HOW TO SETTLE THE PRESENT DIFFICULTIES WITH THE MAORI, AND ENRICH THE NORTH ISLAND.

West Coast Times, Issue 910, 22 August 1868, Page 3

HOW TO SETTLE THE PRESENT DIFFICULTIES WITH THE MAORI, AND ENRICH THE NORTH ISLAND.

* TO THE EDITOR OF THE "WEST COAST TIMES. Sis. — Observing the great agitation that now prevails in the iS'orth Island, occasioned by the recent exploits 4>f- the Maoris, 1 trespass on your space to place the following views before you RUftttte pblfo, whip)} \n my hmm§ ofimm

would have the desired effect of proving to tho Maoris beyond a doubt that the Europeans will and must be their masters, and that they must for ever submit to them as such. Ist. The Government should issue a proclamation to all the rebel Maori tribes to the following effect : That unless they come in and swear the oaths of allegiince to tho British Crown within three months from tho date of the same being issued (under- a bond of confiscation of their territory for the observance of the oaths they have taken being kept sacred towards the British Crown for ever afterwards), the whole of their territory will be confiscated. 2. That the territory of all rebel tribes not complying with the terms of proclamation within the specified time should be opened up for settlement with the least possible delay, on. the principle of free selection before survey for agricultural lands at 5s per acre in blocks of five, ten. fifteen and twenty thousand acres', limiting applications to 320 acres, and enforcing compulsory conditions of population of three male adults to every 100 acres applied for, and such other agricultural and improving conditions as may be thought advisable for developing the resources of the the colony. 3. That the Government take immediate steps after the expiration of the time stated in proclamation for taking the oaths of allegiance, to ascertain the extent of confiscated territory and area of available country for Settlement in each district, and proclaim the same open for settlement on the above terms to all the colonies under duly considered restrictions that will secure a respectable class of people to settle in the colony, and conditions that every person applying for land must be eligible to serve and enroll as volunteers to protect the district they are settled in. The terms I propose to secure peaceful relations may seem severe, but I ask, are they they too severe to check the spirit of rebellion occasionally prefaced with the Opotiko and other murders that have been going on since tho outbreak at Taranaki (same six years ago), when so so many settlers were compelled to remove their families to Nelson for safety, and abandon their once happy and comfortable homes created at considerable expense aiid year 3of toil 5 in fact, in many cases, at the cost of all they possessed. With such facts staring us in the face, and the horrible instance of cannibalism so recently brought before our notice at the late attack on the Turo-turo Redoubt, over which they exult in their loathsome expression — " that they have j tasted the white man, that he is good, and who knows when it will stop," and the threats they holdout that death will claim any white man who invades their territory ; half measures are not sufficient to check such monsters, a decided blow must be struck to secure permanent peace, the sooner ifc is dove the better, and I do think the means to effect such a desirable end can be done most effectually by confiscating and opening-up the land for settlement on such terms as I propose — there are fine tracts of land lying waste in different districts of the North Island, held by friendly and rebel Maories, which they are neither disposed to sell or make use of themselves, that would open up a large field for commerce, and support thousands of Europeans profitably, and become a great source of wealth to the colony, the increase of cereal productions for export, and augmentations of the general revenue that would ensue if the land was only opened up for settlement on a liberal and secure system, would I feel confident exceed the most sanguine i expectations. Many persons have had a strong inclination to settle in the North j Island, but were compelled to abandon the idea, in consequence of tho Maori element being so strong, and the pusillanimous system adopted by the Government of suppressing it, has had the effect of producing a feeling of insecurity and want of confidence, which havo told very much against the advancement of the North Island, and will not be removed unless tho Government introduce a policy that will guarantee protection to the European intorests. For instance, what value can be attached to property held in the Patea district by the Europeans who have so recently been compelled to . abandon their home as it were at a moment s notice to save their lives, and whst security or inducement is held out for settlement while such a state of insecurity exists ?

' There is, therefore, a combination of circumstances which calls out loudly for imperative action being taken by the Government for the future prosperity of the Colony. The prospect of another harassing war, increased taxation, and the general depression of commerce now existing throughout the Colony, are all matters of great concern, and of such magnitude that population only will dispel. Introduce a liberal and comprehensive system of opening up the land for settlement, and thousands will come forward, to embrace the opportunity. The Maori will be checkmated, no additional taxation will be required, commerce will extend, the revenue will be augmented, and the North Island will become a prosperous Colony. I am, &c, An Advocate von Confiscation and Settlement. Hokitika, August 21, 1868.