The Star. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1868.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 108, 17 September 1868, Page 2

The Star. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1868.

The Native news received within the past few day 8 is alarming to those who have fully realised what another Maori war means to the whole colony. Beaten in the Patea district by — so far as we know — about 150 Natives, the Government have withdrawn the colonial force from Napier with the view of supporting Colonel McDonnell in his attempts to reduce the Ngatiruauui to subjection. The Hawke's Bay settlers, thus left to defend themselves agaiust the probable incuraioua of the Chatham Islands fugitives from the Urewera country, have strongly remonstrated with the Government, aud even petitioned the G.overnorto interfere. But their representations have had no effect, and we shall probably hear of some serious disaster in Hawke'H Bay. It will be seen, also, from our latest telegrams, that the Superintendent of Hawke's Bay has given notice of his intention to move a resolution in the House, expressing alarm at the conduct of the Government in reference to Native and defence affairs. Now, Mr McLean knows the Native character well, and he is in a position to form an accurate estimate of the danger to tin* whole of the Bast Coast district from the removal of the armed consta bulary. He has not, bo far as we are aware, done or aaid anything by which it might be inferred lhat he is a mere alarmist. And it cannot be denied that the conduct of the Governmeut in this matter is calculated to raise the gravest apprehen«ionß, tiof, only for the future but for thn actu il present. They seem entirely paralysed, and to be incapable of acting with even ordinary forethought and prudence. The " ineo.npatibility," as it is mildly phrased, between ColoueL* M'Dounell and Whitraore may, and probably will, perpetuate that disorganisation in the Patea command which has several times been brought under the notice of the House. Altogether, no one can fail to be conviared that we dtm roally engaged in auother Maori war, and the question at once arises — how much will it cost? To this succeeds another — who is to pay the bill ? It is, perhaps, unfair to ask Mr Stafford how much we shall have to pay. He has no definite plan of operations, aud of course he cannot say what " dealing with the circumstances as they arise " will cost. Mr Fox has a plan and an estimate. The! former agrees with the views expressed at the late meeting in Christchurcb,! and must have met with the approval of such men as Dr Featherston and Mr M'Lean, who are vitally interested in its success or failure. And Mr Fox tells us that his Native policy will

cost a certaiu sum tor a certain time. He does not Bay whether, after that time has expired, vre shall be called on to pay anything more. Mr 3?ox ? 8 offer has at least the merit of being distinct and definite, while with Mr Stafford we are going no one knows where.