THE WAIMATE PLAINS DIFFICULTY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1595, 31 March 1879, Page 3

THE WAIMATE PLAINS DIFFICULTY.

[Press Special Wire.] Haweea, March 29. Mr Williams went across the river to day, carrying, as he says, the Government ultimatum, which is stated to bo to the effect that if the surveyors are again removed from the Plains, Colonel Whitmore and the East Coast Natives ore to be sent up here, but the people who have heard the news are somewhat incredulous about it. If Mr Sheehan comes up speedily, and has a talk with the chiefs, the general opinion of those best informed is that the peace and credit of the colony can be preserved. But they insist that they should he heai'd on this confiscation question, which they have not been as yst. Patea, March 29. News haß been receivod here that the bulk of the Natives have retired from the plains land to the bush. Thi •is looked upon as ominous of an intention to fort'fy. The well-known chief Tauroa, who was forced into fighting last war by Tito Kowaru, is in trouble at the present state of affairs, and is anxious to come with his p> ople to reside at Carlyle, offering to stand on the defensive with the Europeans, if required. He positively refus s to join Te Whiti or to go to Parihak*, saying he has already suffered enough by war. The feeling of the settlers here is that the Government should take a decided stand. Fighting is by no means desired, but there is a strong feeling that the pi tins should be held even at the cost of a collision. Ihe settlers show a readiness to do their part, and approve of the firm attitude which t e Government have so far shown. If men are sent, as promised, in fair number Buch confidence will be felt in the settlors of the district and armed men combined, that it is believed the M oris will rocoubidtr before taking any further actiou. '! he announcement that the Government have determined to organise a for eof militia settlers to occupy sections on the plains is hailel with satisfaction, the time for temporising being considered past. What is strongly desired is that the Mountain road from New Plymouth to Hawera should be occupied by armed men, so as to isolate the plains Natives from those inland, and as a protection to the < ontract parties now forming the road. The settlers are ready to stand on the defensive, but should be furnished with arms, and redoubts built at all the centres of population and on the plains. If such vigorous measures are not promptly taken, the Natives will not stop at the pains, but will demand the whole of the land down to the confiscated boundary. It is believed all the inland pahs are we'l supplied with arms. The settlors desire to be placed on a similar footing The determination to sell the plains, as advertised by the Government, i highly approved.