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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 10

The "Stafford Ministry," and the "Poverty Bay Massacre."

page 25

The "Stafford Ministry," and the "Poverty Bay Massacre."

Wellington Independent—" We cannot dwell over the details. Only think of a peaceful settlement at the darkest hour which precedes the dawn. The inhabitants are wrapped in slumber; the little children repose peacefully in cots by the bedside of their parents; the fathers and mothers sleep in fancied security. Suddenly dark forms emerge from the fern and bush, climb over the palisades, and with a ferocious yell, rush on the houses. Then there is wild confusion. Lights flash about, men spring from bed vainly to seek for arms; helpless women cower in corners, commending their souls to their Maker, while little children shriek out in unmeaning fear. God help them all! for the crack of the rifle is heard, and some meet a merciful death at once, while others are massacred under repeated blows of the deadly tomahawk. Then there is a bloody saturnalia to follow. The heads and thighs of the murdered victims are chopped off; their bowels ripped up; while tattooed men eagerly drink the blood from the palpitating corpses, and the burning of a woman's body finishes the terrible scene. Who are we to blame for this? We solemnly assert that on the head of Mr. Stafford and his colleagues in the Ministry, the blood of the men, and women, and children who have thus been slain will rest; and when the last awful day of reckoning comes they will require to account for it. We make this accusation advisedly and with due consideration. The facts warrant it."