Te Waka Maori. GISBORNE, SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1579.

Waka Maori, Volume I, Issue 27, 5 April 1879, Page 374

Te Waka Maori. GISBORNE, SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1579.

We have, from the first, consistently declared it to be our opinion that Mr. Sheehan's efforts to conciliate the Natives, induce in their minds a feeling of confidence in the Government of the country, and bring about a satisfactory settlement of the differences between them and the Europeans, would end in failure and disappointment. And we have given expression*to this opinion from an honest conviction of its correctness ; a conviction founded upon a lifetime's experience of the Native character, and a careful observation of the character of Mr. .Sheehan himself. One of two things is quite clear —either that Mr. Sheehan has misapprehended the temperament and distinctive qualities of the Maori people with whom he has been called to deal, or that he has deliberately attempted to mislead the House and the country by vain-boasting and charlatanry. Our own opinion is that his signal failure is to be attributed, in no small 'degree, to ignorance of the Native character as it exists in chiefs of standing, overweening conceit, and too much familiarity with a certain class of the Natives. If he had followed the dignified example of the late' Sir Donald McLean, if he had been a little more careful of his reputation as Native Minister, he would this day have stood in a," very different position to that in which he now stands. We are quite sure that the Whiti would not have treated the late Sir Donald McLean with the contempt w r hich he has manifested towards the present Native Minister. Before the present G-overn-ment came into office, Native affairs throughout the country were in a peaceful state (except among, a small clique at Napier led by Mr. Sheehan himself) ; the Natives, if not altogether satisfied, were at least quietly attending to their domestic pursuits; there was no excitement, no agitation, or perturbation of spirit among them. But what is the state of things now ? There is little else but confusion and excitement in the Native mind- all over the country ; lanje bodies of Natives are leaving their industrial avocations and flocking to attend political meetings and feasts in every direction (got up, for the most part, at the expense of the G-overument) ; the Native question has again assumed the proportions of a mountain; the papers are teeming with " Native Intelligences" and men's minds generally are in perplexity and doubt. What is the meaning of all this excitement and bustle, political gatherings, and what not, among the Natives? Can it he possible that any one really supposes they intend to confer a benefit on the colony by making some important concessions to Sir George Grey and Mr. Sheehan, " free, gratis, and for l nothing ?" Will the result of the long expected

Waikato meeting be to throw open the "Waikato country, as many have been led to expect, for European settlement and enterprise ? The real object of the Natives in getting up these political meetings is not to confer benefits upon the Pakeha, but to receive benefits from him. Cliques are being formed everywhere for the avowed purpose of holding on to the lands; and the prominent characteristic of the King movement itself is to resist the alienation of. the Native lands now remaining in their possession, and, if possible, arrest the decadence of their race. Bearing this in mind, we think it is not likely that Sir George Grey and Mr. Sheehan will obtain any concessions of much importance to the colony.

We think the reception lately accorded to Mr. Sheehan at Parihaka ought to be sufficient to show this ; for the Maories do not in these days act without concert, especially in matters of great importance affecting their welfare generally as a people. It is impossible to say what combinations exist among them at the present time. We hear that at least one chief on this coast has received an invitation from the Whiti to join him; we know that the King has been slowly but surely extending his influence among the tribes in various parts of the country —an influence which cannot be said to be in. favor of the Government, or any extension of the power of the Pakeha in the country: and we know, too, that there are many discontented and daring spirits among the tribes who would rejoice in the excitement and adventure of war. We cannot, however, think the Government will rush headlong into another Maori war in consequence of the insane action of the Whiti •and his party in reference to the Waimate plains and the murderer Hiroki. It is certain that cities of refuge for murderers cannot be tolerated in the land, but all peaceable measures-should first be tried to bring about a settlement of existing difficulties before proceeding fco the dread alternative of war. We know, of course, that the Maories would eventually be beaten, but it would be at a cost probably little calculated on. We shall not, for obvious reasons, enlarge on this view of the subject. Some of our readers will probably ask what the disaffected tribes really want. We will enlighten them in a few words. They ask that the confiscated lands may be returned to them ; they desire to make their own laws and govern themselves ; they want all land purchasing from Maories to be peremptorily forbidden-; in fact, they desire to be independent of the Pakeha and his G-overnment —and the desire for these things we believe is more or less participated in by many of the friendly tribes, -the heretofore supporters of the "Government. Notwithstanding all this, we think that many of the chiefs and thought-

ful men among them are amenable to reason, and that, by the exercise of a wise and prudent policy, all these difficulties may be peaceably arranged. Before concluding we would say a few.-words to the tribes who are setting the law at defiance. "We ask them to pause in their career ere it be too late. Let them look back upon all the wars in which the Maories have engaged against the Pakeha, and say have they gained a single advantage ? What has Hau-Hauism done for them ? In the good old days when the missionary bell was heard in every village calling the people to the service of the true G-od, the Maori dwelt in peace and safety, and verily they were rangatiras in their own land. But when HauHauism spread its baneful influence over them, they were excited to war against the Pakeha by infatuated false prophets, the bravest of their chiefs were slain, and their lands confiscated. The misfortunes which war brought upon you in times past it will bring again. Tou complain of the confiscation of your lands as a great grievance ; but if you rush into war, you will be taking the direct course to bring about a further confiscation of your lands. For you cannot expect to be victorious in a conflict with the Pakeha. No matter how brave you may be, you are sure to be beaten in the end'. It would be impossible for you to successfully withstand the power which could and would be brought against you. If you force another war upon the Pakeha, it will be the last; for he will not rest satisfied till you are so thoroughly beaten that you will never again be able to make head against him. Depend upon it; the Government will not allow a series of petty wars to obstruct the progress of the colony ; if they should be compelled to fight again, they will do so effectually. There is no desire on the part of the Pakeha to oppress you in the slightest degree. Maori members sit in Parliament to discuss together with the Pakeha members measures for the good government of the colony and the welfare of both races; and every privilege which the Pakehas enjoy has been * freely accorded to you. If you have any grievances to complain of, let them be brought before the Parliament, by petition or otherwise, and we are sure they will be discussed in a generous spirit, and that you will make better terms by adopting such a course than you can possibly expect to obtain by rushing into war. Be warned in time.