NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1874, 25 February 1880, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[By Tblbqeaph.] [fEOM OtTB OWN COEBESPONDBNT.] HAWBRA, February 21, About fifty Maoris turned up this morning, and are now taking their turn before|the Commission. These will occupy the Court at least two days. Other Natives are expected to-morrow or next day. As the Natives have attended so promptly, the business of the sitting here will most likely be concluded this week, though it was originally thought _ a fortnight would be required. The next sitting place will most probably be Now Plymouth, Natives and Europeans alike are now beginning to anticipate the most beneficial results from the commission, though at first people were not generally so hopeful. It appears that among the Natives along the coast are a number who have recovered from the Te Whiti infatuation and have left Parihaka never to return. They do not call Te Whiti a humbug exactly, but at the same time intimate that they have had enough of him. His half brother evidently thinks very little of him as a prophet. The Natives drive a brisk trade at the different camps of Armed Constabulary selling peaches and vegetables, and though it would be easy for the Constabulary to supply themselves from the Maori plantations in the bush, usually only a few miles away, they are strictly interdicted from doing so, or, indeed, doing anything at all calculated to lead to any unpleasantness with the Maoris. The result is that the very best feeling prevails among the Maoris regarding the Constabulary. The Kapuna camp of constabulary has been shifted to Ohakeho, near Manaia’s place, and the old chief is delighted beyond measure at having the opportunity of showing his hospitality. He has accordingly sent one lot of his people to dig up potatoes, and others to get poaches and pigs for the guests, while ho superintends operations. Eor some time back he was very anxious to know when the camp would be shifted to his place, as he wished to treat them like his own children.

Major Brown and Mr Parris, from their intimate knowledge of Native matters along the coast, and, indeed, of almost every individual Native, are of great service to the Commission. The Commissioners themselves seem to be pretty well acquainted with the past career of most of the notables. The Natives occasionally, in the course of giving their evidence, say—“ You know about these things.” Times are very dull throughout the district and rain is much wanted. WEI/DINGTON, February 24. The Government have received some telegrams to-day relative to the Murimotu difficulty. It appears that, although some of the statements which have found publicity were evidently wilful) exaggerations, there is quite enough actual disturbance to cause a good deal of anxiety as to the result. Kemp continues to act in the most outrageous and lawless manner, despite the indignant remonstrance of his tribe. He has not replied to the last communication which, as mentioned a few days ago, was sent by the Government. His sister has gone up to Murimotu, with the object of endeavoring to persuade him to behave reasonably, and an ultimatum has been sent him by the Government, giving him a certain limited time to amend and explain his conduct, failing which he will be deprived of his Government appointments and pay. The chief apprehension is now lest Topia, the chief of the rival tribe, may find his patience tried beyond bearing, and he may proceed to attack Kemp, in which case a fight between the tribes might ensue. Every effort therefore is being used to dissuade Topia from going to the scene of disturbance until further means of pacification have been tried. It seems that the shots which were heard were fired by Kemp at a bag of sugar, which the Ngatuohlti tribe had placed on a post on the disputed land as a token of ownership. Kemp on finding it there at once fired at it to indicate his defiance and his resolution to challenge their title. The other tribes are indignant at this insult, and great fears are entertained lest it may be expiated with violence. Topia is new at Napier, and no pains are being spared to keep him there as long as possible until further influence shall have been brought to bear on Kemp. The latter hae written a long

incoherent letter to Mr Bichard Wood, Beeident Magietrate, full of vague statemente, from which no real information can be drawn. It is still believed that he is acting under the influence of liquor, as he draws £IOO a year from the Government as Native Assessor, and £2OO more as Land Purchase Agent, and would not risk the loss of these emoluments if in his senses. The statement as to his shooting a sheep turns out to be a stupid hoax. The latest telegrams received by the Government from the Waimate Plains report the continued favorable attitude of the Natives. Tito Kowaruand Kokerithis morning, sent a very handsome present of potatoes (some ninety kits), peaches, and geese. Expressions of friendship and goodwill are received from the Maoris in all directions, and matters generally look very hopeful. Te Whiti and Tohu have sent still more valuable presents of pigs, geese, potatoes, peaches, &c, [PEESS ASSOCIATION.] HAWEEA, February 24. Colonel Roberts and the whole of the Armed Constabulary under his command at Kaipipi shifted camp to-day, and took up a position on the Otaiketo stream, about five miles north of the old camp. The Natives visited the camp in the afternoon, and intimated that a present of food would be made this day. Captain Fortesque, with thirty-five men from Opunake, arrived in camp at three o’clock. The band went to meet them and play them into camp. The Natives presented Colonel Roberts with one bullock, six pigs, 150 kits potatoes, six kits peaches, four kits cabbages, three geese, sixteen fowls, one turkey, two kits of maize, and one can of honey. The present was made by Patu Warua in the name of Te Whiti and Tohu. Colonel Roberts thanked them.