NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1866, 16 February 1880, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[By Telegraph.] [PROM OUE OWN COERESPONDENT-! WELLINGTON, February 14. The Government received telegrams from Mr Bryce to-day explaining that the interruption of telegraphic communication on the Waimato plains, which was attributed to Native fanaticism, turns out to have been the accidental work of a horse and cart, which came into collision with a telegraph post and knocked it down, breaking tho wire and so causing the interruption. It was also alleged that the Waimate Natives wore digging up their potatoes before they were ripe, and sinister auguries were drawn from this proceeding, it being regarded as a preparation for hostilities. It appears, however, that tho Maoris fancied their potatoes were being stolen, and therefore took time by the forelock in securing their crops. The reports as to the alleged disturbances on the Murimotu block, also seem to have been greatly exaggerated. The chiefs Topia and Renata, who at first were represented as parties to the quarrel, are now proved to have been away, and the whole trouble has arisen from the rashness of Mojor Kemp, wh®, although actually a Government officer, seems to have been acting in a very turbulent and violent manner, interfering with the surveys and demolishing trig stations because he had a difference of opinion with some other Natives as to the manner in which tho block should be surveyed. The whole affair appears to be a very trumpery one, and not of sufficient importance to create the slightest anxiety. The rumours as to shots having been exchanged between the two Native factions are now explained, for telegrams have been received by the Government to-day to the effect that, although there had been some shots fired by M«j >r Kemp and his followers on the Murimotu block, they were not aimed at anybody, but were fired into the air in mere bravado. Major Kemp’s own people are highly indignant at his conduct. It is believed that order will bo restored without any danger of bloodshed. Later intelligence received by the Government confirms that previously sent to you as to tho alleged interference with tbe surveyors on the Puketotara block, Wanganui River, namely, that Mr Barclay has completed the survey. Therefore, the statement that this had been prevented by Natives must obviously have been incorrect. The Government received a telegram this afternoon from Mr Bryce to the effect that ho will arrive in Wellington on Monday on a flying visit for a brief conference with hie colleagues on various public matters. Mr Bryce will return to Hawera immediately afterwards. The two European Commissioners on Native affairs (3ir W. Fox and Sir F. D. Bell) went to Oeo to-day to make arrangement for a sitting there. It is expected that the first regular sitting of the Royal Commission will be held on Monday week, the 23rd inst. A certain special correspondent was chastised at Normanby by Cuckburn, a blacksmith, the latter accusing the correspondent of misrepresenting an interview between himself and Te Wotere at Titokowarn’s. Hone Pihana also had an interview with tho same person, stating that their previous interview had been mieieprerented. This wil! bo brought before next PariHnks. meeting.