THE PARIKAKA NATIVES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1543, 18 May 1885, Page 2

THE PARIKAKA NATIVES.

Opandke, Yesterday.

The Hon J. Ballance met a deputation from the Parihaka Road Board on Saturday at Kahotu. The deputation assured him that, speaking from their own knowledge, the Maoris of the district were more friendly than they had ever been. He met a second deputation at Pungarehu, consisting of men who have circulated the whole of the disquieting rumors ooncarning the natives. Their stories had been all previously investigated by Government officers in the district. The interview with the deputation bore out the fact that the rumors had been circulated for the purpose of bringing a large force back to the district, except one, whose charge was that he had threatened to shoot some Maori dogs, whereupon the owner took the gun out of his possession. One member of the deputation will probably bo prosecuted for shooting Maori pigs. Another member, who sent a letter to the Taranaki papers, the substance of which was telegraphed, stated that he knew nothing of the facts himself, but as he could use the pen, was “voicing” what others told him. There is no truth whatever in the statement alleging that the Maoris threaten to molest the Europeans. Mr Ballance had a long interview with Te Whetu, leader of the fencing business, and, next to Te Whiti and Tohu, the most influential man in the district. He gave most positive assurances of the friendly disposition of the Maoris. He himself had fenced in his reserve, and, with his people, is cultivating it. He complained bitterly of some low Europeans, who make depredations on the natives, and he expressed satisfaction with the policy of Government. It is understood that the only change contemplated by the Native Minister is to stat on a smart policeman in the neighborhood of Parihaka, more for the purpose of watching a certain class of Euro> paaus than the Maoris.