Summary.

• 22. Thus, Sir, in this letter and the previous communication taken together, I have drawn the outline of a plan by which we may hope to arrive at a better state of things. I should have no heart for entering so fully into the subject if I did not believe the way to be still open. There is no reason for desponding about this people, but great reason for changing our mode of handling them. We have tried force, we have tried diplomacy, we have tried money. Whenever we resort to a sound and consistent policy, clearly and openly laid down, and steadily acted upon for an adequate time, then we shall succeed. We have abundant resources and means of influence if only they be used aright. The Maori population is to be rendered contented and peaceable by the same influences as other populations.

• 23. There is even much to favour the undertaking in the present state of men's minds on both sides. It is now becoming manifest to the leaders of the Maori race that the scheme of separate government for themselves cannot succeed. Many of them are even now slowly receding from it What is now wanted is something to reassure them that it is safe to trust us, and this must be derived from some exhibition of moderation and generosity on our part in winding up the war, and from the gradual establishment of a beneficial system for the future.

  On the part of the settlers at large there is no hindrance now to the establishment of a just and well-considered plan. As a body they did not desire the resumption of hostilities, though the war of course became popular for a season. They are now returning, according to the wont of Englishmen, to a cooler view of things. The Maoris have won respect by their manliness in standing up in defence of their nationality against immense odds. It is now seen that the peace of this Island can be kept only by the aid of the Natives themselves. The great body of intelligent settlers are disposed to support a fair and equal system in Native matters.

  Of the particular plan here suggested, the details must be gradually worked out and modified by experience, and after many conferences with Natives. It appears to me to open to the Home Government a way of escape from the pressure of obligation towards the Native people which that Government knows not how to discharge, yet cannot honourably abandon. Along with the gradual extension of the system, the Home interference and control would be gradually withdrawn. I am bold enough to believe that under the operation of such a system, steadily continued, this Island—even the minds of its Native inhabitants—may be in less than twenty years subdued, and that by a process beneficial to every man of both races.

• 24. The foregoing may be summed up in the following reccommendations, which are to be taken in connection with those appended to the "Notes on the Native Lands Act:" (1) That the war be brought to an end speedily, and that on terms of cession of land, instead of mere seizure; (2) that, until the Natives be represented in the Assembly, no Bill affecting the Natives be brought forward until a draft of it shall have been published in every district which has accepted our system, and a reasonable time given for petitioning the Assembly on the subject; (3) that no Act affecting land under Native tenure, or in any way specially affecting the Natives, be brought into operation until the Royal assent has been given and duly notified in the colony; (4) that the Public Works Lands Act and the Outlying Districts Police Act be not brought into operation.

  I beg, Sir, to submit these suggestions to the consideration of the Government. I also beg that a copy of this letter, together with my letter dated 18th July last, and the accompanying "Notes on the Best Mode of working the Native Lands Act," may be forwarded to the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies.