NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 68, 2 March 1880, Page 2

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

(Times Cor respondent. ) Haweka, Feb. 29. The move towards Parihaka in view of the Maori meeting has already commenced. Last night some 40 or 50 of the Ngatihani from the Upper Patca river encamped on the northern bank of the Atakio stream, about a mile from our camp, and left again this morning for Parihaka. They had with them five carts laden with dried shark, flour and sugar. In addition to the significance to be attached to this early' move towards Parihaka, it is to he remembered that the chief of this b.apu, Tamarua, although formerly a rebel, has lately pretended to be deeply loyal to the Government. Too much importance cannot be attached to this early move to Parihaka, from what may be considered a remote portion of the district over which To Whiti’s immediate influence is extended.

The detachment of unemployed reached Opunakc yesterday morning, and were to■day sworn in under the military regulations by Colonel Roberts. They have no officers with them. Something almost approaching to consternation has been caused by the arrival of these men. Apart from the difficulties likely to arise through the employment of two bodies of men —Constabulary and unemployed—at the same work and at unduly different rates of wages,the nows that has been received respecting the character of the latter is most discouraging. In a private letter, from a reliable source, theynrespoken of as the sweepings of the gaols, and danger is to bo apprehended from their arrival in a disturbed district, in which at any moment trouble may arise through an act of indiscretion on the part of an individual. Not a single charge of improper behaviour towards the natives lias been brought against the Constabulary, but it is feared that these men, not being so much amenable to discipline, may commit offences against the natives, the result of which it would be impossible to predict. Daily the relationship between the races is becoming restricted, apd the utmost caution ia required to prevent the occurrence of anything that might be soiled upon as an excuse for a breach of the peace. Titokowaru still keeps himself in hiding, and without doubt is in close communication with Te Whiti,

The Commissioners have for the present closed their sitting at Haw era. Great efforts have been made to have it appear that their mission to some extent has been successful, but it is notorious that not a single native who acknowledges the supremacy of To Whiti has approached the Commissioners, while those outsiders who have attended, after gravely advancing preposterous claims, have joined the crowd of Mauris outside, and made the enquiry a subject of ridicule and laughter Apart from the objections to the personnel of the Commissioners, principally as regards Sir W. Fox, the native mind cannot grasp the idea of a non-executive body enquiring into their claims.

The first serious offence amongst the Constabulary occurred yesterday, when at an early hour of the morning a sentry was found asleep at his post near the roadway. Strange to say when ho was found asleep several natives ware seen loitering in the vicinity. Under the circumstances the offender will probable be dealt with by a Board of Officers.