NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1836, 10 January 1880, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[Correspondent “ Otago Daily Times.”] W ELLINGTON, January 8. Considerable excitement was caused in town this morning by the news that a largo number of the Armed Constabulary had marched through shortly after daybreak and had embarked on board the Government steamers Hinomoa and Stella, which had left at 6 a.m. for an unknown destination. The conclusion was at onoe jumped to that this destination was in reality Opuuake, and that the Armed Constabulary were to bo landed in order to make an immediate hostile advance on Wairaca Plains and Parihaka. The “New Zealander,” which is constantly indulging in sensation mongoring in this direction, stated authoritatively that this was the object of the expedition, and that it was a “ prelude to active operations.” There is not a shadow of truth in these reports, nor even the slightest foundation for them. The real facts are, that the custody of the Maori prisoners in Wellington was by no moans safe, and involved a largo and expensive guard of the Armed Constabulary, who had to be kept in constant readiness for action. Mount Cook Barracks, where the prisoners were kept, were not strong enough to prevent them from breaking out if they determined to effect their escape. The only means of restraint would have been to shoot them down, a proceeding not to be thought of in the case of untried prisoners. Wellington also had a further disadvantage as a place of imprisonment, that in the event of escaping they would have every facility for returning to their own districts, which would have had a disastrous effect on the Maori mind as a proof of onr weakness and their superior skill. The Government, therefore, came to a determination to remove the prisoners, not only from Wellington, but from this island altogether. It was ascertained that safe-keeping and accommodation could bo found in the gaols of Dunedin and Hokitika. To those places, therefore, it was decided to remove them. A serious difficulty, however, had to bo faced at the outset. It is well-known that To Whiti had commanded the prisoners to remain in Wellington until he should release them by virtue of his supernatural powers. Their faith in him remains undiminished, and it was quite certain, therefore, that if they were informed beforehand of the intention to remove them from Wellington they would offer a determined and violent resistance, compelling bodily force to bo used and endangering bloodshed. The designs of the Government were therefore kept a profound secret, the only thing which unavoidably transpired being that the captains of the Hinemoa and Stella had orders last night to bo ready to proceed to sea at a moment's notice, and provide rations and accommodation for a large number of men. This gave an apparent color to the report as to hostile operations being contemplated. It was not until four o’clock this morning that the Maori prisoners were told they were to bo removed. The intelligence, especially as they were only just aroused from sleep, and had no time to weigh at all the import of the matter, had little effect, and the only feeling was one of pleasurable excitement at the prospect of a chance of a sea voyage after the monotony of their long confinement. So they got ready with the utmost alacrity, and started from the barracks shortly after five o’clock under the escort of a strong force of Armed Constabulary, marching along the street to the wharf, where they immediately embarks d in their respective boats. The total number sent away was 134, of whom 91 were put on board the Hinemoa, bound for Dunedin, in custody of 30 of the Armed Constabulary ; and 34 on board the Stella, for Hokitika, with 21 of the Armed Constabulary in charge. Everything was managed admirably, and p issed off without the slightest hitch or difficulty. Mr Bryce, Native Minister, was present during the whole time, and issued instructions iu person. The two steamers started shortly before 6 a.m. This affair has been made the occasion of rumours as to the intention of the Government regarding the Native difficu'ty on the West Coast of this Island. lam assured on authority, however, that the Government have no intention of precipitating a Maori war by taking aggressive measures in rcg..rd to (he Wain.a' o Plains and Parihaka. Rumours to tLIo effect have been circula ed during the past week, but all are indirectly traceable to a certain interested source. The “Now Zealander,” which has always been suspiciously active in giving currency to these ofb-expoaod canards, follows its usual course this morning, and puts forth a host of absurd stories as to the Hinemoa and Stella receiving sealed orders not to be opened till out at sea, and to the A. O. leaving for Waimate Plains. The concluding sentence of the leader on the subject is as follows:—“The Government is fully prepared to bring matters to an issue, and the despatch of the Hinemoa and Stella at an early hour this morning with the first contingent of armed mon on board is but a prelude to active operations.” This is pure nonsense. The policy of the Government in respect to Native affairs is absolutely unaltered. Pending the report of the Royal Commission about, to be appointed, no steps will be taken likely to excite opposition or ill-feeling on the part of the Natives. All that is to bo done in the way of roadmaking or surveying at present will not be on debateable ground at all, but on land the title to which is unquestioned, and with the full concurrence of the Natives themselves. The Government will render their position as strong and favorable as possible by roadmaking, and by opening the country in all directions practicable, but nothing will be done in any way calculated to provoke the opposition or resentment of the Maoris. All moot questions of title, Government promises, &0., will be left open for the Royal Commission to pronounce judgment on, and the constitution of that Commission will bo such as to command the respect and confidence of both races, if my information is correct as to the probable Commissioners.