NATIVE AFFAIRS

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 383, 23 March 1880, Page 2

NATIVE AFFAIRS

(from the lytteltox times.) New Plymouth, March 19.

All reports that have reached the camp confirm the opinion expressed in my telegram, that Te Whiti and his followers are thinking more seriously than hitherto of the possibility of war. Last night,' as an 'extra precaution, Colonel Roberts gave orders that inlying pickets should be told off. :

The Native Minister paid a visit to the camp during my visit to Parihaka ; but I do not gather that it was of any special significance. The survey of the road is now abreast of Motera's place, and is advancing steadily towards Parihaka. Yesterday another preseut of food was made by the Natives, and they have intimated their intention of making a larger one in a fortnight hence.

To-day Mr Orcheston, of the Telegraph Department, arrived in camp, and the extension of the wires outward to connect at GTpiinake will be immediately proceeded. with. The. Natives are returning in crowds from Parihaka. A late telegram has been received, stating that Mr Bryce will be here to-night. It seems evident from this, and the extra precautions taken generally, that there is great anxiety since the late Parihaka meeting. The official report of the Government agent, I have reaspn to believe, is to the effect that Te Whiti will not allow the road to be proceeded with.

A rumor, apparently well authenticated, has reached the camp that Major Kemp arrived to-day at Parihaka from Muriraptu, and urged Tβ Whiti to join him against the Europeans. Te Whiti is said to have received Kemp favorably. The Natives returning from Parihaka to-day gave the above information to one of the armed constabulary.