NATIVE AFFAIRS IN TARANAKI.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 976, 5 June 1879, Page 2

NATIVE AFFAIRS IN TARANAKI.

Ivicv/ Plymouth, June 4. The arrangements made by the Government for the protection cSf this district appear to give satisfaction, and the alarm has been somewhat allayed. At, the interview yesterday with the Premier it was stated that the arrangement he was making here was only part of a general scheme which was under the consideration of the Government for the disposal of the native difficulty for ever. The native political ploughmen who have been amusing themselves lately on Mr. Courtney's land at Oakura are getting tired of their work. They made a start on Monday, and were tiiere yesterday, but failed to put in an appearance to-day. They do not do much, the extent of their work each day not exceeding an acre. Intelligence has been received that the natives have commenced ploughing up Mr. Bayley's land at Te Naina, near Opunake, within a stone's throw of where the force of Constabulary are stationed. They have warned Mr. Bartlett to leave the Opunake Hotel, and intimated that they intend to commence to plough liis paddock at the back to-morrow. This is being done under the eyes of the Constabulary, and is intended as a further threat by the natives. A rumor has been circulated in town that Te "SVhiti stated that the 13th of this month was the day oil whicli the ruru (meaning an uprising or convulsion of some sort) was to take place, and that on that day all the land will be in possession of the Maoris. These statements, though coming from Maori sources, cannot be relied upon, and may be mere exaggerations. Wellingtojt, June 4. The Governor and Ministers returned from New Plymouth to-day. Immediate steps are to be taken to recruit 200 more men for the constabulary, who will be sent to defend New Plymouth. Advices received thence by the Government to-day are more reassuring. The reported removal of women and children from the outlying settlements into town is now explained to have taken place only in one or two isolated places, where the husband was accustomed to be absent from home at work all the week. In such cases it was thought better that wives and children should not be left alone and unprotected. It is stated, however, that most of the -outlying settlers disclaim :}ll apprehension of attack, and express their belief that nothing of the kind is probable. . It is also alleged that the natives manifest no ill-feeling towards Europeans, but merely assert that they are endeavoring to force a settlement of the question of their title by entry on the land. The action of the Maoris is so far simply a civil trespass to test their title. They utterly repudiate any intention of hostile movements against the Government. It is credibly reported that Te Whiti's followers are almost unarmed, and are whqlly unprepared fqr war. The rumor that he was making warlike preparations has been positively contradicted. The Government, however, are getting everything in readiness for any emergency. June 5. The Stella left this morning with 45 members of the Armed Constabulary for Taranaki. The men have been recruited here within the last few weeks. Men who have served before are being rapidly enrolled.