NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2361, 28 October 1881, Page 4

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[press association telegram.] N ABLE H, October 27. The Natives laugh at the Acting- Governor's Proclamation. They say that the Europeans ore afraid of Te Whiti and dare not touch him. [from our correspondent, j WELLINGTON, October 27. Official telegrams report that tho Hinomoa arrived at Opunake early this morning and landed tho Wellington Naval Volunteers. The Hinomoa left at once for Nelson to fetch the Volunteers from that place, and after landing them at Opunake, goes on to Manuksu to bring down the Auckland and Thames men. Tho Stella is not yet to be employed in transport service. The volunteers will probably remain a day or two at Opunake,room being made by forwarding a number oi constabulary to Pungurehu and Ritiontu camps. Mr Bryce went to Opunake to-day to meet Major Atkinson, with whom ho has had a long conference. Mr Bryce telegraphs that ho has released tho two Native youths whom he arrested on suspicion on Tuesday, and has sent them to Parihaka with a noto to Te Whiti, warning h‘m of tho conduct of his followers in pulling down Mr Fleming’s fence and stopping tho Government drays. It is reported that Te Whiti has expressed strong disapproval of tho conduct of tho Natives in destroying European property and stopping drays, and that he pointed out tho consequences this might entail on offenders, and declared disdainfully that this was not his way of carrying on the “ pakanga,” and that he contended with the inspired tongue and with divine authority. Those reports, however, have not yet been definitely confirmed, but from private information I have received I am disposed to believe them oorreet. It is rumored that some Natives have pulled down some of Mr Hunter’s fencing near Manaia, where it was formerly alleged untrnly that some damage had been done by the Natives, but this too is uncorroborated, and is generally disbelieved, as tho known circumstances render it very improbable. It is known, however, that some Natives have started fencing on another section (No. 52) of Government land on the seaward side of tho main road. It is not likely that much notice will be taken of this until the fourteen days’ grace expires. After an unexplained delay of forty-eight hours, his Excellency the Governor has signed to-day the warrant calling out tho Volunteer Corps in those places whore Volunteers have offered their services for “tho front." Although the signature of this warrant was of considerable legal import, tho Government were resolved to proceed steadily with the forwarding of Volunteers in spite of tho warrant being unsigned, and possibly this evidence of that determination may have procured the tardily accorded signature. This acquires its chief importance, however, from the fact that it is the first distinct act of Sir Arthur Gordon in furtherance of the Ministerial policy regarding Native affairs. Tho import of this will doubtless bo duly appreciated by those who anticipate any interference in high quarters with the efforts of Ministers to enforce and maintain law and order and protect loyal subjects of the Crown. I believe lam justified in saying that hitherto Ministers have met with no direct obstruction in the quarter referred to, but then it must be remembered that since the issue of the proolamation on the 19th, and Mr Bryce’s ap pointment on the same date, there has been nothing involving specific action on the part of tho Governor excepting this Volunteer warrant. The time when there may bo a possibility of interference will be when tho period of grace expires and active measures become necessary. lam convinced, however, that the Government will not submit to bo thwarted in such a vital point of their policy, and I think I am warranted in saying that, should tho attempt be made, Parliament would be called together instantly. It is hoped, nevertheless, that this unfortunate necessity will not arise, bat that the dissolution will bo able to take place in due course, as originally intended, and that the issue of writs for the general election will not be delayed. The Hon. 3. Hall leaves for the South directly he deems that the position of Native and other affairs will permit bis absence without prejudice to the public business. An Executive Council meeting was held to-day, but merely routine bueiness was transacted. All is reported to be smooth and harmonious.