The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 10

Future Prospects

Future Prospects.

Probable policy of Colonial Government.

First, what would the colony do if left without assistance in the management of native affairs? I am sure that the colonists of New Zealand would not swerve from the doctrine which teaches humanity to the inferior race and a recognition of the rights of aborigines. They would endeavour to the best of their ability to civilize elevate and preserve the

race by judicious measures of government. They would restrain and punish members of their own body who should attempt to injure their Maori neighbours. In short, all that intelligence and philanthropy might prompt they would try to do. Many indications already suffice to prove that this is not an empty boast. But they could not exhibit to the natives the other equally necessary side of government, the strong arm of the law, the power to restrain as well as to encourage, to punish as well as to reward. For a generation yet to come there will he no means in the colony adequate to such a purpose. A policy upheld by no force, and a force which upholds no true policy, are equally impotent for the redemption of the savage. Justice there, as elsewhere, needs the sword as well as the balance. Against turbulence, anarchy, or overt rebellion within the Maori border, the Government would be helpless. A timid, temporizing, cajoling and procrastinating policy must be employed in any such crisis. Could it succeed in preserving elevating and civilizing the race ? Certainly not. On the other hand it is evident that an attempt to maintain such a system of government among the white population must fail. The policy, though begun in the best spirit, would in the very probable event supposed break down utterly. No body of settlers would endure long the pains and penalties of a partial law, not receiving any advantages from it in the shape of protection; which if the law failed for many years

to give them would be sought in some other way. Against the urgency of this feeling no Government could continue to carry on a confessedly futile policy. In short, Government without force to back it would be thoroughly unreal; and the attempt which would doubtless be made to establish it on the basis of an enlightened policy would result in the subversion of government and policy together; And the case supposed is already in existence. Anarchy and lawlessness prevail among the interior tribes. The consequences which might follow the unaided efforts of the colonists under favourable circumstances must follow any such efforts if now begun.
The alternatives of principle before the Imperial

Alternative for Home Government.

Government are perfectly plain, Either such force as a great nation only can supply must be maintained to support a system of real government among the aborigines until it be fairly established; or, if that force is to he saved, treaty obligations must be cast off, and a less honorable if simpler process adopted.
If the latter alternative be preferred, the colony

Colony not to bear reproach of breach of faith.

has a right to demand that the shame of repudiating obligations, breaking promises, and abandoning a philanthropic undertaking for the sake of economy shall be borne by the English nation itself through its Government; and that the disgraceful task shall not be left to be performed, unwillingly and under the pressure of adversity, by the colony.