NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 575, 24 March 1870, Page 2

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

(From the Southern Cross, March 5.) It will be satisfactory to the . public to know, tbat notwithstanding the alarmist articles which appear from time to time in New Zealand journals, the native policy of the present Government has been eminently successful. This fact will be fully apparent, no doubt, on tbe meeting of the Assembly ; in the meantime, it is our duty to say that, although Te Kooti is still at large, his sopporters ara greatly reduced in number, and isolated from the bulk of the native race. Te Kooti it not now the great power in Maoridons, threatening the overthrow of the tads system of government of which TawbUois the bead, as well as destruction to our outsettlement-, which he was when Mr Fox took office. His strength has been brokeo, and he has been driven out of the King's territory to the fastnesses of the Uriwera country, with the full consent of the King aud his advisers. More than this ; the great body of the tribes who recogni«e the authority of Tawhiao, are drifting into friendly relations with the Europeans, through the exertions and influence of the Native Minister. When the present Executive took ofllce, however, they were still more rapidly drifting into war with the Government. In fact, tbe King natives were standing on tbeir guard, with arms in their bands, to repel our threatened invasion of their territory. This hostile attitude on their part has been changed into one of amity. The King tribes repose confidence in the Government. They have faith in Ministers ; hence their refusal to aid Te Kooti, or give him shelter ; hence also the peaceful occupation of the Waikato I plains by our settlers. 'i he Government have also taken care to maintain tbe prestige of the European race, by stationing a strong European force at

Taupo ; and already two well-equipped whale*oata, built on the spot, are on the Lake for the use of our force. Doubtless, as settlement progresses, the whaleboatß will give place to a steamer; but in the meantime all that is requisite bas been done to make good our position in the Lake district. It will be remembered that Sir George Grey proposed to station one regiment of Imperial troops at Taupo. The proposal met with strong opposition at the time, on the ground tbat it would be accepted as a challenge by the King tribes as a whole. No doubt there was then a good deal of force in this argument; but circumstances have altered since, and the -sentiments ef the natives have likewise undergone a remarkable change for tbe better. It may, therefore, be a right policy to pursue now, although it might bave been inexpedient when Sir George Grey proposed it. But -of the ultimate wisdom of the policy there •can be no doubt whatever. We are glad tbe Government have resolved -to abandon expeditions for the present. Field -operations cannot be carried on with any •prospect of success, after the close of March, and therefore ifc would be a waste of money to set a costly expedition on foot with almost the certainty of its breaking down. The late ''Government, it is true, were alike indifferent to times and seasons, hence the result of their expeditions was utterly fiisproportioned to the cost, and hardship endured by the men. At tbe same time the Government have not, by any means, abandoned the idea of ■capturing or destroying Te Kooti. They •offer a specific sura for a specific service ; and if the work is not done no money will be paid. The greatest sticklers for economy could require no more than this:; end it appears to us to be the only plan open to the Government at present. "Already two large expeditions, on the condition referred to, are about starting in pursuit of Te Kooti, if they have not Already started; and the chances are in favour of their success. Meanwhile, the Arawas have returned to their own villages and cultivations, having an objection to go to tbe Moanakari country. It is only natural, after co many months spent >in active warfare, that they should wish for a little repose. Their presence in force on 'their own territory will increase our security in the Bay of Plenty. We may add, in conclusion, tbat tbe latest intelligence from the Upper Waikato is of the most assuring character. .Rewi and his people are engaged taking up their potato •crop ; and the rest of the natives are employed in pacific pursuits. The great native meeting at Raglan, attended by about a thousand— three hundred men, and tbe remainder women and children — passed off <iuietly. The settlers received an assurance that they would not be disturbed in tbeir occupations. One beneficial effect of this meeting is,, that friendly intercourse bas been renewed between the loyal natives and the Hauhaus on tbe West Coast ; and this intercourse will lead, at no distant day, to a "breaking down of tbe policy of isolation, in which the King party 'entrenched themselves against the influences of civilisation.