THE WAIMATE QUESTION.

Wanganui Herald, Volume X, Issue 2704, 12 February 1876, Page 2

THE WAIMATE QUESTION.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — I was very much pleased to observe in your lecent issues tho manner with which you have treated the visit — or rather the attempted visit — of that father of discord, Colonel McDonnell, to Titokowaru ; and I most sincerely hope that your action will effectually prevent another visit of that gentleman to this district. We have had a long period of comparative peace ; and, as a natural consequence, of progress also. There is now a much better understanding between the settlers and the natives than has hitherto existed, and tliere is a pretty general feeling here that the Governmentshould take some action, so as to come to a definite understanding with those natives who have so long held aloof. I wish it to be understood that I am no Maori doctor. I am one of the oldest settlers here, and Have taken my share of the losses and hardships that we have had from time to time to put up with, and should there be occasion I would stick to the district and do my share again. However, I am confident that there is not the least fear so long as we are not meddled with by such people as McDonnell, Booth, &Co. These names are so closely identified with trouble, that we, Pakehas and Maories, wish them to keep clear of us for ever. The question has been frequently asked — In what capacity did Col. McDonnell attempt to interview Titokowaru ? Was he sent by the Government ? As the action'was exceedingly unwise, to say the least of it, 1 for one do not think the Government could have committed sucn an error ; but if Colonel McDonnell did go by instructions from the Government, I suppose he has furnished a copy of the letter which he sent to Tito. Why has that not been published, and vrhat about the agency for the Waimate Plains ? As he is fond of giving warnings, lot me give, him one. It is this : " Ksep away from Tito ; cease meddling with the Waimate, and keep yourself clear entirely from the district, for the settlers do not believe in you as a mediator." I have stated abovo that there is a feeling that the Government should come to an understanding with certain natives who have held aloof. I allude more particularly to Titokowaru and his immediate followers. I speak with a personal knowledge of what I am stating, and I say that there would now be no trouble in coming to a clear nnd definite arrangement with these natives ; and until that is done, a large portion of this Coast must remain locked up. The arrangement I refer to is a friendly one. It is time that the hatchet was buried for over ; let the Government perform their part, and the natives will not refrain from performing theirs. If the necessary power bo given to the new Commissioner, Major Brown, to effect this object, there need be no fear for the result, aud that result will ho the surest guarantees for the permanent peace and advancement of the West Coast— but there must be no more McDonnell muddling. —Yours, &c, i Patea, Feb. 9. Abgus.