NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1859, 7 February 1880, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[By TELBdHAPn.]

[FROM OXIB OWN COBEE3PONDBNT.] WELLINGTON, February 6,

The Hinomoa takes sixty armed constabulary this evening to Opunako, that number of men being available, and it being desirable to push on the formation of roads as fast as possible during the fine weather. The Government will call for tenders immediately for another throe miles of metalling. The object in sending additional men is solely to facilitate the road-making, and not that any new emergency has arisen, which is not the case. On the contrary, all accounts still represent the Natives as friendly and peaceful. The Government received several telegrams to-day from Mr Bryce, who gives a very encouraging report of Native affairs generally on the West Coast.

Titokowaru’s visit to Parihaka, about which there was a good deal of talk, is regarded as a favorable sign, and not indicative of any hostile intentions.

The constabulary are reported to be in excellent health, good spirits, and admirable discipline. Colonel Reader accompanies the detachment by the Hinemoa this evening to make a general inspection of the forces on the plains, and particularly to inspect the new redoubt constructed at Kaipipi. He returns to Wellington on Sunday, The Hinemoa, after landing him and his men, takes Colonel Soratchley to Onehunga, and then returns to Wellington, calling at Opunake in passing to pick up Colonel Reader. Enlistment in the Armed Constabulary force is still proceeding, although quietly, only picked men being accepted. Nothing further is yet decided on as to the Native member of the Royal Commission, vice Tawhai. Sir W. Fox and Sir F. Dillon Bell have ample scops for the exercise of their diplomatic abilities in smoothing the way for the work of the Commission, pending the appointment of Tawhai’s substitute. I have reason to believe that a certain chief, formerly in Parliament and in the Cabinet, has been communicated with privately to ascertain whether he would be willing to accept a seat on the Commission and that, if ho is found to be favorably disposed, a formal offer will probably bo made to him. Meanwhile, Major Brown is specially instructed not only to use all his influence to persuade the Natives to bring all claims before the Commission, but also, wherever possible, to preserve clear and indisputable proofs that he has done so, and that He has explained to the Natives and made them understand fully all the powers and objects of the Royal Commission, and that it is the last chance the Natives will have of preferring any claim whatever against the Government on account of the confiscated lands on the West Coast of the North Island. This precaution is taken to guard against the danger of alleged offers and promises of the Government or accredited agents being brought up at a future time, as has been done with such embarrassing results in regard to former Native Ministers. In this case everything will be placed on record, and nothing which does not thus appear plainly recorded will be considered as valid.