A,—No. 1

66

"DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NETF

11. In such an attempt the civilized population who have no interest but self-preservation must necessarily suffer the most. Those of the barbarous who engage in such an attempt may be clever, and themselves much advanced in civilisation, but the worst and most violent of their countrymen are almost certain to join them, and to break lose from all control. They have little to lose, and in a few hours can destroy property which the European population has been years in painfully and patiently accumulating. The national Government attempted to be set up under such circumstances can necessarily have no power to repress violence, or to punish evil-doers amongst those who claim to be its subjects. Such men, even when mixed up with the European settlements, are certain, after committing crimes, to claim their nationality, as an excuse for not acknowledging European tribunals which would punish them for their offences; and this claim on their part will be supported by all their countrymen who desire disturbances, or may hope to gain anything by them. At the hands of such men both the wellconducted of their countrymen and the European population must suffer great wrongs. It might be said that to proclaim that a barbarous nationality has been set up in a country circumstanced as this is, is to proclaim that every man who pleases to acknowledge that nationality, may do as he likes, and that all law is abolished. Such was, in fact, in many instances the result, even within the limits of the European settlements, of the attempt to set up a separate nationality in New Zealand. 12. In forming a judgment on the nature and circumstances of such an attempt all this must be borne in mind. 13. When once the serious and terrible evils which spring from such an attempt are made manifest, I think it becomes the duty of the European population, and of the well-disposed amongst the Native population, to take every precaution within their power which they can take 'without acting unjustly or unmercifully, not only to repress and terminate such an attempt, but to prevent such an attempt from being ever again made. 11. This is no less necessary for the protection of the Natives than of the Europeans ; not to do it would be to ensure the ultimate destruction of the Native race. To this end my aims have been mainly directed. The thought of punishing those who have been engaged in the attempt to set up a separate nationality, and who have entailed so large a loss of life and property, and such a vast expenditure on the country, has been entire! v subordinated to the idea of doin_r that which might prevent such evils from falling on the two races for the future, and in these views I have been thoroughly supported by the General Assembly, and the whole talent and influence of the country. In fact, my views were their views; there has been no essential difference of opinion between us. 15. I do not mean to say that there are not violent men in New Zealand ; but even in the midst of the worst outrages, and during times of the greatest excitement, the General Assembly has shown a scrupulous care for the rights, both present and prospective, of the Native race; instead of waiting for the termination of hostilities to make provision for the future of that race, they have even, in the midst of wars and outrages, carefully devoted themselves to enacting laws for the security of the future welfare of the Native people. I feel sure that upon the whole the debates, the legislation, and the acts of the General Assembly will hereafter be admitted to be creditable to their humanity, and to the nation to which they belong ; and I have no reason to think that Sir Wm. Martin would not agree with me in the opinions which I have thus expressed. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. G. GREY.

Enclosure 1 to No. 31. Memorandum by Colonel Russell. I have not had time to read this paper with the attention it deserves before leaving to-day for Hawke"s Bay, but from the hasty perusal which I have been able to give it, I regret very much to find my views opposed to some of those expressed by so good and able a man as Sir W. Martin. 21th January, 1566. A. H. Russell.