REMOVAL OF THE MAORI PRISONERS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 10, 12 January 1880, Page 2

REMOVAL OF THE MAORI PRISONERS.

The Post gives the following explanation of the sudden removal of tbe Maori prisoners from Wellington to the South on Thursday last : — It has been notorious for some time past that the custody of the Maori prisoners in Wellington was by no means a safe one, and involved large and unnecessary expense. A guard of 80 Armed Constabulary bad to be kept in constant ward and readiness for action. The Mount Cook Barracks, where the prisoners were kept, were not strong enough to prevent them breaking out if they determined to effect their escape. The only meaus of restraint in such a case would have been for the guard to shoot tbem down, a proceeding not to be thought of in the case of untried prisoners. Wellington also had the further disadvantage as their place of imprisonment that, in the event of their escaping, either by force or by stratagem, acting under some sudden inspiration of Te Whiti secretly communicated to tbem, they would havo every facility for returning to their owu districts, which would have had a most disastrous effect on the Maori mind, as v conclusive proof of onr weakness and. their superior strength and skill, The Government therefore came to the determination to remove the prisoners, not only from Wellington, but from this island altogether. It was ascertained that safe-keeping and accommodation could be found in the gaols at Dunediu and Hokitika. To those places, therefore, it was decided to remove them. A serious difficulty, however, had to be faced at the outset. It was well-known that Te Whiti had commanded the prisoners to remain in Wellington until, he should release them by virtue of his supernatural powers. Their faith in bim remains undiminished, and it was quite certain therefore that if they were informed beforehand of the intentioa to remove them from Wellington they would offer a most determined and violent resistance, compelling, bodily force to be used and endangering bloodshed. The designs of the Government were therefore kept a profound Becret, the only thing which unavoidably transpired being that the captains of the Hinemoa and Stella bad orders last night to be ready to proceed to sea at a moment's notice, and to provide rations and accommodation for a large number of men. It was not until four o'clock this morning that the Maori prisoners were told that they were to be removed. The intelligence was so sudden— especially as they were only just aroused from their sleep- -that they had uo time to weigh all the import of the matter, and their only feeling was one of pleasurable excitement at the prospect of a change and a sea voyage after the monotony of their long confinement. So tbey got ready with the utmost alacrity, and started from the barracks shortly after five o'clock, under the escort of a Btrong force of Armed Constabu-__«_•_■•-to.tbe- wiiarf, where -fey- ins mediately embarked in tbeir respective steamers. Everything was managed admirably, and passed off without the slightest hitch or difficulty. The Hon Mr Bryce, Native Minister, was present during the whole time, and issued his instructions in person. The Government may be complimented ou effecting an excellent coup very cleverly and successfully. >.*__---»-f-j**7-g**Sj**v**o**ic»^^ l * t **^ ! -T-^ y*jW?&X3£tP