THE MAORI PRISONERS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2005, 28 July 1880, Page 2

THE MAORI PRISONERS.

Yesterday afternoon the Government steamer Hiuemoa arrived rather unexpectedly at Port, having on board twenty-six Maoriei, who were arrested recently at Parihaka for obstructing the Government road. Amongst the number was Te Whetu, recognised by the others apparently as a ringleader. The arrival of the steamer occasioned quite a stir about the Port, and by the time she reached the wharf it was crowded in every part by an eager and curious assemblage, anxious, no doubt, to get a glimpse of the kind of men they were who had exhibited so much foolish ardor of belief in the Parihaka prophet. Immediately the steamer was moored alongside the prisoners were marched ashore, escorted by twenty-one of the armed constabulary, under Inspector

Coleman. They appeared to be mostly young men, dressed a la Maeri —shawls, coats, and hats—and seemed to treat the situation of affairs with an air of indifference, almost verging on defiance. They walked quietly up to gaol, where quarters had been prepared for them, and where they will bo under guard of an extra staff of warders, of whom the warder who had charge of the prisoners in Mount Cook Gaol at Wellington some time since will be the head. Like the special quarters, special clothing has been provided for them, and they will in no way come in contact with the other prisoners. Te .Whetn is credited with haying expressed himself to the effect that they were terfectly satisfied with the action of the prophet Te Whiti, and hia belief seemed to bo that their present incarceration was but the necessary means to the accomplishment of some wonderful end to be worked out by that mysterious agitator. As he put it, To "Whiti need only give the word and the steamer Hinemoa then conveying himself and his brethren in bonds to gaol would instantaneously be turned round, with her bead on the course for Opunako.