NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2361, 27 October 1881, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[pbbss assooiatioh tblboram] WELLINGTON, Ootober 26. The Hinemoa with tho Wellington Navals left for Opunake shortly after seven to-night. A tremendous orowd of people lined tho wharf and breastwork, and as tho vestel moved away the men were loudly cheered. Lieut. Bennett, who goes in command, has received a oaptain's commission while in oharge of the detachment. He was this afternoon presented with a handsome revolver by his fellow clerks in the office of Messrs Buckley, Stafford, and Eitzherbert, in approoiation of the prompt manner in which he proffered his servioes, and the energy he has displayed in organising the oontingent. Captain Bonar, of the West Coast (Middle Island), has telegraphed to the Government, asking if the volunteers there offered their servioes would they be aooepted. The C. Battery of Artillery and the Temuka Rifles have communicated that they could supply fifty men at short notice.

[fbom the own oobbbspokdknt of the " PBBSS.] WELLINGTON, Ootober 26. There was great exoitement in town to-day on the departure of the Yolunteers for the front. At a meeting of the Naval Brigade last night the names of those who had volunteered for the front were taken, and the men were instructed to attend at the barracks this morning to procure their kits, See. To-day the Constabulary barracks at Mount Cook formed a scene of considerable interest. The Naval Brigade assembled there at ten o'clock and took up their quarters preparatory to embarkation on board the Hinemoa this evening. Each man whose servioes had been accepted was supplied with the necessary outfit, including boots, leggings, haversacks, waterproof sheets, blanket, revolvers, and carbines. Dr. Diver was busily occupied during the morning and afternoon in medically examining the men, with a view to ascertain whether they were in sufficiently sound condition to prooeed to the scene of aotion. With a single exception, the whole of the men who offered for service were found to be in excellent condition, and with evident eagerness immediately commenced to "rig themselves out" in their new belongings. Additional animation was lent to the occasion by the attendanoe of a large crowd of female friends and relations that the men are to leave behind them. Among those present, moreover, were four or five deserters from the barque Australind, now in port. These a constable was earnestly endeavoring to discover in the orowd, as it was anticipated that they wanted to enlist. Altogether, nearly seventy members of the brigade will leave for the front. The steamer Waitaki this morning brought from Port Chalmers, en route for Opunake, thirty-eight members of the Armed Constabulary foroe, under Lieutenant Moore. Originally the men numbered forty, but two of them failed to resume the journey at Lyttelton. The men proceeded to the Constabulary depot, and embarked in tho Hinemoa this evening.

Mr Bolleston is still unable to leave Wellington, and the Premier also finds it impossible to get away under the present condition of public affairs, though he is, of course, very anxious to go South to address his constituents before the eleotion. He will start at the earliest moment, bu# be deems it right in the public interest not to quit his poßt at Wellington. Nothing further has transpired regarding the attitude of the Governor, but it is understood that he has noS attempted any obstruction to the p.otion of Ministers. What is feared is that he may interpose inconveniently, and hamper the hands of the Government when the time arrives for decisive action in accordance with the proclamation. So far as the Government are ooncerned, no move will be made before to-morrow (Thursday) week, and perhaps a day or two later, so as to give the Natives full time to consider their position. Meanwhile every exertion is being used to have all things in readiness. The new Constabulary are being assiduously drilled and organised, and preparations made for the reception, housing and feeding of the volunteers, who will arrive, to the number of some 400, during the next three days. It is just possible that should any serious trouble occur in high quarters during the next few days some delay might be caused in the issue of writs, as in the oase of any direct conflict between the powers that be, there is no doubt that Parliament would be oillod together at once ; but it is hoped that this will be avoided, and that the elections will take place as originally intended. The Governor's warrant calling out all the Volunteer corps for active service has not been issued by his Excellency, but this will not interfere with or delay the departure of the Volunteers for the " front." The Hinemoa leaves to -night, taking the Wellington volunteers to Opunake. She then proceeds to Manukau to bring down the Auckland and Thames men. The Stella probably goes to Nelson to-morrow to bring over the Nelson detachment, but this is not yet finally settled.

To-day's telegrams from Mr Bryoe report everything quiet. The organisation of the last addition to the Armed Constabulary is being steadily prooeeded with at Pungarehu and Rahotu camps. Major Atkinson leaves by the Hinemoa tonight to address his Egmont constituents.