NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2365, 1 November 1881, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

(.By Tblesbaph.] [pbom thb own oobbbspondbmt of the " PBBSS."J WELLINGTON, October 31. The Government have received telegrams from Mr Bryee this evening, stating that a large meeting of Natives was held at Parihaka to-day, at which Government interpreters and reporters were permitted to be present. Full reports are not yet received, but from a summary forwarded in advanoe, it appears that Te Whiti adopted a greatly subdued tone. He admitted having at the September meeting counselled action and resistance, " but at that time (ho naively remarked) there were very few soldiers on the land. Now, however, the land is covered with armed men, and every south wind blows up more soldiers." He strenuously impressed on his people the necessity of abstaining from any acts of encroachment, and warned them not to give offence to the Government, or to " make the armed men angry," but to continue patiently in course of passive resistance as formerly. There was to be no more " pakanga " at present. Tohu is said to have followed in a similar strain. There was a numerous attendance of Natives, who did not seem best pleased at Te Whiti's moderate counsels. It is not at all I improbable that Te Whiti may be in considerable personal danger from his owp deluded followers, when hio impotence is proved by the advance of the constabulary unchecked by the promised supernatural interference. It would be a singular reversal of the situation if Government had to protest Te Whiti from being lynched by his credulous and deoeived adherents. One thing I may say plainly, any submission now would have to bo accompanied by substantial guarantees of future good behaviour. The monthly Parihaka meeting will almost oertainly be put a stop to, and visitors from other places will no longer be allowed to oongregate to Parihaka and stir up strife. It is they and the Pakeba Maoris who are more blameable than Te Whiti or Tohu for the present trouble. All this will in any case have to be permanently reformed. Parihaka will no longer be allowed to be a refuge and harboring ground for loafers from other districts. Te Whiti will most likely undergo detention for a time until his influence for disaffection has been destroyed. On the recommendation of Mr Bryce, it has been decided by the Defenoe Department not to accept the services of any more recruits for the Armed Constabulary, unless they have had previous trai> ing, as the present numerical strength is deemed so nearly sufficient as to make it undesirable to undertake the training of any more new hands. The Government have reoeivod a telegram from Mr Bryce, requesting them to accept no more volunteers at present, as there were as many already as he could make use of. Notice,

accordingly, was sent round to the various corps which had offered their services that the Government were unable to accept them. This has given deep offence to the Wellington Artillery, who had demurred to going except as a battery, but subsequently agreed to go as a rifle corps. Meanwhile, howevor, the required complement was made up, and they are left out in the cold. So keenly do _ they feel this that they are canvassing the city for subscriptions to enable the corps to proceed on its own account to the front, and some £SO have been already raised, besides tents presented. It is improbable the Defence Office will sanction any suoh peculiar arrangement. I hear that Oapt. Eairohild has received instructions by telegram to pueh on from Opunake to Wellington as quickly as possible, bo as to be able to leave again to-morrow night for Opunake, conveying the following volunteer corps—viz., Guards, Engineers, City Rifles, Navals. Makara Biflos, and Masterton Rifles. Mr Bolleston also goes up in the Hinemoa to join Mr Bryce at Pungarebtu Mr Hall's departure South is still necessarily uncertain. It is unlikely that he can :eavebefore next week.

Sir Arthur Gordon has again changed his mind about attending the Ohrißtchurch Czinedral consecration, and has formally decided not to go, being unwilling to be absent frczn the seat of Government even for a day a: the present crisis. It is now tacitly understood that he is not likely to interfere with the act : on of Ministers beyond perhaps a vigorous private remonstrance, his long experience teaching him the idleness and imprudence of any such unconstitutional obstruction. The late difference appears to have entirely blown over. It is rumored to-day that H.M.S. Wolverine has left Australian waters en route fcr this port in order to watch the progress of events in this colony, and render assistance if necessary. The Stella and Huia left to-night for Opunake with the Canterbury volunteers. The men have behaved admirably and with irreproaohable steadiness, winning hearty appreciation here. The Wairarapa men came into town this evening by train, and marched to the barracks. Wellington during the past week has presented quite the aspect of a garrison town, being literally crowded with military uniforms. Much excitement still prevails, and large additional levies oould be made at a. day's notice.