The Gisbore Standard AND COOK COUNTY GAZETTE Published every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Morning. Saturday, February 23, 1889. THE TROUBLE BLOWING OVER.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 264, 23 February 1889, Page 2

The Gisbore Standard AND COOK COUNTY GAZETTE Published every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Morning.

Saturday, February 23, 1889. THE TROUBLE BLOWING OVER.

Be just and fear not; Let all the ends thou aim’st at be thy country’s, Thy God's, and truth’s.

Few people, excepting those conversant with the circumstances, can have any idea of the sense of relief which has been occasioned by the few words from the Premier that the Government would prevent Te Kooti’s intended visit to this district,—of the black cloud that has lifted not only from this district, but from the whole of New Zealand. These may seem big 4-ords, but they have a meaning which cannot be mistaken by those who understand the position. We long ago pointed out that this threatened visit would lead to serious trouble if not averted, and we warned the Government that any affectation of disregard for the feelings of the settlers here would only increase the danger. We may safely pass over the insinuation of “bounce" made by Mr Mitchelson, and while regarding his conduct with contempt we must express our admiration of the clear sighted and practical manner in which he took up the matter. Had the Government taken such a firm stand from the beginning we do not believe there would have been any cause for anxiety, and we sincerely hope that now the situation has been comprehended there will be no hesitation on the part of Government in carrying out their resolution in a determined manner. They must see that this increase of Hauhauism is a menace to the country, and cannot overlook the fact that temporising with Te Kooti only increases his influence, and if this were encouraged as it has been in the past no one would know when there would be an outburst of the pent-up fanaticism. On many other points it is better not to dwell. It is sorrowful to us that sad and bitter memories should have been freshened as they have been, but still there is mucn for which we may feel gratified. Though the settlers had grounds for fearing the Government had deserted them, they were soon assured of the united support of the district, and our Wairoa correspondent informs us that practical help could have been expected from that district. To Major Westrup, Mr Chambers, and the other gentlemen who took an active interest in the matter, the thanks of all the settlers are due. Technically their action was wrong, but when the position is fairly considered it is clear that the end justified the means. The loyal natives who have held by us through thick and thin were again to the fore, and though there might have been some misgivings as to this portion of the programme, as things have turned out it has done the service of testing the friendship of the natives. It is all very well to talk about “belittling” Te Kooti, but there is evidence that this plan would not be effective and would certainly be dangerous. At first the Government said they could not stop him; now they recognise the necessity for doing it. If they can stop him that will prove they were wrong; if they cannot do so without armed force, that proves the necessity there was for preventing his coming.