Mr. Bryce at Parihaka.

Patea Mail, Volume VI, Issue 538, 26 June 1880, Page 2

Mr. Bryce at Parihaka.

HIS GENTLE COERCION.

The Government received a telegram from the Hon. John Bryce on Wednesday, despatched from thePimgarelm camp, and giving his version of Native affairs at Parihaka. Mr Bryce states that most of the Constabulary were at work about the new camp, but he sent forward 60 men early this morning to open through communication with the Southenr( Waitaka) camp as soon as possible. Shortly afterwards it was reported to Mr Bryce that the .natives had abandoned the old fence, which they have hitherto been repairing,-and had erected a new fence across the road line, abont threequarters of a mile further on. On proceeding to the spot indicated, Mr Bryce found that the Constabulary'had made an opening through the fence for the road to pass. Directly they desisted, the old Maoris who were standing near at once began to reercct the fence, and soon closed up the road. By Mr Bryce’s orders the Constabulary’ again pulled down the fence, the two Maoris retiring to a little distance, and looking on witli the utmost meekness from a corner of the fence. So soon as the fence was pulled down the natives advanced and once more begun to put it up again. At this stage Mr Bryce directed the Constabulary to remove the natives without using any violence. The two Maoris were accordingly 7 quietly “moved on” to their old corner of observation, and left there at liberty’. They then said—“ That is enough; we will now desist ; let the road go on!” They refused to say by whose orders they were acting, treating all questions wH’W stolid disregard. It is believed that having made this harmless demonstration against the road making, the natives will offer no further obstruction. Mr Bryce was. driven in a buggy both ways between the camps, and reports the country very favourable to ■ road making.— Post.