NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3278, 15 August 1871, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

The following letter from the corres pondent of the " Lyttelton Times" whnve reason to believe represents very faithfully the state of Native affairs to date. " Judging from what I deem reliable information, I think there can be no doubt that the recent secession of Ngatiraukawa has done much towards thoroughly disorganising the King party. It is unquestionable that Maoii Kingism, is now split into sections, some of which advocate speedy abolition of the King farce, whilst all look upon that abolition as a mere question of time. At present, Tawhiao's position is one the most curious imaginable. Living on Ngatimaniopoto land on sufferance, and afraid of Ltewi, who has repeatedly said he will be no party to attacks directed against Europeans; fearful also, of Ngatiraukawa combining with Maniopoto, and aware that a word from the Native Minister would suffice to bring the Northern und East Coast tribes upon his back, the Maori monarch may well tremble for his titular soveroignity. That ho clearly realises the "situation" maybe inferred from his lately issued "order," which announces that Pakohas, as well as i\J aoris, who desire unification of the two races may attend and speechify at

pleasure at the great Native meeting which will be held at Kuiti early in the ensuing spring. lam firmly of opinion that if some arrangement could be made to prevent encroachment of Europeans towards Upper Waikato, Tawhiao and his friends might be brought to submit and live in arnidity with us henceforth. Submission achieved, it is not difficult to see how a very short time will suffice to show Kingites the manifold advantages to be derived from European neighbors. I-lauliuuism is fast dying out, and everywhere the Natives are abandoning that silliest of fanaticisms. Much has been said of the " singular fascination" Uauhauism exercised on the Native mind but I very much doubt if any sensible Maori ever believed in it a* a religion. The simple fact is, Hauhauism became popular with most Maoris because it offered a sensual race greater- license between the sexes than even Mormonism permits. At least a 6core of times I have hoard young Natives admit as much. I regret to add that, as far as I am aware, relapsed Hauhaus evidence not the slightest desire to re-embrace Christanity. The statement recently attributed to Kooti, which relates how he took tea with Mr Drummond's survey party doos not appear to find much credence with those East Coast settlers who formerly knew Kooti only to remember him as a man on whose word no reliance can be placed, and whose inumerable pelty thefts were ever wont to be conceived and executed in the style of Mr Morris Bolter, otherwise Noah Claypole. On the whole, many others who, besides myself, retain a vivid recollection of bis earlier achievements, prefer to believe that, unless he has become utterly false to bis youthful instincts, Kooti could have only ventured alone into a camp when he felt positive that all its usual inmates were busily engaged at a very long distance. Generally speaking, Maori affairs in this part of the colony present few features just now of much interest. It were trite to restate how quiet our natives are, but there is really nothing more to be said abont them. August 2. Yesterday evening I received a letter from a source which I believe is very reliable. The letter tells me that Tawhiao desires to " come in," and the writer (who is personally acquainted with the Maori King) says that both the King and Manuhiri think that the time has nearly arrived when the past should be buried in oblivion.