LATEST NEWS FROM THE FRONT.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2379, 17 November 1881, Page 3

LATEST NEWS FROM THE FRONT.

fPBEBB ASSOCIATION SPECIAL.! PGNGAEEHTJ, November 17. The Canterbury and Marlborough contingents have just marched for Opunake, and they will embark to-morrow. The Mounted Bifles, who escorted the prisoners to Opunake yesterday, returned last night. [from a. cobekspondent.] PDNGARKHU, Novemoer 17. Two hundred and forty-seven Taranakis were selected yesterday, and fifty were rejected as not being of the tribe. Opinions differ as to the justice of the action of the Government re the confiscation. Sympathy is expressed on one side as to the Native title, but looking at both sides, and the custom of the Natives, the position appears to be this : In 1835 the Waikatos suffered a great defeat by the coast Natives, assisted by Dick Barrett, a whaler, who brought two ship’s carronades ashore to aid his friends, and the Taranaki Natives held possession of the land from Meteora to Kawa Creek by right of conquest. This applies to the land lying between Kawa and Waingongoro, which includes the Waimate plains. This land was originally held by the Ngatiawhari and Ngatiawas, who were entirely destroyed, and their land taken by the present claimants. The objection advanced that thenon-eccupation on confiscated land supplied the ownership appears by the Native custom to bo erroneous, as a conquering tribe could retain, if sufficiently strong, and take up conquered territory. On the other hand, it is stated by reliable authority that after the last war no steps were taken to take possession of the land between Waingongoro andJStoney Biver, and that the military settlers were given land north of the latter river, and the redoubt at Waria abandoned ; also that Te Whiti was consulted about the formation of the Coast road and telegraph wire running over the Waimate plains, and grants of land were given to the Natives on the south side of Stoney river in lieu of the land taken from them on the north side. It appears to be true that the boundaries of such grants were never laid out, but the fact of disposing of the conquered territory pointed to the rest of the ownership. Free comments are passed upon the action of Mr Parris sitting on the Bench at the trial of Te Whiti at New Plymouth. To-day is the Parihaka meeting day, but if any attempi to address the Natives they will be-arrested.

Four men, four women, and three children were arrested this morning. The Nelson Volunteers took picket over the prisoners last night. A haltaa was danced, the refrain being to continue opposition. The Maoris call the Native Minister Hone Werehana, or John the chief of the devils. The Nelson Volunteers] march at eight o’clock for Opunake. The Wanganui men march for Waverley to-morrow. The Palmerston Volunteers left with the Canterbury contingent. _____