LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 494, 24 January 1880, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

(Per Press Association.) THE WAIMATE PLAINS. WELLINGTON. January 215. Tiie Post to-night saj'.s, in a semi-ollicial manner; that after Jong and careful consideration* Government arrived at a linal and definite decision on Wednesday as to their course of action in reference to the native difficulty on the West Coast of this Island, including the Waimate Plains. The lion Mr Bryce (Native Minister), and Major Brown (Civil Commission), left for the West Coast on Wednesday, Mr Parris having gone thither a day or two previously. The Btella was to have left forOpunake on the same day, with about 90 Armed Constabulary, but her boilers being found out of order, her departure was deferred until this evening. This will increase the strength of the Armed Constabulary in the vicinity of the Waimate Plains to about 800 men. With this force it is intended quietly, but at the same time steadily and certainly, to push on the main road from Hawera to Now Plymouth, along the coast line, crossing the Waingongoro River, and passing Onnnake. The Constabulary, in the first instance, will do no more than roughly form the road, and after that is completed, metalling will be let by contract. This road, although it necessarily would bo of great strategic value in case of any difficulty, is intended merely to facilitate the peaceful settlement of the country, and no opposition is anticipated from the Maoris. There is to be no taking possession of Waimate Plains in an aggressive sense, for the general confiscation of the Plains has never been challenged, and no question as to validity of confiscation has been or will be entertained. Government assume that they have always been in legal possession of the land, to be utilised when desirable ; but instead of advertising it for sale, and proceeding to survey it off-hand without making a road through it, laying off reserves, or ascertaining ■what native rights had to he provided for, the Government have expressly instructed Major Brown to assure,, the natives that ample reserves will be made for them, and their wishes consulted as to where these shall bg situated ; that the Royal Commission will investigate all alleged Government promises brought before them by Maoris, who are to be urged to take advantage of this, probably, the last opportunity they will have of ' raising such questions, which will be dealt with fairly and impartially, and every sound claim equitably redressed. Major Brown is also instructed

to lake every possible opportunity of personally explaining these points to the natives, including Te Whiti himself, who will be kept officially informed of all that is done, and to circulate Maori translations of.the Act and proclammation, of which we published an abstract on Wednesday. By the time the road is made, the Commission will have reported, and Government will then be in a position to proceed with the survey and peaceful settlement of the Plains, after making due provision for all valid native claims.

Eighty-four Armed Constabulary left to-niglu for Opmuko in the Stella.