The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 10

The Case Against the Colony

The Case Against the Colony.

By whom charge are made.

An article lately published in the 'Times' * newspaper conveniently illustrates the injurious impression to which I have alluded, and nowhere else has the general case against the colony been more strongly or more compendiously stated. I there fore adopt it as representing the darkest picture that can be drawn of our shortcomings; and it is certain that the assertions contained in it, be they true or false, do actually raise all the points in the question.

what the charges are.

The line of argument taken by the writer may be summarized thus:—

That the colonists are responsible for the origin of the native disturbances in New Zealand.

That the hostilities which began in the year 1860, and in which a large force of British troops have been employed, were commenced for the purpose of obtaining land for the benefit of the colonists.

That the troops now quartered in the colony are maintained there for the protection of the settlers.

That the settlers, being protected by others, are unwilling; to exert themselves in their own defence, but desire to throw the whole burden of military operations, conducted for their benefit, on the mother country.

That a state of war is encouraged by the colonists for the sake of the expenditure from the Imperial Treasury which attends it.

That so long as Great Britain at its sole expense supplies the colony with troops the same causes will be in operation and similar effects produced, in the constant outbreak of little wars, to be carried on at the expense of British taxpayers.

That with such an association of facts before it, it is the duty of the Imperial Government, in justice both to itself and the colony, to remove its troops as quickly as possible.

I am not aware that any other argument of any force has been employed, or that those which I have stated could be put more fairly.

If the premisses are true the conclusion must be admitted. But they are entirely untrue; the argument cannot be supported for a moment by any one who will consider the facts, and the conclusion, as it is not fairly arrived at, is mischievous.

* 'Times,' Monday, January 19, 1863.