NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2370, 7 November 1881, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

THE MARCH ON PARIHAKA.

THE SCENE AT THE PAH.

TE WHITI AND TOHU ARRESTED WITHOUT RESISTANCE.

CAPTURE OF HIROKI,

LATEST NEWS FROM THE FRONT[PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAMS.] PUNGAREHU, November 5. Until this morning, Native news has been very quiet here, but Mr Bryce’e move to Farihaka with the troops to-day caused great excitement in the Pungarehu camp, and from early morn the Armed Constabulary were flitting about getting ready for the expected fray. The Rahotu camp was equally busy, inasmuch as they were under orders to march at daylight, and join the troops from Pungarehu shortly after seven. The Armed Constabulary and New Plymouth Cavalry and Rifles marched from the latter camp at 6.45 a.m., the Constabulary band playing as they loft. The fact of an order being on Friday night issued that special correspondents would not be allowed to accompany the troops, and in the event of any of them being found there they would be immediately arrested and detained for a space of twenty-four hours, caused soma indignation among the Press men, and during that day several members of the Press interviewed Colonel Roberts, but were unable to get permission to go to Parihaka, Some of the correspondents were determined if possible to gain admittance to Parihaka, and at daybreak this morning a party of five gentlemen, including the special correspondent of the “ Lyttelton Times,” Mr Hamilton of the “ Lyttelton Times,” the special correspondent of the Press Association, Captain Dawson and Mr Barclay, of the Government survey, the latter gentleman acting os guide, left for Parihaka by a track which brought them to the rear of that place after a rough wolk of two hours. On reaching the spot three were left on the hill in the rear, and the specials proceeded on to Parihaka, the intention being that in the event of the “specials” being arrested those behind would be able to communicate with the telegraph office and send any information that could be obtained. On reaching Parihaka the specials were well received by the Natives, who did not appear at all concerned as to the approaching visit of the soldiers. On a closer inspection of Parihaka, it was seen that there were about 2500 Natives present, including women and children. The Natives were squatting in a marae, and had been there since twelve o’clock on Friday night, they having been informed that the soldiers were to visit the pah about daylight. The weather was exceedingly warm, and both Constabulary and V olunteers were rather exhausted from their tramp in heavy marching order. The Natives appeared very clean, and the larger portion of them wore white feathers as a head dress. The Maoris had pulled down one of their fences to allow room for the troops to go into the pah, and had had 500 loaves prepared so as to provide the men with food. Early in the morning the chief of the Ngawaras addressed the assemblage, and cautioned them not to use any violence. Tohu followed in a similar strain. He said that no matter what force was used against them, they were not to strike, not even with a stick. From a hill in front of Parihaka the Armed Constabulary were seen advancing at 7.15 a.m , they having been joined by the Volunteers from Rahotu, who came by way of Parapara. The troops on reaching Kopara separated. One body, comprised chiefly of volunteers, took the left, with the intention of proceeding to the roar of Parihaka, the staff and main body continuing to march on Parihaka direct. The special correspondents already mentioned, seeing the men approaching near the scene of the supposed action, engaged the services of an interpreter, who is also a “ special,” and by this means they gained full admission to the pah. Tohu wished them to sit beside him first, but this being out of the question, a whare, from whence full observations could be mads, was offered them, and the offer was thankfully accepted. The first body of men was seen advancing over the slope to the S.W. of the pah at 8 30 in the morning, and making a gap in the fence of one of the Native plantations. They approached the pah, but on gaining the high ground to the west of the pah halted, and waited the advance of the main body. Immediately this body was observed by the Natives, about 200 young children were sent on to the high ground in front of Parihaka, and danced a baka. From the excellent time kept by the children, whose ages ranged . from eight to fourteen, in these movements, it was apparent that they had been trained especially for the purpose. The staff turned into the road leading to Parihaka at 8.30, and the children turned their attention to them, performing the same as they had done for the other companies. On a small rise in front of Parihaka the staff halted, and waited for the Armed Constabulary to approach. The whole then came toward* the pah, headed by the Armed Constabulary skirmishers. At 9 o’clock the skirmishers of the Armed Constabulary had taken up a position on the hill immediately above the Native burial ground, and were accompanied by Mr Rolleston and Mr Bryce. The former was on foot while the latter was mounted on a white horse. At five minutes past nine the four companies of Armed Constabulary had reached the foot of the hill, and then Tohu commenced addressing the Native assemblage. His utterance* were of abort duration, but were inaudible to the reporters. Captains Gudgeon and Newall were now advancing to the front of Parihaka with a company of Armed Constabulary. The Maoris still kept their squatting posture with the exception of some young girls, who were enjoying themselves with a skipping rope, and the boys who were playing in front of the pah. None appeared in the least afraid at the approach of the constabulary. A few minutes later the Hon. Mr Bryce, Colonel Roberts, and staff, reached the square on the marae, but almost immediately proceeded on to the rear of Parihaka, where the Armed Constabulary were posted. The Armed Constabulary, when opposite the house which was built for the ex-Governor should he have visited the settlement, hailed. The volunteers to the west of Parihaka now closed in, but still kept on the high ground. At 9 35, Major Tuke and Mr Buller, secretary to Mr Bryce, came into the pah. The former gentleman, addressing the Natives, said, “ Wo have come to hoar Te Whiti’* reply to the proclamation issued.” After an interval of five minutes, and there being no reply, Major Tuke read the Riot Act, calling on all the Natives to disperse. The Act was translated into the Native tongue by Mr Buffer. After which both gentlemen retired. The Natives did not appear to take any interest in the reading of the Act. At ten o’clock some excitement was caused in the pah, when the Constabulary were to bo seen retracing their steps to the front of Parihaka. The Natives, evidently thinking the Armed Constabulary had oome for the purpose of dispersing them, called on their friends and relations, who were loitering about the pah, to assemble, which was immediately done. From the whare where the reporters had taken up their position, it was rather difficult to watch the movements of the various corps, but it offered every facility for observing everything that took place between the Hon. Mr Bryce and the Natives. Tohu again addressed hie people, saying, “ Let the man who has raised the war do his work this day. Let not woman cook or man oook stir; we have partaken of food. Let none of us stir lest any of us be absent. Be patient and steadfast, and even if _ the bayonet comes to your breast do not resist.” The companies who were on the west of Parihaka descended, and took up a position in the rear. At this time a complete line around Parihaka, with the exception of the oast side, had been formed. At twenty minutes to twelve, Captains Gudgeon and Nowall, with an arresting party (with handcuffs) of the Armed Constabulary, marched to a position to the left of marae, where the Natives were squatting, and Major Take called on Mr Buller to point him (meaning Tohu) out. Colonel Roberts then joined the arresting party, and Captain Gudgeon, addressing him, said that Grey, of No. 6 company, would be handy in pointing out Tohu, Mr Hursthouss (interpreter)! acting on instructions, called upon To Whiti to oome and stand in his (Mr Bryce’s) presence. Te Whiti replied that Mr Bryce and Mr Rolleston.must oome to him. Mr Bryce, through tho interpreter, refused to go to Te Whiti, and said he must oome to where he stood (near the graveyard). Te Whiti had nothing to do but go to (hem.

Te Whiti replied—l have nothing but good words in my mouth for him or any one. Mr Bryco said—From your good wishes I feel inclined to humor your wisn to come and see you. Make a good road therefore for the passage of my horse through your people, and I will come to you. Xe Whiti—But some of my children might get hurt. Mr Bryce—No, this is a quiet horse. Te Whiti—l do not think it good you should come on horseback among my children. If Mr Bryce wants to talk with me, let him come on foot.

Mr Bryce—The days for talking are over. Te Whiti—When did you find that out; since this morning ? T have nothing more to say.

This conversation was carried on through an interpreter (Mr Hursthouse.) At 11,30 a.m. an order was given for the arresting party to advance. The Natives immediately cleared a passage for the men, and the party advancing to where Ta Whiti was seated arrested him without the sligheet resistance whatever. When the men reached Te Whiti, Colonel Boberts called to the men, “ Let him walk if he will.” To Whiti walked quietly with four of the Armed Constabulary to where Mr Bryce and the officers were stationed. His wife walked through the file with him. Tohu and Hiroki were taken in a similar manner. Tho large assemblage of Natives looked on calmly, and scarcely a word was spoken, Te Whiti and Tohu were not handcuffed, but Hiroki was. The arresting party retired at 11.35 a.m. Te Whiti, when under arrest, spoke to his people and asked them to be brave-hearted and patient. Ho said, “ This is not my work, but comes from the hearts of the Europeans.” Tohu followed and said, "This is the doing of war. Be not sorry that we are torn away ; keep the sorrowful heart from you. We go away as fools, as mistaken men. We looked for peace, and we find war. Be steadfast; keep to peaceful words. Be not dismayed; have no fear.” Te Whiti said :

” Let your dwellings be good in this place. Work such as this (meaning the soldiers) is frustrated this day.” Ta Whiti and Tohu, accompanied by their wives, were then con veyed to the redoubt at Pungarehu, under an escort of tho New Plymouth Mounted Bifies. Hiroki was sent to the redoubt later in the day. It now being time for mess, nearly all the “ visitors ” returned to Pungarehu, leaving the Natives still squatting in the marae. After To Whiti and Tohu had left for the redoubt, Beno, an aged chief from Taranaki, addressed the Natives. He advised the people to continue in the same work as Te Whiti and Tohu had ordered them, even if they were all arrested on the land which had been handed down to them by their ancestors. During the afternoon the Hon. Mr Bryce, in the name of the Queen, thanked the Volunteers, officers and men, for their valuable services. Later in the day a party visited the pah, but there was nothing fresh to report. The Hons. Bryce and Bolleston returned to Pungarehu camp about 4 p.m. Mr Bryce was unable to state when the prisoners will be forwarded to Wellington, as it would require a strong escort, and he was of opinion that many men could not be spared from !he camp at present. All the Armed Constabulary and volunteers will remain in the neighborhood of the pah for a few days. Tae positions of the different corps at Parihaka were—Thames, Auckland, and Nelson battalion on the left; Marlborough, Canterbury, and New Plymouth contingent on the right; Wellington Navals in the rear, and the Wanganui men on the front face. The Wellington contingent were also on the front, but on the opposite side of the road, and all the Armed Constabulary were in the pah. The accommodation for visitors to Pungarebu is quite inadequate to the demand. The only accommodation house in the district is crowded, and a bed of any kind cannot be obtained. Several gentlemen left for Parihaka at daylight. While the troops were marching to Parihaka several special correspondents wero turned back, and in one or two instances wore ordered under arrest, and escorted to the rear. It is stated that the Natives will recommence fencing across the road to-morrow. PUNGABEHTJ, November 6.

At Parihaka this afternoon, everything was much in the same state as last night. Sentries were stationed in front of Parihaka for the purpose of preventing visitors from passing. This difficulty, however, was easily surmounted by taking a track to the east of the village, and by crossing two small streams access was gained. Visitors were received kindly by the Natives, the greater portion of whom were found squatting and lying about in the maare. Te Whiti’e whare was visited, and seated within were Wi Parata (formerly the Native representative of the West Coast in Parliament), and about a dozen other Natives. The former chatted freely, and spoke about a legal defence for Te Whiti, but the latter would not allow anyone to appear for him. Wi Parata intimated that to-morrow be would leave for Wellington. It is understood that Native affairs at Parihaka will be placed in the hands of some of the most influential chiefs. Tan Tare, nephew of Te Whiti, was sent to the camp by the Natives this morning, to bring back Te Whiti's wife and niece, who had accompanied To Whiti to the redoubt, it being the wish of the Natives that none should voluntarily go to prison. Tau Tare was prevented by the constabulary from leaving the pah, but subsequently, on an order being issued by Mr Bryce, he was allowed to go. At 1 p.m. Tau Tare was seen returning to Parihaka, accompanied by Te Whiti's wife and niece. The constabulary are camped in Titokoworu’s paddock, a short distance in front of the pah, but no persons are allowed within. Several correspondents endeavored to gain admittance to-day, but were refused, orders having been issued to admit no civilians. The Natives offered a quantity of potatoes to the constabulary, but the latter were not allowed to receive them. The Natives are not allowed to leave Parihaka, and several of the men who were going out hunting for pigs, which also were intended as a present to the constabulary, were prevented from leaving the pah. The camp at Pungarehu is almost deserted, there being but a few men in charge, and a large portion of the camp equipments have been i removed to the camp at Parihaka. The Hons, Bryce and Eolleston were seen on the hill in the Parihaka camp this afternoon in consultation with Colonel Boberts and Major Tuke. During the day a number of Opunake and New Plymouth people passed through Pungarehu on a visit to Parihaka. The Wanganui Rifles and a portion of the Wellington Navals have been marched back to Rahotu camp. Late this morning sentries were placed on the east side of Parihaka, and civilians are thus prevented from visiting either the English camp or the Native pah. The Wellington 9-uards shift their position to-morrow, but the direction is not known. The prisoners are kept under a strong guard. Major Atkinson arrived here from Mania at 3.20 this afternoon, and at the time of writing this telegram he is in close consultation with Mr Bryce and Mr Bolleston at this camp.

[PEOM THE OWN COBEBSPONDBNT OP THB “PEESS.] WELLINGTON, November 6.

The Government have practically no further information to-day from the front, exceptin'; that the night had passed quietly, and that Mr Bryce and Mr Rolleston had gone to Parihaka to-day to have a talk with the Natives, and explain to them the position of affairs and the intentions of the Government toward them. These have not been officially disclosed here, but it is understood that the next move will bo to send home each tribe of strangers successively. I hear it is not correct, as reported, that two days’ notice was given last night to the Natives to clear out. The Government information is to the effect that Mr Bryce deferred doing this until the Natives should have calmed down somewhat, and no time was definitely fixed. I understand that it is probable that To Whiti and Tohu will bo tried at New Plymouth under the special Act of 18S0. I believe very full and careful reports have been sent by the Government per to-day's San Francisco mail to the Agent-General for publication in England, with a view of counteracting any exaggerated or sensational reports which might find circulation to the prejudice of New Zealand interests.

[PEOSI A COBEBSPONDBNT.]]

OPUNAKE, November 6.

At Parihaka all is quiet to day. The troops bivouacked at night, having been under arms from 4 30 a.m. till 5.30 p.m., but all behaved splendidly. The day was clear and warm, and the work of advancing through the bush with swags Was very trying. There were three oases of epileptic fits. Two recovered, but Lieut. West, of the Nelson Artillery, was sent to New Plymouth to-day by waggon. Doubtless the long exposure, heat, and the absence of the usual nourishment, was the

causa of his illness. In complimenting the forces the Native Minister said that but for the presence of the Volunteers the programme could not have been carried out. Major Pitt ably carried out hie instructions, assisted by Captain Wildman and Captain Schofield, and the adjutant of No. 1 Battalion. Captain ’ Hammerslcy, with the Canterbury, Makura and Wairarapa corps, held their position from 9.15 a.m. until 5 30 p.m. This party, to which Captain Durham was adjutant, deserve great praise for their steadiness. One hundred of the Wanganui Bifles were brought into Parihaka before the arrests, and occupied a forward position, Te Whiti, Tohu and Hiroki passing through their ranks, The Hon. Major Atkinson passed along the road to-day to Pungarehu, and a Cabinet meeting will be held to-morrow, when another proclamation will be issued. It was reported this morning that the Maoris talk amongst themselves of war. A reliable gentleman told them that they would be swept off the earth ; besides, they had r,o guns. The Maoris replied that they had plenty of guns and ammunition. On enquiry from the Natives this was not cor.firricd. The Natives congregated at the meeting place all day. Te Whiti’s wife, who returned to Parihaka from Pungarohu,where the prisoners new are, brought a message from Te Whiti for the Maoris to go out as usual for bread, to shoot bullocks and pigs. He said that if they were shot by the pakeha it could not be helped. A further arrest of three leading Natives, two being Xitokoweru and Bangs was expected by the Maoris to day, but it was not contemplated by the authorities. The Maoris presented sixty kit* of potatoes this morning, but the offer was declined by Mr Bryce. The Armstrong gun at Parihaka will be taken to the camp to-morrow. Major Baillie commands at Bahotu with Captain Buck. An unfortunate correspondent wandering through Parihaka last night was arrested and kept prisoner all night with only a waterproof coat for a covering. Doubtless the severity of tho duty stimulated the appetite of the men, but it in to be regretted that the Natives’ pigs were killed, and the potato kits were opened and their contents stolen.

[press association TELEGRAM J PATBA, November 5. A number of strange young Natives were hanging round a deserted pah at Manutahi this morning. The settlers became alarmed, and had a meeting, and sent a mounted messenger here to telegraph to the Goverment for arms. A number of Woodville settlers came in yesterday with their bag and baggage.