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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 24

III.—Native Policy

III.—Native Policy.

Conceiving that it would be wiser, rather than continue fighting the Maoris, to find employment for the more friendly tribes, the policy was adopted of setting some to make roads and telegraphs through the north island, employing others as armed constabulary, also to assist in road making; and occasionally purchasing land from prudential motives. In short, peace was at first secured by a judicious system of conciliation, and it is now so firmly established, that in parts, where little more than ten years ago a powerful military force could penetrate only with the utmost difficulty and danger, mail coaches now run regularly across the north island in various directions, with as much safety as the amateur teams which in summer ply between Piccadilly and Windsor, or Tunbridge Wells. The necessary outlay has, moreover, been mitigated by the work done, the roads have added greatly to the value of the land which they opened up, and the land purchased from time to time remains as an asset in hand annually increasing in value.

It will be seen from Table I in Appendix, that from 1853 to 30th June, 1876, inclusive, the amount expended for native and defence purposes has amounted to 6,600,000l., viz.:—
£
Out of revenue 2,017,590
Out of loans 4,615,052
Total 6,632,622

To this might be added cumulative interest at 5 per cent, on the amount expended out of loan, which interest has been defrayed out of revenue, to the amount of 2,197,505l.