NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2371, 8 November 1881, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[press association telegram] PUNGARBHU, November 7.

At daylight this morning, tho Natives were assembled in their meeting-house. They were quiet and treated those who were successful in getting into the pah in a friendly way. The chief Rangipuhuahoaho addressed the people last night. This is one of the chiefs who was imprisoned at Dunedin, and addressed the Natives while in custody. He takes a prominent part in tho management of the affairs at Parihaka. It has transpired that several pigs belonging to the Natives have been killed by the volunteers. Major Atkinson returned to camp this morning. The Mounted B fl-s loft Puugarehu for Parihaka this morning taking with them the six-pounder Armstrong. It is now raining heavily, being the first wet day the volunteers have had under canvas. Miserable weather baa been experienced here to-day from doylight until late this afternoon; a strong N.W. wind wos blowing, accompanied with a heavy downpour of rain, which prevented many visitors to the neighborhood of Parihaka. Major Atkinson proceeded to the pah early in the morning, and on his return proceeded direct to Opunake. At ten o’clock I started on a visit to the different camps on the road to Parihaka, The first camp is distant about a quarter of a mile from the village and on the right band side of the road which leeds to tho pah. Here tho Wellington Engineers, Wellington City Rifles, Wellington Guards, Masterton Rifles, Makara Rifles, Carterton Rifles, Grey town Rifles, Marlborough contingent, and Canterbury contingent were stationed, the whole being under the command of Captain Hammersley, of the Timaru Artillery. No difficulty was experienced in gaining admittance to tho camp, and the members of the differnnt corps received visitors very kindly. Notwithstanding the heavy downpour of rain, the men were in high spirits. The pickets at the camp had a very trying time, being posted in the bush a distance of about 150 yards from tho oamp. While in camp I visited several of tho tents, and found many of them leaking, but this the occupants said they did not mind, as the waterproof sheets supplied by the Government were preventive against their getting wet. There being no appearance of the weather clearing up I moved on to headquarters near Parihaka. On arrival there the six-pounder Armstrong, which had been sent from Puugarehu this morning had been placed in position on a small hill overlooking Parihaka. On reaching the top of the hill no others beyond a sentry were found there. I then descended with the intention of proceeding to Parihaka, but was prevented from doing so (from the front entrance) by the sentries. After this I managed to gain admittance to the pah on the opposite side. Only a few Natives were about, large numbers having sought refuge from the boisterous weather. I then retraced my steps to the Constabulary camp, and although refused admittance yesterday, tho sentries allowed me to pass to-day. When in oamp I sought an interview with Colonel Roberts, and being directed to his tent, I proceeded there, and found that officer in company with the Hons. Bryco and Bolleston. Mr Bryce told me that some mistake must have been made in refusing permission to enter the camp yesterday, as no orders had been issued to that effect, but that there was an objection to any persons visiting the pah. Mr Bryoe also stated that notice bad been posted in Parihaka calling on all Natives to disperse forthwith, and that the unpropitious weather had put a stop to all movements for the day. While on my return journey to Puugarehu I was recalled by Colonel Roberts, and informed that the hill on which the Armstrong gun is stationed had been called Fort Bolleston. Dr. Diver proceeded to Bahotu this morning to attend to one of the Naval Brigade, who was reported to be seriously ill. It is still raining heavily.

[from a correspondent.] PUNGARBHU, November 7.

The night passed quietly. This morning began with strong weather and heavy rain The men in most oases were under canvas before nightfall, but some corps wore left without tents, and are now (2 p.m.) seeking shelter where beat it can be found. At Mania Capt. Somerville, of the Wanganui Cavalry, has been patrolling frequently, and from what I can learn he has performed efficient service. Major Atkinson left camp this morning, so doubtless the promised proclamation will soon be published, but it is unlikely that any movement will he made in this inclement weather. I heard of an amusing report by tho officer in charge of the Guards which arrested the straggler, to whom I referred in my last. As stated there is nothing in particular to report, except that a man who was found wandering on the road was brought in by the sentry. On enquiry it was found that he was a special correspondent, and ho was therefore made prisoner, If a policeman’s life is not a happy one what is that of a correspondent at the front. At a meeting of gentlemen representing the Press of the colony, it was resolved to present a respectful letter to the officer commanding the district, asking permission for tho free access of tho correspondents to the oamp. A report has obtained currency that a reconnaisanco party loft last night to search for defences in the interior. Lieut. Fitzherbert left for Wellington to-day on leave of absence.

[FROM the own correspondent of the “ PRESS.”]

WELLINGTON, November 7.

Tho Government have only received very short telegrams from Mr Bryce. He reports that he has posted in several conspicuous place* in Parihaka notices to all persons belonging to other than Parihaka tribes to go to their homos forthwith. It is doubtful as yet whether they will obey this order or not. Some think they will submit, but others believe they will continue to offer passive resistance. In that case it may not be easy to make them move on unless they can be treated as trespassers on Crown land now that the period of grace allowed by _ the proclamation has expired. I believe, however, that some further formal stops will have to be taken before this can be legally done, but I am not yet in possession of full information on this point. A sort of double Cabinet meeting is known to have been held, one at Pungarehu, where Mr Bryce, Mr Rolleston, and Major Atkinson were in consultation, and the other in Wellington, Mr Hall, Mr Dick, and Mr Johnston being present. The Attorney-General also has been freely communicated with. I cannot tell you

the result, but a conference between the Premier and the Governor took place to day, and it is currently reported in town that the interview was of a somewhat stormy nature. The relations between his- Excellency and his advisors are becoming much strained. I cannot vouch for the truth of this authoritatively, but I have strong reasons to believe that there has been another difference of opinion. I hinted last week that this was not unlikely to arise when the question came up as to what should follow the arrest of Te Whiti and Tohu. This much I do know, that the proclamation which was to have been issued today for dissolving Parliament preparatory to the immediate issue of the writs for the general election has not yet been signed by his Excellency. You will be at no loss to appreciate the bearing of this fact. It shows, at any rate, that the possibility still exists of Parliament haring to be specially called together before the dissolution, although I do not think such a contingency at all probable. It may be that to-morrow's events will remove present obstacles to an amicable development.

I understand that Te Whiti and Tohu will most likely be tried, not under the the special Aet of 1880, but on a distinct charge of sedition and inciting to riot. They will probably be first brought before the New Plymouth Magistrate, but it is not settled finally where they shall be tried.