13

G.—7

degree mitigating the real cause of agitation in the Native mind, his withdrawal," said the Committee, " disheartened a large and influential body of the Natives, especially in the Lower Waikato, including many influential chiefs who had associated themselves with him and were actively engaged on the side of Government. They were disappointed and humiliated at the sudden abandonment of their undertaking. In the Maori phrase, they felt tinihamgatia ; in plain English, ' humbugged.' Many of them joined the King party, and this, among other causes, has tended to irritate and give a more malign aspect to the King movement itself." The Committee declared their belief also that the only solution of the difficulties lay in meeting, directing, and effectuating the desire of the Natives for the establishment of law and order. 22. " Thus ended," said Sir John Gorst, " the first practical attempt to govern the Maoris. To extinguish Mr. Fenton was no doubt a great triumph for the Native Department, but has since turned out rather a costly one for the British Empire. The abortive measures of the Government made the revolt of the Waikatos much more complete than if nothing had been done at all. ... As the European Magistrate left the Waikato, Potatau went into it and was duly installed King at Ngaruawahia in April, 1858." 23. A general meeting of the Natives was held at Ngaruawahia in May, 1860, to consider the Taranaki question, and determine whether the Waikatos should join the war or not. The speeches delivered made it clear that the whole body of Waikato was not yet prepared to back Wiremu Kingi's quarrel at all hazards ; but bands of Waikato volunteers proceeded to Taranaki from time to time and took part in the fighting. ; ' Potatau and his councillors," said Sir John Gorst, " did all they could to stop the Waikatos from going, and perhaps may have restrained a few. But most Maoris choose to do exactly what they please, and would equally have gone down to fight at Taranaki whether there had been a Maori king or not. It became the fashion for all the adventurous men to spend a month or two in the year at Taranaki ' shooting pakehas ' ; and in obedience to this fashion along they went and took part in the war." 24. Tamihana did his utmost, but in vain, to keep his people from taking any active part in the war. After a time he was induced himself to proceed to Taranaki and to withdraw the Waikatos, which he succeeded in doing, hoping thereby to terminate the strife. Thereupon the Government took advantage of his success to withdraw troops from Taranaki and send them to the Waikato. 25. In June, 1861, there was a large meeting of Natives at Ngaruawahia. The Governor, in anticipation of this meeting, issued what he called a declaration to the Natives assembled at Ngaruawahia. In this declaration, which was dated the 21st May, 1861, the Governor charged the Natives with violating the Treaty of Waitangi by setting up a king, and required unconditional submission, restitution of all plunder, and payment of compensation to the settlers for all losses. It is difficult, as Sir John Gorst said, to exaggerate the effect of this Proclamation on the minds of the Natives, and its influence on subsequent events ; " politically it was a distinct revelation of the thoughts and purposes of the pakeha, and helped to decide that anxious question which was always in their thoughts, when the great war that was to deprive them of their lands would begin." The result of the document was, as Sir William Martin said in November, 1863, to produce an increased bitterness and exasperation. The Proclamation was considered at the meeting at Ngaruawahia, and a reply was sent to it in the form of a letter from Tamihana to the Governor. The Governor regarded this letter as putting an end to doubt and making it clear that war was inevitable. 26. Before war, however, was commenced Governor Browne was recalled, and Sir George Grey was sent back from the Cape to save the position. Sir George Grey arrived in New Zealand on the 26th September, 1861. The Premier (Sir William Fox (then Mr. Fox), submitted to the Governor a minute, dated the Bth October, 1861, setting forth the position of the colony at the date of the arrival of Sir George Grey, chiefly in relation to the Native insurrection. " The attitude," said Sir William Fox, "of the Waikatos is at present one of suspense. They say that they will not give up the King movement, that the appointment of Sir George Grey as Governor will not induce them to succumb ; they must hear what he has to say.