THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5709, 17 July 1879, Page 3

THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

(per press AGENCY.) New Plymouth, Wednesday. The interest taken in Te Whiti by the natives here is greater than ever. A very large number have gone to Parihaka, and it is confidently stated that the prophet’s coronation as King of the Maoris will take place tomorrow. A movement among the Armed Constabulary is taking place : a detachment with baggage left New Plymouth for the South this morning, and at noon the men encamped at Oakura were in heavy marching order. A special telegram to the Wanganui Herald, dated New Plymouth, 14th July, says ; “ About 200 natives passed through the town this morning on their way to the Parihaka meeting. It is looked forward to as one of very great importance, for the matter connected with the ploughing is to be settled.’’ The following are Te Whiti's views on the subject, as stated to one of the natives who visited him :—“ The ploughing has been a great success. The pin has been used to some purpose, and the Government has been initiated into advancing me another step towards my final destination ; but before all these they shall lay hands on you, delivering you up,; <te_,tjie(synagogues and into prisons, being fcrougKlbhfore kings and rulers (Government), for my name’s sake. All the prisoners should be sent to Wellington to complete and make plain the Scripture text. But that is a small • matter. The next step will be a more difficult oue, and they (the Maoris) shall, tall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led.away captive into alt nations, aud Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the time of the Gentiles be fulfilled.”

The next meeting will decide this point. The present idea is that the “pin” will be applied again to bring this about, whether in the shape of ploughing or otherwise, still lies in the womb of time. That some Maoris are to die by the edge of the sword as the next scene in the drama seems at present to be looked forward to. Numbers are of no consequence, from 1 to 1000 being immolated. An influential native in town on Saturday, talking about native affairs, expressed a very decided opinion that if the Government were to attempt to carry on road-makiug and railways the natives would make a determined stand against it, and if necessary would take up arms. Of course this might only be his private opinion on the subject, but it is just likely he may have some ground tor making the assertion.

The County Council to-day passed a resolution recommending the Government to make roads and railways through the confiscated lands, and through Parihaka.