THE Wellington Independent. "NOTHING EXTENUATE; NOR SET DOWN AUGHT IN MALICE." THURSDAY MORNING, 20th AUGUST.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 1910, 20 August 1863, Page 2

THE Wellington Independent. "NOTHING EXTENUATE; NOR SET DOWN AUGHT IN MALICE." THURSDAY MORNING, 20th AUGUST.

THE SETTLERS AND THE NATIVES. It is but a little time ago since we strongly reprobated the panic stricken feeling which had arisen in Auckland, and which caused a certain section of the community there to whine about the greatjdanger to which the city was exposed, and call for a postponement of the campaign iv Waikato till spring had come round, and reinforcements had anived. We pointed out then that to adopt such a course would be to precipitate a native rising throughout the Island, because it would inspire the Waikatos with the belief that we feared to cope with them; and would besides aiFord them an opportunity to disperse throughout the countryand make reprisals everywhere. In shoit,|we were convinced then, as now, that the maintenance of peace, and the prevention of a general war, depended mainly

on the rigorous and successful prosecution of operations in the North.

But while strenuously insisting on tins point as being of vital importance, while using every argument in favor of the war being carried on with vigor, it must not be forgotten that there are other conditions not leys necessary to secure the maintenance of peace here, or failing that, to be prepared for war. If a panic in Auckland is to be deprecated, where war is almost at the very gates of the city, what is to be said of a panic in Wellington where up to the present moment, nothing has occurred to disturb the peace which we have so long enjoyed P Yet during the past few days rumours of the most extraordinary character have been in circulation, the canard-mongers have held a perfect saturnalia, and the weaker sort amongst us, hare anticipated nothing less thau a regular Maori invasion. Because forsooth a fat old Maori chief and an inreterate tippler to boot whose soul thirsted for " brandy hot," and whose funds were low, chose to get up a little excitement amongst the loafers at Wakelin's public house, by producing a mysterious missive, breathing blood and wounds, the whole of the Hutt and Wanarapa Districts bare been thrown into a perfect hubbub, and quiet loving folks bare been nearly tormented out of their lives. It was certainly a shrewd plan, for Waktlin the publican in the Wairarapa, and Wakelin the journalist in|Wellington, to get the steam up in this fashion, and doubtless the public have much profited thereby. One can well imagine the publican in his bar telling the awful tale of the coming Maori raid, to a best of open-mouthed listeners whose excited feelings could only be relieved by copious liquid stimulants Sensation and a nobbier all for 6d ! Who could resist such a tempting bait ? Turn the picture and we see the shrewd journalist chuckling in his sanctum, as he dresses up the dish afresh for the "delectation of the Wellington public, who are to have the sensation dose at half-price* minus the "go of liquid vanity." Verily an ingenious scheme, and peculiarly worthy of the genius of its originators I Every body knows now how baseless was the whole affair, but seriously the very fact that such a piece of Maori braggadocia, should have caused so much alarm, shows bow critical is the piesent state of affairs, and how urgent the need to place the out-set, tleiaenls iv a position of defence. We hope for peace still, nay, we believe, that with proper precautions taken, this Province may pass unscathed through the present period of trial. But it depends altogether o» what the Government thinks are the proper means of precaution, whetberor not peace will be maintained. We do not think that any number of meetings between tbe Superintendent and the Natives either on the West Coast or in the Wairarapa, will of themselves preserve peace. It was doubt less, a sound and judicious step, evincing a high degree of courage on the part of Dr Fealherston, to visit Wi Tako and the other Kingite chiefs on tbe West Coast, and bis present mission to the Wairarupa, is equally so. Butwfay? Because those visits afford an opportunity to explain clearly and decidedly to the Natives, what are the intentions of Government, with regard not only to them, but to tbe whole race. It is well that they should understand that this rebellion in the North, is to be put down at any cost, aud that whoever here aids or abets those engaged in it, will be treated as rebels, aud meet with inevitable punishment. It is well also, that a pledge of protection should be offered to those who do not join the rebel cause, and that they should by such assurance have their doubts and misgivings removed. These objects, we repeat, have been accomplished by Dr Featberston, and those who talk je»ringly of his " Maori pets," little kuow how much the moderate, yet firm course be has pursued, has done towards averting a danger, into which the ignorant and rash might at any moment plunge us. It is just so far as this, that' these visits serve a good purpose ; but when some worthy people would have us believe that nothing further jremains to be done, except to keep quiet and await tbe progress of events, we thoroughly differ from them. Having taken every means to reassure the natives in this province, and thus partially averted dauger,it is next absolutely necessary that we should be prepared to face it, if it should come. Every man in the province capable of bearing arms should be provided with them, and every cutset tltruent that requires it should have a redoubt built. Ever since troops were moved into the Waikato, we have persistently urged en the General Government, the absolute necessity of providing for the defence of the out settlements, and that they have tvinced the most culpable and fiagrantjueglect is not our fault. Nor have the provincial authorities failed to make similar representations in the proper quarter. Weeks ago, more than one urgent demand was made to the Colonial Secretary for arms, and it is only recently a limited number have arrived from the South. Why does steamer after steamer arrive from Auckland without the necessary supply* Mr Domett can arm natives of doubtful fidelity in Auckland, but cannot spare sufficient rifles for Englishmen of tried loyalty in Wellington. The settlers in the Wairarapa very naturally apply to the Provincial authorities, .but they do not know how very hard it is to overcome tbe apathy and indifference of the Executive in Auckland. We apply for a proper supply of arms and a few rifles are grudgingly sent to us. There is no authority in existence that would enable the Militia to be called out iv the Wairarapa, and even if that step were taken, the men would require to drill with broomsticks. Thus it happens, that a district peopled with stalwart Englishmen, perfectly able and willing to defend] themselves, is actually exposed to the risk of unchecked violence and spoliation. Surely anything so disgraceful as this cannot be permitted to continue. If another instance were wanting to show thesupineness of ths Ministry, in everything relating to this Province, the way in which the Defence Force scheme has been managed, would ' afford it. The men were brought from Otago, and neither aims, accoutrements, nor horses were provided ,

for them. Even now, tbough each of, them bas got a weapon of some sort, yet oo regular arms have been procured. "Like FalstafFs Regiment," the corp3 is in want of everything, and sufficient of cloth for uniforms being unprocurable here, it bas to be sent for from SydHey. Now, here is a most efficient force, by this time well drilled, rendered comparatively useless, till it pleases the Auckland executive to send arms for it. In ibis instance Mr Domett is clearly responsible. It was his Ministry introduced the Colonial Defer ce Force Bill last session, and it is his Ministry that has carried out its provisions, and Brought the force into existence. In Hawke's Bay, the arrangements were perfect. Arms, accoutre* roents, horses, everything, indeed, was provided, and the force now supplies a valuable means of protection. But then Hawke's Bay is happy in a Donald McLean and a Major Whitmore — while Mr Domett as an old settler, has a deep inteiest in the people there. It is not> therefore, surprising that matters were so well managed. Here, what a contrast is presented. Everything, hitherto, has been wretebedly | bungled, and it is only now that we have Lieut Edwards, a gentleman with some little knowledge of the West Coast, appointed to the command, and engaged in organising the Force. We have been compelled thus far to allude to the treatment this Province has received at the bands of the present Ministry, because it would be unfair that the Provincial authorities should be held responsible for what they could not prevent. The people are now fully aroused on the subject, and insist on being provided with the means of defence. We are heartily rejoiced to see such a spirit of determination and self reliance evinced, and as this object has not been without our earnest support in the past, it shall not lack it in the future, till it has been attained. We believe that nothing will guarantee continued peace in the future so much as thorough preparation in the present. Let but the proper means be taken for safety and defence, let us but be prepared for any contingency, and we shall hear less of excitement in the Hutt and Wairarapa. The Superintendent has told the out settlers " that there is not at present the slightest reason to apprehend an outbreak of the Natives in any part of th Province," but so long as even a remote possibility exists of such, it is wrong to be a day longer unprepared. The time has now arrived when it is necessary to fix on some course of action. While the War lasts in Waikato, and till the work of subjugation is completed there, we can never be perfectly free from danger. It is with a kind of shame that we think of the settlers in this Province being harassed with a continual dread and uncertainty by this Maori bugbear. Why should they be so ? If General Cameron continues to sustain the prestige of our arms ia the north, the Waikatos will have their hands full enough, and surely the settlers are more than a match for the local tribes. Let them but b« provided with the means of defence, and this painful excitement would pass away. With an armed population of Militia and Volunteers, and a few block houses, the safety of the Province would be secured, and we should hear less of threatened attacks, general risings, or braggart letters from drunken chiefs. For the purpose of reassuring the Queenite Natives and explaining to tbe others what will be tbe inevitable consequences if they join in, this rebelliou, the Superintendent is now on a visit to the Wairarapa. With a view to acquire a knowledge of the positions for stockades, &c, Major Gorton has gone also. The journey was resolved on last Saturday, but was accidentally delayed till Monday. The visit was arranged prior to the news o£ Monday, and was not, therefore, in consequence of the alarming news said to have been received by either of them. Reports differ as to tbe alarm of the Wairarapa settlers. Some from there— Mr. Dixon of Masterton, for instance — tell us that all is quiet, and Mr Dixon adds, "You may be quite sure I shouldn't let my large family remain thete, if I thought there was any present danger;" while another, nervous at all times, says, "I am iv constant fear, and shall be until I have all safe in town."

Tlie settlers iv the Wairarapa considerably out-number the natives. The strongest pa in the valley is tLe one near Hnrae's, and how many fighting men do oar readers think it can raise P Neither thousands, nor hundreds — not more than 20 to 30 men could be mustered in it, and they are Queenites. At most of the other pas they could not muster more than from 5 to 10 — very few so many as 10. In the whole valley some doubt whether they could muster many more than 100 armed and effective men, and they are known to be in want of powder. These computations are by those who know the district thoroughly, and not by persons who merely guess at what they say. These natives are alarmed and thoroughly frightened of the settlers, .and have no more idea of "rising' than they have of flying — no more idea of atoeking us until tbey are themselves attacked than we have. The panic of the last few days bas arisen from the fear of what these few natives are said to have threatened to do to the Defence Force and Militia. After a panic people are generally ashamed of it, and we certainly bare reason to be ashamed of the last To allay the excitement which ferment! amongst the natives, was one of tbe objects of the Superintendent going up to attend a native meeting to be held near McMasters' on Tuesday.