The Waikato Times OMNE SOLUM FORTI PATRIA. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1872.

Waikato Times, Volume I, Issue 63, 24 September 1872, Page 2

The Waikato Times OMNE SOLUM FORTI PATRIA. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1872.

In another column wo announce the bare fact that a sub-contract baa been taken to commence the const ruction of the Auckland and Mercer Kailway from the Mercer end of that line, and that the contractors had decided to employ native labour. It is a matter Cor congratulation that there is at least .some earnestness shown to proceed with our railway ; this work is now being vigorously proceeded with at the Auckland end ; and, in addition, Mr JJrogden has got two gangs of navvies at work at different points on the line. The change of Ministry will not etl'ect us in any way as regards the railway, the contracts having been signed previous to the Fox party resigning ollice, it only remains now for the Executive to provide the funds as they become due, and see that the work is satisfactorily executed. In eighteen months we may, without being over sanguine, expect to see the first train speeding its way to the provincial capital with the produce of this, the most promising district of Auckland. The mere fact of the railway works being commenced at Mercer is of comparatively little interest, being nothing more than has been anticipated for some months, but that the work is to be performed by king natives has great significance. What should we have thought of the man who, two years back, told us that in October 1872 there would be seen natives—who from their earliest childhood have been in rebellion—working for wages in the making of railways for the pakcha; we should have at least thought that he was weak in. his intellect, if not a lit subject for the nearest lunatic asylum. Such, however, is the case, and the enquiry naturally suggests itself to what is this unexpected change owin"-? To some extent, no doubt, it is attributable to the natives having become convinced that fighting was a game that was entirely played, out, and that to live in peace was much more comfortable and profitable in the end ; this change, however, must be principal! y taken as due to the discreet policy of the late Native Minister. Those who have been, in the habit of acoihng at the policy, and called it " sugar and blanket," in our opinion, are more than answered as the end to which different native doctors have been looking forward to for years as a haven of rest, is reached. The natives have taken so far to European habits as to undertake regular labor ; and experience teaches us that when savage people take to regular work, they seldom or never return to their old habits. The Auckland and Mercer Railway will no doubt prove one of the most profitable as a commercial speculation, in addition to opening up a vast district which in its absence is comparatively of little value; but to those advantages we must, net forget to add the fact that it will also do much towards initiating the natives into habits of industry.