Te Waka Maori. GISBORNE, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1878.

Waka Maori, Volume I, Issue 3, 18 September 1878, Page 34

Te Waka Maori. GISBORNE, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1878.

Major Mair, Resident Magistrate in the Waikato district, has been summarily dismissed from his office by the Government. The young gentleman who is to take his place is Mr. William Grace. Those of our Maori friends who have the honor of knowing this fortunate young man, and whose interests are not affected by his appointment to so responsible a position, will doubtless ridicule this extraordinary act of the G-overnment; but to those more immediately concerned, both Europeans and Maories, it will be a source of serious regret. Sure we are that the Government can give no reason which will bear a moment's examination for thus abruptly dismissing an old and popular servant —popular with both Europeans and Maories for his pains-taking and conscientious discharge of his duties—and putting in his place a totally inexperienced young man, possessing no influence whatever with that important section of the Native race with which he will have to deal. The reason given for his appointment is simply ridiculous—he is " expected we are told y "to work more in accord with the Natives, to expedite the public works in Native districts, and render easy the settlement of any difficulty which may arise in the course of the carrying out of these works." We may fairly ask, upon what basis is this "expectation" founded? When and where has Mr Grace distinguished himself by his superior ability and tact in the management of Native or other matters ? Bnt we are forgetting. It is truethat he greatly distinguished himself by his eager and iinquestioning obedience, officious zeal,, and partisanship as a follower and admirer of the Hon. JoH2f Sheehan - . No doubt he was the "right mm in the right place as Mr Sheehan's private Secretary ; but we doubt much if the " expectation " of the Government will be realized by his appointment as Eesident Magistrate in the Waikato or any other district. Judging from the following telegram,, which we read in the newspapers, Bewi and the King Natives do not seem to be so sanguine in their expectations as the wonders to' be- achieved by this young tyro in diplomacy as the Government appears to be ; Alexandra, Saturday (September 7th). A telegram from Rewi has been received here r expressing his surprise and regret at the dismissal of Major Mair from the Government service. Eewil

also says lie has telegraphed to Sir George Grey and the Native Minister about it. The Kin» Natives here generally regret his removal, as shown by their 113 names attached to the petition to the Minister for Justice. "We are glad to hear that a petition is being largely signed in the "Waikato district by .both Europeans and Natives praying the Government to reconsider its decision in this matter. It certainly is most unjust, and damaging to the civil sendee generally, that an old, efficient, and trustworthy officer should be thus summarily dismissed from his office without a shadow of reason, other than that an office had to be found for a favorite of the Native Minister.