NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1863, 12 February 1880, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[Bx Telegraph.]

[from oub own correspondent,] WELLINGTON. February 11

It has been finally decided that the Royal Commission on Native affairs commences its sitting at Hawera to-morrow afternoon, at two o’clock, when tho two European commissioners, Sir W. Eox and Sir F. D. Bell, will read their commissions ard formally open the session. A good deal of preliminary business has to be got through at starting, and this will be disposed of before a successor to Tawhai is appointed, which will not be for several days yet. The report that the Hon. the Native Minister was returning to Wellington immediately proves to be incorrect. Mr Bryce has gone to his own homo near Wanganui for a brief visit, and thence no doubt arose the mistaken idea. It is not probable that Mr Bryce will return to Wellington for some weeks, as ho deems it necessary to be in the vicinity of the Waimate Plains, where the present movement is progressing. Tho Native contingent of Armed Constabulary, which left on Monday by the s.s. Wanganui, will relieve the garrison at White Cliffs, so that the latter may be free to begin road making on Waimate Plains from the northern end. Everything is reported to be going on quietly and satisfactory.

[per press ASSOCIATION ] HAWERA, February 11,

Sir Dillon Bell and Sir Wm. Fox, who are both in Hawera, have engaged Mr Furlong’s house for three months, as a residence. Mr Bryce visited Kaipipi camp yesterday evening, and went as far as Kaupokonui to inspect the site for the new camp which had been selected by Colonel Roberts in the early part of the day, A move forward to Kaupokonui is expected to-morrow. The work is being vigorously pushed forward, and pay day passed at the camp without a single case of drunkenness. The weather continues exceedingly hot, and the dust is something fearful. NORMANBY, February 10, There is a rumour hero that Tito Kowaru has given notice to the constabulary that they are to clear out in three days. The rumour is without tho slightest foundation in fact.