NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1933, 5 May 1880, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[By TELEGEiPH.] [fsom oub own ooebespondhnt.] WELLINGTON, May 3. Regarding Native affairs on the West Coast of this Island, I hear that the latest telegrams received by the Government are to the effect that the Native Minister, Colonel Roberts, and Mr Hursthouse proceeded to the constabulary camp at Stony River last Friday, and then crossed Te Whiti’s northern boundary to select the new camping ground, which is situated about a mile southward of the Waiweranui stream, therefore within the boundaries of Te Whiti’s ground. The camp was pitched there to-day, and road-making is being pushed on vigorously in a southerly direction. It is estimated that if the weather continues favorable the road will proceed two or three miles weekly. There are no indications of any resistance on the part of Te Whiti and Tohu, notwithstanding the advance into Parihaka country. It is probable that Te Whiti will take the opportunity of proving that the present situation is what he foretold. Some of his followers assert that the road making is being really done by the constabulary for Te Whiti, and that they are unconsciously working for him as his servants. Te Whiti is now endeavoring to instil the idea that they will receive all their land back, and that the roads now being constructed by the constabulary will improve the land for the use of the Maoris, thus fulfilling his prophecy that the Europeans would become the servants of the Maoris. Te Whiti and Tohu have sent presents of food to Major Goring and his men, including sheep, pigs, poultry, potatoes, &o. The constabulary and the Maoris in the locality of the new camp continue on friendly terms. The Native Minister remains a few days at Apau.