NATIVE AND DEFENCE INTELLICENCE

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1679, 8 July 1879, Page 3

NATIVE AND DEFENCE INTELLICENCE

NRW PLYMOUTH, July 7. Te "Whiti exercises an immense power oyer the Natives of the coast. One of them, on 'being questioned the other day, Baid he would not only plough and make havoc with settlers' property if Te Whiti ordered, but would even kill settlers if Te Whiti said the word. The Native added that he would be sorry to kill anyone, but he must do it if commanded. They were Te Whiti's soldiers, and had to do whatever was told them. It is feared, therefore, that if Te Whiti is not dealt with in an effectual manner there will be no seourity in the district. The "Herald" says if groat care is not taken in dealing with the Native prisoners the Native difficulty may drift into a more unsatisfactory state than before. HAWERA, July 7. Tito Kowaru has seat a letter to Major Brown implying that there will be no more ploughing by his men. Most of his young men have been taken. He had finished the piece of work allotted to him, and should see what steps Te Whiti would take at next meeting on the 17th or 18th. Ho concluded by asking for two bottles of rum.

Forty-one prisoners were taken here altog sther. Major Brown sent a message to the Maoris that they could havo their drays, bullocks, and ploughs, by applying at Waihi. Tito Kowarau replied that they must take the same fate as tho owrers.

At a public meeting on Saturday night a resolution was carried unanimously tendering the hearty thanks of the settlers of Hawera to the public and Press of New Zealand, for the moral Bupport given to the settlers during their late action against Native aggressors. WELLINGTON, July 7. Those acquainted with tho Native mind in this island think Judge Prendergast's remarks to-day regarding the ploughing policy of the West Coast Natives will do a great dcnl of good, and lessen tho livelihood of a recurrence of such acts.

Some Maoris rescntly undertook to plough a piece of land at Poverty Bay, owned by Mr Arthur, formerly of Wellington, who purchased it from the trustees in the estal e of tho late Wm. Eeid. He unhitched the horses, when the three Maoris fell upon him, and handled him very roughly, but not gotting off

scatHjsß themselves. They summoned Arthur for an assiult, and he was committed for trial by the magistrate. A correspondent of tho '* Post," writing from Fatea on Sunday, Bays tne Native difficulty is now assuming the appearance of a ridiculous fiasco, and it oertainly is high lime that the Government should do more than just take these obstinate ploughmen prisoners. This way of acting is considered only an aggravation of the difficulty, and will do little towards mending matters. It is time means were adopted to ensure the immediate capture of Te Whiti and Hiroki, and so bring matters to a olimax. The Normanby volunteers are so much annoyed at the persistent neglect of the Government in not allowing them payment, that they have resolved to render their services only up to Monday next. They will only carry out those regulations which, are necessary as a volunteer corps, and no more. Men are already leaving, and several are waiting the decision of the Government, when, if it is unfavourable, they will leave, and be followed by nearly all the rest. The corps that is now will then virtually not exist. At the. trial of the Natives before being hrought to Wellington, Te Ike Baid that, if Te Whiti was making fools of them, he would have to pay for it. The Natives were persistent as to the title of the land, and that was the only point they could arguo in justification of their action. The " Post," commenting upon present Native complications, says : —" In any case the Parihaka nest must be entirely and finally broken up, the disaffected Natives completely dispersed, and their ringleaders prosecuted with exemplary severity." It also recommends the arrest at all hazards of Te Whiti and Hiroki, the murderer.