NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2336, 29 September 1881, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

A trustworthy and well-informed correspondent telegraphs to us from Mania as follows “ There is not a word of truth in the story about Daniels having had an encounter with, or having been molested by the Natives. The Native Minister has never gone out, accompanied by a guard, as stated in Taranaki. An ordinary escort of an orderly has, as on previous occasions, gone with him, and he has mixed in a perfectly friendly manner with the Natives, who, in largo numbers, men, women, and children, are busy planting. The Natives are in very good humour, and are apparently unconscious of the consequences of Te Whiti’s allegorical talk. The alarm in some quarters [is quite unwarranted, and considering the mischief which is being done to the country, the newspaper correspondents and other inventive geniuses have a great deal to answer for. There is no truth in the report that Titokowarn and his people have left their settlement. He left Panhaka a week ago, and was in Mania yesterday and on several days previously in a friendly mood. He is now living at his own place at Okawa. The Mania and Opunake settlors are free from alarm, but have very wisely taken steps to organise themselves, and the Government is providing them with arms, so that there is no chance of a panic. Indeed, the progress of settlement in this splendid district forbids the idea of their being driven out by twice the number of Natives in the district, whoso strength, 1 have reason to believe, is much overrated. There is no truth in the report which has been circulated by the “ Taranaki Herald” that Europeans have been assaulted at Oeo and stripped naked by the Natives.

[fbbbs association teleqeamß.l NEW PLYMOUTH, September 28. The Natives from other settlements are still flocking to Parihaka. They are selling their horses and stock, and removing their implements and goods to Parihaka with the intention of settling there permanently. The Government have decided to take hut few recruits for the A.O. force at New Plymouth. The object is not to take any young men away from the town who are in volunteer companies, who would be ready to assist the A.O. force. With reference to the statement that Titokowaru had with his people gone to Parihaka with their goods and chattels, Mr Parris telegraphs that the statement is utterly without foundation. He says that Titokowaru was was at Mania township yesterday, manifesting friendship with the settlers, and returned from there last evening to his place. Within the last week a considerable number of Natives have undergone the process of vaccination in town, and a Maori has started the business of public vaccination at Parihaka, where he is operating upon the Natives. WELLINGTON, September 28. The statement about Daniells being chased by the Natives, recently telegraphed, was made by Daniells personally to the “ Taranaki Herald.” The report is stated by Colonel Roberts to be a fabrication, and as to Mr Rolleston and Colonel Roberts going out with a guard the fact is they had only with them the usual orderlies.

, The stories about ploughing some four f miles from Mania bare been greatly exj aggerated. The facts are as follows :—Some months ago the Maoris asked the then owner [ of the land whether they could put crops of [ potatoes in some land of his near Otekeho, and the owner consented. The land has since j been sold to aMr Hunter, who stated that he - would not allow any ploughing. Mr Hunter , is now absent from borne, and half a dozen [ Maoris were ploughing to-day and yesterday. The Native Minister and Major Farris saw ! them to-day, and on being asked to desist the , Natives, who appeared quite friendly, agreed to do so, and are at present in the Mania ! township. One or two settlers living on the edge of the bush have removed their families to town, but as a rule nothing more than a little uneasiness is felt. The Native , Minister was waited on by a number , of settlers at Mania to-day, and publicly deprecated the sensational reports which were circulated. Ho believed there was no cause for alarm. Arms would be issued to settlers who had enrolled as volunteers almost immediately. Mr Bolleston has now started for Opunake, accompanied by , Major Farris and one orderly. Two orderlies form the usual escort. The report about , Daniells is absolutely untrue, and as the Native Minister was knocking about Eahotu on the very day when the attack was said to be committed on Daniells he (Mr Bolleston) ought to know. He hoped that the settlers were satisfied with the measures being taken by the Government for the settlement of the district and the maintenance of peace. A deputation waited on him, composed of officers of all] the newj Volunteer corps, and asked for a grant in aid of drill hall at Mania and a site for the same. Captain Martyn pressed for an assurance that the present disturbance should be so vigorously dealt with as never again to threaten the settlers and obstruct their progress. The Native Minister assured the deputation that no measures would be spared which the Government could suggest to ensure the maintenance of peace and the steady progress of settlement also. The settlors expressed satisfaction, and left matters in his bands. The question re the drill hall would be considered, and a reply given in a day or two.

There is no fresh intelligence from Mr Rolleston regarding Native affairs. All is reported quiet and peaceful this afternoon, and warlike preparations are confined wholly to the Europeans, settlors, and Armed Constabulary, the Natives merely ploughing, sowing, and planting. I understand that it is not at all likely that the Government will make any forward movement for some time, that is, until the force on the coast has been materially strengthened and the settlers well drilled as volunteers. The only danger seems to be lest some young Native should have a pop at the constabulary on his own account, which of course might involve serious consequences, Meanwhile, the Natives continue steadily putting in spring crops. There has been no more fencing just now, that last erected not having been interfered with by tho constabulary.