NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2359, 25 October 1881, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAMS.] NEW PLYMOUTH, October 24 Two gentlemen went to Parihaka this morning, leaving the camp at daylight. They rode inside the settled ent, but were turned back by the Natives, and ordered to leave their horses outside. After tying up their horses, they proceeded into the settlement, and found Te Whiti in the marae holding a council. He wag addressing his people when the visitors entered, but immediately he saw them ho gave a signal, and broke off in the middle of his address. The Natives were very sulky, and not one of them would speak a single word to the visitors, neither did they offer them any hospitality. When the visitors saw that their presence was not desired at Parihaka, they retraced their steps to the camp without even receiving a parting salutation from any of the Natives, WELLINGTON, October 24 The Wellington Naval Brigade are under orders to hold themselves in readiness to proceed to the front on Wednesday night. The Nelson, Marlborough, and Thames Volunteers who have volunteered to go to the front have been wired to hold themselves ready for immediate embarkation, and steamers will be sent for them. Other Volunteer companies have been wired, asking how many men of each company ore willing to go, and when they can be ready to embark, as steamers will be sent for them.

[tbom the own oobbbspondbnt op the “PBESS ’ ] WELLINGTON, October 24 Nothing further has definitely transpired so far in regard to his Excellency's relations with Ministers, but it is generally understood that these are, to use a conventional term, less “ strained” than they were last week. It is reported that lengthy memos are being freely exchanged I am able to state positively that the reports circulated as to Te Whiti having insulted Mr Bolleston on the occasion of his visit to Farihaka are absolutely false. Mr Bolleston went by the express and earnest invitation of Te Whiti, and was treated with marked respect. He also used a most kindly and conciliatory tone until compelled by Te Whiti's dogged attitude to adopt a mora peremptory manner. Prior to his visit the whole of the West Coast Commissioners’ reports, which had been translated into Maori, were read to the Natives and their purport clearly explained, so that they are now fully acquainted with all their contents. I hear on good authority that, however they may pretend indifference, they are greatly exercised in mind over the proclamation, and are constantly discussing it amongst themselves. Several telegrams have been received by the Government to-day from Mr Bryce and from various officers on the West Coast. They disclose nothing fresh in regard to the Native situation, excepting details of the formal serving of the proclamation on Te Whiti at Farihaka on Saturday afternoon. It appears that the proclamation was delivered into Te Whiti’s own hands by Mr Butler, private secretary to the Native Minister. About 150 Maoris were present, including Tohu and other well known Natives, on whom also copies of the proclamation were formally served. Te Whiti directed one of the Native chiefs to read it aloud, and listened attentively till the middle of the last paragraph was reached, that part in vrhioh all the Natives are warned to leave To M hiti if he refuses to submit. When this point was arrived at Te Whiti ordered the reader to stop, saying " That is enough, read no more.:’ In reply to a question put by Mr Butler, To Whiti said he had no answer or message to send; ho had nothing more to say than had already been said. He also drew the attention of Mr Carrington who was present to the time which was allowed for him to give in his submission. Ho said he knew of the proclamation before hand, as some European (an “officer” Te Whiti called him) had slept at Farihaka the night before and had told them all about it. It was remarked that Te Whiti looked very anxious, haggard, and careworn, and seemed unwell. Mr Carrington offered to bring him some medicine, but To Whiti again referred to the fourteen days’ grace, and hinted that Government might not allow Mr Carrington to come again and sea him. Te Whiti and all the Natives seemed to regard the proclamation with the utmost indifference, but judging from trustworthy accounts I have received from other sources the indifference is in a large degree mere affectation. There is no news to-day of any further fencing or molestation of the settlers.

A long meeting of the Cabinet was held this evening, when, after careful consideration, a very important resolution was arrived at, and one which will doubtless create considerable sensation when made known throughout the colony to-morrow. It was decided to call an immediate muster at the front of all members of Volunteer corps who have offered their active services in the field. Volunteers for the front will accordingly be summoned to hold themselves in immediate readiness for conveyance to the camp, and careful arrangements are now being made for their shipment, housing, &c. The Northern Volunteers will be landed at New Plymouth, and conveyed South by rail to Hawera The Southern men will land at Opunake, and march thence to the camp. The Government are firmly resolved to take prompt and decisive repressive steps directly the fourteen days’ grace have expired.