The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. TUESDAY, JULY 21, 1868.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 303, 21 July 1868, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. TUESDAY, JULY 21, 1868.

The news from the North Island is fraught with the gravest import, whether as regards the last diabolical crime that the hostile Maories have been guilty of, or in reference to the future of the colony. It must be clear to all but philo-Maories of the most prejudiced stamp that the native race ou the occasion of the last struggle were by no means dethat the peace which was patched up was throughout one of convenience, and not prompted by any desire to cultivate frieudly relations with the white settlers of New Zealand. A large proportion of the native race in the North, have determined to overthrow the colonial power, and drive the white settlers from their country, if it is possible, and however wild such a dream may be, it is one that is largely indulged in, and nothing but a lesson so severe as has never yet been administered, will ever give the colony the slightest hope of durable and unmelested settlement. The cold-blooded murders of the first of the recent victims, the atrocious surprise and slaughter of men and officers at Turu-Turu-Mokai redoubt only a few days ago, show that the dis-affection of the natives has now reached a culminating point, and that they now consider themselves strong enough to throuw over every disguise and openly defy and massacree allthey can lay hands on. The Turu-Turu-Mokai tale is incomplete in detail, though we know that nineteen men were killed outright and six more left for dead by the attacking party. It is also certain that their assailants must have been more than a small strolling band of Hau Hau fanatics, and it is too clear, we fear, that these outrages are only the commencement of a long, expensive and fruitless war. The "Waitotara tribes, from the last advices, ware wavering and undecided whether to join the native raid,or hold themselves neutral; and the Waikatos, probably the finest men of the native race, and the most bitter enemies to white settlement, have again intimated their intention of revolting, and sweeping the couutry to "Wanganui. Looked at in any light the conviction cannot but be forced°on us, that, willingly or otherwise, the colony is committed to another struggle, which, if it must be, we hope will be a decisive one. The Maories are well aware that the troops have been withdrawn; they think that the colonists are unable to protect themselves, i They have had time to recruit them- : selves from their suft'eriugs of the past. • they are provided with ample stores i of food ; arms, and ammunition thev i have never lacked, and everything I a eems to point to the above conclusion, j Fortunately at this time the Assembly 1 s sitting, and immediate action can be, 1 rad very probably has been taken i vithoutthe least delay, but the colony r vill wait with no small anxiety to c earn what steps have been decided on. £ n the first place a Maori war means t ncreased taxation on a country already 1 imposts of every descrip- t ion—it means retarded settlement, i' uined settlers, impaired credit, and q dditioual burdens in some shape or a ther on every man, woman, aud child I

ill New Zealand. It means misfortunes of the direst kind, cast on us by a lot of murderous native miscreants, without provocation and without cause, and it is now time for the public to speak out and say once and for all whether the miserable pettifogging policy that has hitherto been carried on, under the pretence of humanity, shall be longer permitted. If we must have a war, let it be short, sharp, and decisive, and let it be got over at once, without any delay. It is cheaper in the long run, as well as really more merciful, both to the colonists and their native enemies, to provide such a force as will not only punish the perpetrators of the late crimes as they deserve, but strike terror into the disaffected in future. The dearest course at first will be the cheapest at last, and in considering these affairs, we hope the Assembly will come to the same conclusion. It is very certain that a wholesale and utterly uncalled for massacre has taken place, it is equally sure that a very large body of the natives have openly declared their hostility. No explanation can wash out the blood of the murdered men, and for the dignity of our race, as well as in ordinary justice that blood demands full and complete expiation. Pending the action of the Assembly nothing can be done, but it is to be hoped that something has already been organised, and that the Hau Haus have before this had a taste of the nemesis that deservedly awaits their accursed deeds.