Chapter VI.

The general course of policy which a Government ought to follow in the practical application of the treaty seems already pretty plainly indicated. To keep steadily in view the ultimate, and not far distant, amalgamation of the races, and an ultimate identity of habits, feelings, and modes of enjoying the rights and privileges of British subjects, and to oppose and repudiate any schemes or expedients which would create fresh difficulties or barriers in the way of such amalgamation, would be the prominent duty of the Government, on the one side; while on the other, it ought to be jealous and cautious of every step which it took, even in the right direction, which might excite alarm, apprehension, or distrust in the Maori mind, yet insufficiently prepared for it; and be guided, to a great extent, in determining on the course to be pursued towards the ultimate goal, by considerations of what would be most acceptable—being right in principle—to the Maoris themselves. Without education having a special bearing on these considerations, and education not religious only but also civil, the course must be slow, difficult, and uncertain.