Volume VIII, Issue 2199, 15 November 1875, Page 2

THE Thames Advertiser. MONDAY, NOV. 15, 1875.

We publish elsewhere later English and Australian news, but there ai:o no very startling or sensational items in the telegrams, The money market at home is getting iuto a sound position again, but the enquiry for wool does not show any improvement The news from Australia is to the 2nd instant only, so that there is yet no: intelligence, of die Melbourne Cup race, as the event did not come off until Tuesday last, the. 9th instant. Imperial was 1 still, first favourite when the vessol sailed. We shall probably. receive. news of this event during the present week.-' '

We are quite as averse to. an indiscriminate and slavish adulation as our contemporary the 'Southern Gross,' aod admit that the citizens of Auckland and its Press as well are too often led to an exuberant expression of public opinion in honour of those who have performed their duty honourably and to the best of" their ability in the beat interests of the people. Is it because of the infrequency of these satisfactory proofs of honesty, and the.ipaucity of honourable men in the councils of the country, these ovations have become almost an institution among ust A leading article in the' Cross' the other day is to some extent liable to a similar charge in its defence of our native administration.

It has ever been the policy of this peculiar branch of the Government to greatly exaggerate the difficulties which beset our relations with the. Maori, and jealously guard its exclusive privileges | and this has:never;been,more apparent than in its absurd negotiations with the native "monarch." there maybe "doubtful anddangerous" in our position with thi3 potentate, it* is certain the Native Minister has spent some fourteen years in fruitless endeavours to conciliate him, and still the sulky savage is deaf to the voice of the charmer, -and continues; aloof from intercourse with Europeans. If it is essential that this state of things should be changed, if the Government conceive the position to be dangerous to the, peace of the. colony, we think every colonist should support the policy, which suggests Sir George Grey interviewing this stubborn pet of the Native Office. The revelations extorted during the past session are examples of the necessity for some- radical change, for whatever confidence the Ministry may have in the ability of Sir Donald McLean, the public have but little, his office being regarded as a costly, encumbrance. '•.;.

There is much "to gain and-nothing to lose in breaking through the mystery which hedges about this "monarch." Had he desired frequent intercourse with the representative of the Government it would have been solicited, but all we hear is of' our "present and somewhat dangerous and doubtful position.". If : Tawhaio has invited.. Sir. George Grey to meet him, we strongly recommend the invitation being accepted J it will show 'these natives that others take an active interest in their welfare, that the colonists desire peaceful relations with them, at least they have nothing to fear. We have far too high an appreciation of Sir George's tact and knowledge of Maori character to, entertain a fear of the interview >■ " bringing vthe Ministry"' to grief." The utterance of such a sentence is in the highest degree absurd, and savours more of jealously at.interference than 'a well-grounded fear of disaster.' As little can we realise " Sir Donald McLean ; looking blandly on" if Sir-George Grey were successful in his mission..

; We protest against the exclusiveness which prohibits unauthorised persons interviewing Tawhaio. Why should he not be treated. sra any other native

chieftain, and be permitted to discuss matters which concern both him and lis with whom he chooses? If it were so we might receive Borne • reliable informationi The policy of the Government towards this man is the one most 'calculated to encourage the persistent isolation of himself and his people, and perpetuate the hostile attitude he is supposed to assume towards the Government and 'tho colonists.. Sir George Grey is no. stranger to the natives of the province, and would cany with him the prestige of the high position he held as the representative of the Queen, and more than. that, as one professedly the friend of tlie Maori.

The people have waited long'enough, \nd with a patience inconceivably great, for a settlement of this "native difficulty." We have long considered it a bugbear detrimental to the interests of the colony, a chimera originated by the cupidity of the Native Offide, and an excuse for a ruinous expenditure.

We cordially approve of this projected interview, and' would encourage others of a similar character, and if. it' be the means of exposing the fallacy of our native policy, and result in establishing ' amicable relations with Tawhiao and his tribe,- Sir George Grey will have well earned the thanks and gratitude of the whole colony.