These, then, are the most serious of the facts upon which we base our opinion that the present war in New Zealand is an unjust and unnecessary war. That opinion is shared in by a large number of the most influential and deservedly-respected of the Colonists, and, as we have seen, by those noble-hearted Missionaries—from the Bishop of New Zealand downwards—who have proved themselves to be the true representatives of the Christian religion, The facts of the war have been insidiously misrepresented at home. page 48 The voice of calumny has been raised more especially against Bishop Selwyn and Archdeacon Hadfield. The conviction that they have done their duty—that they have endeavoured to protect that race whose dearest rights are menaced—will sufficiently sustain them. But they may be also comforted by the assurance that the tide will soon turn in this country. Already, in many quarters, the war is regarded with the gravest suspicion. Some of its advocates have shewn the cloven foot too much by proposing to take advantage of the war to abolish the treaty of Waitangi, as though a local dispute at Taranaki, even if justice was on our side, which it is not, could form any ground for putting an end to a treaty entered into with the general body of the natives. The selfishness and the iniquity of this proposal reveal the existence of a colonial element hostile to the natives, which will require the utmost vigilance and fidelity on the part of their friends to keep under control The Church Missionary Society deserves a high tribute of praise for the earnestness of the co-operation which it has rendered to its worthy representatives in New Zealand. The Memorial which it has presented to the Duke of Newcastle states the facts of the case, and makes known the policy which should be adopted with a clearness and a force that leave nothing to be desired. The treaty of Waitangi must he sacredly maintained, otherwise a war of races will take place, the issue of which it is impossible to predict; and the British nation will be involved in a responsibility and an expense which Sir Cornewall Lewis, writing on their behalf, has distinctly repudiated "With reference to the war at Taranaki, the first thing that both justice and sound policy suggests is, to enter into a truce with Wiremu Kingi, of whose good feeling towards the English we have received many trustworthy assurances. The land question at Waitara must then be settled on strict principles of justice. If it should be ascertained—as we have no doubt will be the case—that the just authority of the chief has been trampled upon, and the rights of the real proprietors ignored, the false steps which have been taken must be retraced, and the land restored to those who alone are entitled to possess it A native chief, speaking on this subject at Waikato said—

"The Governor ought to have gone and inquired into the conduct of Te Rangitake (King), then returned, consulted Potatau, and formed a committee of missionaries, magistrates, and chiefs, to inquire into the matter, and if they found that Rangitake is wrong, settle the matter by giving the land to the Governor."