STRANGE REPORT FROM PARIHAKA.

Patea Mail, 28 December 1881, Page 3

STRANGE REPORT FROM PARIHAKA.

The correspondent of the Wanganui Het'ald writes from Pungarehn under date 27th December:—The Constabulary are engaged in pulling up the potatoes both here and at Parihaka, on both sides of the road, on the land sold and on that reserved. The potatdes are pulled and allowed to lie, and the A.C, have permission to take what they require. The crops being destroyed are those which have been sedulously guarded by the Maori sentries night and day, and are planted on what were once the famous wheat fields where the fencing prisoners were arrested. The natives view the destruction of their crops in silence. On being questioned they express regret that the potatoes were not left to ripen, when they would be of service to both races. They are not the property of alien tribes, but of those living at Parihaka, who express sorrow that no food is now left for the women and children of the owners. The ripest are being bagged and carried away by the Constabulary. Having told the feelings of the natives with regard to the destruction of their crops, it is but right to say that the Constabulary obey the orders of Mr Bryce with as much reluctance as a drilled soldier can exhibit. They do what they are told with the greatest disgust for the work they have to perform. They all bitterly regret having to destroy unripe crops, and thinking of the presents of food made to them by the natives, reproach their own nation with ingratitude and ruthless severity. The above report is evidently unfair, and cannot bo accepted as giving a true version of what is being done. It may suffice to call forth some official explanation.