Pakeha and Maori:

A Narrative of the Premier's Trip Through the Native Districts of the North Island.

Introduction.

Although the Native question does not occupy such a prominent part in New Zealand politics as it did a few years back, it still is a subject of interest to all thinking men who desire to see such a state of affairs brought about as shall draw the European and Maori races into a closer union.

Until recently the "Maori difficulty," as it was termed, was regarded with indifference by the majority of the Southern members of Parliament, and on occasions when Native legislation and Native affairs were discussed in the House the Middle Island representatives took little interest therein. In the South Island, the sparse Native population and the pacific character of the people gave the settlers an idea that the troubles in the North had been greatly exaggerated, and consequently they displayed a degree of apathy concerning Maori affairs which, had they made themselves better informed on the subject, would not have been the case. There were, it is true, a minority of settlers in the South who were posted up in the Native question, and whose sympathies were with their Northern brethren who were struggling to hold their own against some of the more turbulent tribes who took up arms to resist the advance of European civilisation. Those, however, were only a handful of the inhabitants of the Middle Island, and it is an undoubted fact that the bulk of the Southern people, especially in the old provincial days, took little interest in the Northern troubles. The prudent though firm policy which has been pursued towards the Natives during the past few years has accomplished much in the direction of settlement, but much more remains to be done before the vast tracts of Native-owned land which are at present lying waste can be properly utilised for the benefit of both races.

While, however, too much stress cannot be laid on what a theatrical manager would term our "scenic effects," it must be acknowledged that the Maori people themselves are calculated to inspire as much interest in the philosophic mind as the scenery of their country does in the poetic mind. They are, without doubt, one of the most remarkable races on this side of the equator, and not only "globe-trotters" but colonists themselves have paid too little attention to the study of their character. A people who in times past sailed from distant seas in their rude canoes and made their way over the stormy ocean, braving difficulties and dangers in order to plant themselves on the shores of New Zealand, are not a race to be despised. Although but a remnant of a omce great nation of poets and warriors, for such they really were, they are still a "power in the land," and all true colonists are only too anxious to treat them with justice. In years past they prowed themselves "worthy of British steel," and now they are proving themselves worthy of our confidence. There is no doubt that our statesmen have an earnest desire to deal fairly with them, and page 2 to bring about still more fraternal relations between the two races. The best method to accomplish this desirable object is to push civilisation and settlement into the large areas of fine country which only await proper development at the hands of industrious yeomen. If the Legislature adopt this course, it goes without saying that strict justice and equity will be the standard which will guide them. On this head a few remarks by an able political writer may be to the point. "What is that which government is meant to secure?" he asks; and the reply is, "Primarily and supremely the aim of government is justice. In proportion as it diverges from this aim does government become tyranny; and public opinion must be inspired by the sense of justice, and must aim at securing justice, else it too becomes tyrannous, and becomes so in proportion as it fails to be inspired by this sentiment, and directed to the securing of this result."

In the opinion of many thoughtful men the Maori character, with its many sterling traits, has not been sufficiently understood by our lawmakers. The Native mind has changed from time to time, and in different tribes opinions vary considerably, and this has led to a great deal of misunderstanding between the races. For years the Natives have taken up a negative position. They have been sullen, or, as named in their Native language, they have been pouri—discontented with their lot, labouring under supposed grievances. Powerless to openly resist the authorities, occasionally stopping surveys, pulling up survey-pegs, &c., to show their resentment of the encroachment of civilisation. Unable and even unwilling to meet the Government in Wellington, not comprehending how to bring their wishes before Parliament, they simply retired to their Native fastnesses, living in almost destitution. The remnants of a noble race, richly endowed in lands, and yet this wealth was of no benefit to them. The course adopted by them, whilst not benefiting them, retarded settlement, and seriously militated against the prosperity of the North Island. The Natives could not come to the Government—why not deal with them as Europeans are dealt with? Ministers go from centre to centre so as to keep touch with the pakehas and to explain social and political questions, the settlement of the land, and the labour problems. Why not deal with the Maoris in the same way? This thought induced the Premier to undertake a fatiguing journey, perilous in its incidence—mountains, rivers, and lakes having to be negotiated—and, by meeting the Natives in their haunts, making himself thoroughly acquainted with all the "ins and outs" of the Native question.

His recent trip has given him a thorough insight into the condition of the Maori people, and has, no doubt, enabled him to form an intelligent opinion as to the best course to adopt in order to secure the prosperity of both them and the Europeans. The words of the Tuhoe chief show the visit was well timed, and are worth quoting. Addressing the Premier, he said, "You are our parent; if you have come for our good, you are welcome; if you come to destroy, let it be done quickly. You are welcome. We are only the remnant of a great people, better we should go quickly than to perish slowly as we are doing. We have not wished to do wrong. We have tried to preserve our people. We have endeavoured to retain our lands, for land is our life."