NATIVE INTELLIGENCE

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1649, 3 June 1879, Page 2

NATIVE INTELLIGENCE

[By Telegbapb.] PUBLIC WEEPING AT NEW PLYMOUTH. NEW PLYMOUTH, June 2, A large public meeting wa< held this morning in the Oddfellows’ Hall. Ihe Mayor presided, and the members of the Assembly for the district; were present. Major Atkinson explained that a deputation of justices and other influential settlers had laid before the Premier on Saturday the fact that the district is surrounded »ud interspersed with fanatics, under the control of Te Whiti; that To Whiti had on more than one occasion resisted bloodshed, especially in the case of the surveyors being turned off the plains, but there was no dependence to bo placed on his continuing to pursue that course ; that in the present instance, before the Government assert the majesty of the law, it would be prudent to take steps for the protection of the settlers; that after hesitation the Government Lad undertaken to do this, and had stated after many inquiries that they would fce prepared to inform the settlers of their intentions. He advised that matters should be left for the present. Mr H. Richmond, while acknowledging the gravity of the situation, did not think that any immediate danger was to be apprehended from Te Whiti. He thought a large force might be looked upon as a challenge, and should only be resorted to as a last resource, and that it would bo wise to avert bloodshed as long ap possible. He moved, “ That the resolution of the meeting of Justices and others on Saturday last be adopted, as expressing the feeling of the community, and that this meeting trusts that the Government, while firmly asserting the law, may succeed in averting war, and w ill put the threatened districts in a •tate of defence.” Mr Standiah seconded the resolution, and stated that the best way to evert war was to be prepared to meet it, and that a force of at least 500 men was needed.

Colonel Trimble supported the resolution. He advised coolness on the part of the settlers and the placing of their services at the disposal of Government. He feared on Saturday that the steps proposed to be taken by Government were inadequate to the occasion, but he trusted that the eyes of the Government were being opened to the real state of the case. He ridiculed the idea of the present difficulty being se.tlod by reference to a law Court.

Mr Courtney asked leave to publicly state the person who telegraphed through the the Press Association that the Atkinson party were mating political capital out of the present Native difficulty is a liar and a traitor. This was endorsed by the meeting. Mr T. Kelly supported the resolution. He believed the Government had to deal with a fanatic, whoso movements are uncertain, and who is backed up by a large force. He did not think the Government knew the gravity of the case till they came here. Hr John Elliots, of Sahara, looked upon the present emergency as the gravest which had yet arisen in the history of the province. They had not only the four or five men ploughing at Oakura to oppose them, but nearly the whole of the natives on the West Coast. The first step towards ibis difficulty was the meeting at Waitara, when Rewi demanded the return of Waitara, which meant the confiscated land. The next step was the permitting Hiroki, the murderer, to escape justice. He believed that if speedy measures wore not taken, a great catastrophe would occur. They knew what the natives were capable of doing, under the power of fanaticism. After the meeting had been addressed by several other speakers, the Chairman put the resolution, which was carried. DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER. At 3 p.m. a deputation from this meeting, headed by the Mayor, waited on the Premier. Sir George Grey complained that this resolution, as well as the resolution of Saturday, did net point out to the Government the actual source of dai ger. Ho expressed his pleasure at finding Gnat the settlers were prepared to defend their homes, and that was all the Government would require of them. He was cautious and reticent as to a force being sent for the defence of the district.

NOTES ON THE POSITION. The result of to-day’s proceedings is not satisfactory. The natives resumed ploughing on. Courtney’s farm yesterday. The Hinemoa is still at anchor here.

Volunteer companies are rapidly forming. The Government will accept short services without tmforaa.