NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 973, 2 June 1879, Page 2

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

. <& New Plymouth, June 1. A meeting of settlers was held yester- . day, at which it was decided to wait on the Premier, and present a resolution to the effect that they hope the Government will not take any steps to suppress the natives without first securing the protection of the district by large forces. The deputation, consisting of J.P.'s, members of the Assembly, and prominent outsettlers, then waited on the Premier and Colonel Whitmore, and Major Atkinson having submitted the resolution, pro ceeded to state the anxiety that existed with the settlers with reference to the aggressive attitude taken by the natives. He then proceeded to state that they had waited upon the Government to know whether Ministers were prepared to give an absolute assurance of protection, and that they might remain at their homes : with safety. i Sir George Grey replied that the Government would do everything in their '

power to protect out settlements when endangered. He thought it better if some I leading settlers would meet him, and give him information respecting their several districts as to the number of settlers and the protection they had, in case of an outbreak. Major Atkinson replied that the settlers would give all the information in their power. Sir George Grey said that was the cause of his visit. Major Atkinson said he would not like to be one of the private deputation. Sir George Grey replied that there were other gentlemen equally cognisant of the state of the country. Several other settlers spoke in reply. To the deputation Sir George Grey said the Government would be in a position to protect them' and their interests when required, and would notify them if advisable to quit their homesteads. After the deputation, Sir George Grey and Colonel "Wliitmore had a long discussion with a number of settlers. A public meeting has been called for 11 o'clock on Monday next.