"UNITY IS STRENGTH."

Waikato Times, Volume III, Issue 171, 12 June 1873, Page 2

"UNITY IS STRENGTH."

To the Editor of the Waikato Times. Sir. — I have seen a notice inviting the settlers of East and West Hamilton to attend a meeting to consider the adYuability of forming a Cavalry Volunteer Corps for this district. Having heard some people remark, that as the meeting is to take place on the En*t side, many of the West side people will not attend, and, that if held on the West side, the East would not go, I think, I, as a settler, who is not bound to either bide of the river, may ask that we should cast alj such childish nonsense away, and join together in this matter of a Volunteer Corps, and not be behind our suter settlements. Let us, Hamdtoniam, show tlio othor settlements that though wo may differ (East and West) in small local matters,^ that wo can join together in any project which is for the benefit of the community in which wo live. Hamilton (East and West) can raise a very good Cavalry Corps ; but divided, it would be simple folly to attempt it Let in all (those who wish to see a corps raised) attend tho meeting, and carry through in Hamilton whnt h<H been dono months ago at Cambridge ard Te Awamutu. If the corps is raised, I would propose that, to prevent difficulties, tho half-yearly training* should take place on tho East and West sides alternately.— Yours f uthfullv, Cosmopolitism.

To Hie Editor of the Waikato Times. Sik, — " lTois thrice arm'd who has his quarrel just." But whore is the man to be foimrl who does not think that he ia in tho right, and that in his quarrel he is the injured and not the ofFondin 1 ' party 9 What nation has not appealed to Heaven for help, proclaiming before the world and before God that honor and justice alike demand the punishment of o t.'iiges so great' although a \\'neand impartial judgo mu t determine that both parties weiv equally guilty. In our quarrel with tho Maori*, does all the blame attach to one pirh 9 Let us he just before we are severe. JJv tlie treaty of Waihuic»i, the British Government guaranteed to the natives of these islands the lull right to possess or to dispose of their land according to the r own cmto'ns, and at thci • own pleasure. In opposition to this treaty, tlie Colonial Legislature Inn passed a law constituting a Native Lands Court, which Ims power to g-ive to one or more natives a Crown Grant for land told by them, in defiance of their own or of another tribe, which refuses to recognize tlie assumed authority of that court, although by every usasc, law, and hibit of thought, prevailing in Maondom.'the tribe is (and not tho one or more), the riu'htlul owners of the land. Is tins just 9 Happily it is not possible to pass such a lawaffecting thf pioperty of British subjects ; but if the Maoris are claimed bj the Crown a-i subjects, why make such a cruel distinction ? Again, in all free countries the imjnntv must rule, and the minority must submit. In opposition to tins crreat principle of liberty, our colonial law gives to the few a liberty to deprive the many of their just rights. To wound the Maori in Ins mo->t ••pnMfne part, and to make him feel Hl9 inequality of laws afle-ting the possession of land, is not likely to conciliate lii"> regard or to promote our pea"!*. I luivo written these few lines in tlie hope that you, Mr Editor, or that some Maori scholar learned in our colonial legislation touching Maori interests*, or that .some Govern- I ment ollicial will be pood enough to give the public some information on two points : — I. As to tho power of tho Native Linda Court to dispose of the rights of rebellious Maoris

who will not aclnwwlort^o its jurisdiction. 2 As to tba fact, whether ft few nativo3 o.w. conspire successfully to rob a disaffected tnbo of its right* I should feel greatly obliged to any of your orrespun lent* to throw some ljtfht upon theso subjects. — I am, Mr Editor, yours, &c, T J. F. Mandexo. Te Awamutu, June 4, 1873.