NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2368, 4 November 1881, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[Br Tblbqbaph.]

WELLINGTON, November 3

There is very little new* from the front today beyond mere records of drill and preparation. Mr Brjee and Oolonel Roberts reconnoitred Parihaka to-day, riding close up and round the neighborhood, with a view of obtaining all tho information necessary for maturing tho plans for Saturday's proceedings. It is understood that these have been most carefully and elaborately mapped out and prepared ; but it is obviously desirable that the precise nature of the programme should be" kept secret, and it hag not been divulged. It is not evon known hero yet at what time in the day the decisive advance will be made on Farihaka. Some believe it will be at noon, but so far as I can learn, it is much more likely to be as early as possible in the morning; in fact, shortly after daybreak, so as to have the whole day before them. Various reports are J current as to the probable nature of the reception, but the best informed judges still anticipate that tho Natives will merely collect and huddle together in the marae, refusing to budge, but without attempting any violent resistance. In that case Mr Bryce's plan of operations will come into foroe, and this, as I have said, as a State secret. One thing, however, I hear on good authority. Once in Farihaka he will not leave it in a hur?y, or, at least, if he does not remain in person, he will be represented by a very strong garrison. He is fixedly determined to complete his task this time, and lam inclined to think he will do it. At the same time, all the best authorities persist in maintaining that there will bo no " fighting" in the strict and sanguinary Bense of the term, although there might be a sharp struggle or trial of physical strength. The utmost precautions are being taken to have all the camps and stations in immediate telegraphic communication in the event of any collision. Extra instruments and operators are provided for that day, and the most systematic arrangements have been made in order to avert disappointment. I should mention that, as an embargo will probably be laid on the wires in tho disturbed district on Saturday for tho Government use in such a oase of grave emergency, it is not at all improbable that there may be tedious but unavoidable delays in getting through Fresa news. However, the Government will have full and constant intelligence of what is going on, and will freely place it at the disposal of the Press, so far as this can be done without prejudice to the public interests. This muoh I think lam justified in saying. I should add, that the result of to-day's reconnaisance by Mr Bryce and Oolonel Roberts has been to show that no difficulty lies in the way of entering Parihaka, and so far previous reports are fully borne out.

[FEB PBBSS ASSOCIATION.] OPUNAKE, November 3

The Wellington and Wairarapa contingent, fully equipped, proceoded to Kahotu on foot at one o'clook this afternoon. Only a few Natives left here, and these are making preparations to go to Parihaka to-morrow. The total number of Armed Constabulary in the district is stated to be 868, distributed as follows : At Bahotu, 224 ; at Pungarehu, 500 ; at Opunake, 60 ; at Mania, 40 j at Okato, 12; at Oape Egmont, 12. The Volunteer strength is 1049, distributed as follows :—Rahotu : Wellington Naval Brigade, 162; Wanganui contingent, 171; Thames contingent, 189; Wellington and Wairarapa contingent, 205 ; Nelson contingent, 78 ; Canterbury contingent at Mania, 55; Wanganui cavalry at Pungarehu. A telegram was received here from Colonel Roberta this morning aaying that he had sufficient medical men in the field, and that the services of Drs. Diver and Watts, who arrived this morning, would not be required. The latter gentleman has gone on with men, but of oourse unattached. The Wellington men were very indignant on receipt of the message.