NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2007, 30 July 1880, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[By Tblbqbaph.] [PBOH otrs OWN COBHEarOKDHNT.] WELLINGTON, July 29, Sir William Fox has just told me that there is very little probability of tho Native Commissioners’ third report being presented this week, but it is hoped that it will bo ready for presentation by next Monday. I hear that no further intelligence of any importance was received by the Government to-day regarding Native matters on the West Coast of this Island. Nothing definite has transpired to confirm the reports of Te Whiti’s rumored intention to send a largo body of Natives to fence across the road, but it is thought not improbable that he may try the experiment to test the arresting powers of the Constabulary. It is also conjectured thathe may send a detachment of women and children to obstruct the work, in tho idea that these would not be arrested. I am assured on authority that the allegations as to tho wanton intrusion on Native cultivations are quite unfounded. It was impossible to avoid crossing the Native cultivations altogether, as these run down nearly to the sea, but the road has been surveyed to encroach as little as possible, and as a matter pf fact the land crossed was not then in cultivation, but was a disused plot of ground with fences gone to decay, and tho Maoris did not attempt to use it until it afforded a means of impeding the progress of the road. Moreover, the land has long been confiscated and the confiscation had never been impeached. The alleged Native grievances in this respect are, therefore, purely imaginary. It is noticed that Te Whiti chooses hie fencers so as to commit as many tribes as possible to complicity in his policy. The “ Post’s ” special at Haweia telegraphs —“lt is reported that either to-day or tomorrow about 300 Maoris will march in a body from Parihaka to fence across tho road. If so, the Constabulary will have a tough time of it in arresting that number. About forty have been arrested.” I hear that the Waimate Plains will be put in the market immediately, and the survey is being pushed on with the utmost despatch. In the House to-day Mr Bryce gave notice to introduce the Maori Detention Bill, and asked that it should be passed through all its stages to-morrow. It provides that all Natives who on or since 18th of July inst. have been arrested between White Cliffs and Waitotara, on the West Coast of the North Island, or may hereafter during the existence of this Act bo arrested there or on any other part of the West Coast, shall be deemed to have been and to be detained under the provisions of the Maori Prisoners Act, 1680, os effectually as if such Natives were included within the terms of such Act, provided that the detention authorised by this Act shall in no case extend beyond the last day of October next. The term “ Native ” in this Act means any person of the aboriginal native race and includes half-castes. [PBB PRESS ASSOCIATION SPBOIAIi WIEB.] NEW PLYMOUTH, July 29. This morning the constabulary found another party of Natives at work at the fences across the road near the camp. It was expected that Te Whiti would increase the number working at the fences this morning, but such was not the case. Only four were found there and they were apprehended in the usual manner without any parley. The prisoners now in tho camp, twelve in number, are expected to arrive in town this evening.