NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1854, 31 January 1880, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[Bt Telegraph. ] [IEOH OUR OWN OOBBESPONUBMT J WELLINGTON, January 30. The Cabinet was to have decided to-day on the choice of a Maori Commissioner to replace Mohi Tawhai on the Native CommLaion, but the non-arrival of Sir P. Dillon Bell necessitated delay. He is to be here on Sunday, and as Mr Bryce and Sir W. Fox are here already, the mutter will be settled on Monday. I bear the new Native Commissioner will probably be a Maori Chief of high standing and aome note in politics, but his name ia not allowed to be disclosed. Mr Bryce, who returned last night, makes • most favorable report of matters on the West Coast. He says that tbe Natives, although inclined to be a little sulky and distrustful at first, ore now most friendly, and meet the Europeans in a thoroughly amicable spirit. Even Titokowaru has expressed goodwill and sent presents of food to the Armed Constabulary, who ore making rapid progress with road formation. The last appeal to Te Whiti has elicited a stern command to the constabulary, and a solemn warning that the land is between himself and the Government alone. Nobody else is to presume to interfere. It is now considered almost certain that there will be no obstruction on the part of the Natives, at any rate for the present, but the ultimate issue will remain somewhat doubtful until it is seen how the Natives will act. Kegarding reserves the attitude of the Natives towards the Boyal Commission has quite altered since the advance of the Armed Constabulary across tbe Waingongoro river. Before then they spoke of it in terms of disparagement, and declared they would not submit any of their claims or grievances to its Jurisdiction, but now they allude to it in

much more respectful term*, and great hopes are entertained that they will agree generally to abide hv its decisions. N <tive affairs altogether are considered to promise yery well. Mr Brjce returns to the scene of action next week, after the Maori Oommissionership is settled.

[PBB PEES 3 ASSOCIATION ]

NEW PLYMOUTH, January 30. The “Herald” published a detailed account of a visit to Te Whiti by Mrs Bartlett, of the Opunake Hotel. She received quite an ovatien from tho Maoris. Te Whiti supplied her with an interpreter, and had o long korero with her. He said she had nothing to fear. He was the fs/thor of all in the district, and he wished to live at peace vfilh Europeans. Mrs Baitlett was the first woman who had come to Parihaka. He was very pleased to see her there. If she wanted anything she was to let him know. Te Whiti then asked her if she had Keen the prisoners when in Wellington, and all his questions she answered fullyHe said there would bo no fear of any fighting taking place, for the Europeans and Natives were to live peaceably together. The English he knew were a very strong people, much stronger than the Maoris, and could cru v h the Mauri to the ground if they chose, but he knew they would not do so. _ Mr Gordon who was present, asked Te Whiti if he would permit his portrait to be taken, but Te Whiti positively refused to permit. In reply to questions put, Te Whiti said he would like to see the Governor if he would visit him in an unofficial manner. He would not ask him to come. He must come of his own accord. He wished to be friendly with the Europeans. They did not want to fight with them. The difficulty was about the land, but they could settle that with their tongues.