THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2657, 26 September 1881, Page 3

THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

The special correspondent of the “ Lyttelton Times” telegraphing from New Plymouth last night, says “New Plymouth is full of stories of insults given by Maories to A.O. officers and men. One is that Colonel Heberts while riding with Lis orderly in the vicinity of Parihaka, was ordered back by an old Maori, who threatened him With a tomahawk; and he had to return. Another is that a Maori seized one of the men, forced his head between his knees, and after stripping him of a portion of his clothing, administered severe chastisement. This man, it is said, retaliated, and was sentenced to 10 days in the guard house for disobeying the order that no insult is to be, resented by force. Another story is that a Maori kicked an A.C. man, and on the latter appealing to his sergeant ■yvith, “Am I to stand this ?” the sergeant replied, “I suppose so ; we had better no home.” These reports are generally in New Plymouth, and appear to be well authenticated. The feeling in the district is one not so much of alarm as of anger. One hears on every hand “ Ah, they should have taken Bryce's advice.” A volunteer force is already being formed at Manaia and the settlers here consider they should immediately be enrolled. They do believe the armed eonstabulary bv lhcinse’ veß cou, d eO P e vv * t * l a Shrill outbreak.” , , , The same quotes fiom the “Herald” that the result of Mr Eolleston’s interview with a deputation regarding the .state of affairs was not satisfactory iO the latter, as the Minister did not seem to to attach so much importance to the more threatening aspects ot the goes as they thought he should have done. The deputation were so dissatisfied that they telegraphed for Major Atkinson to come up; They advised that arms should be supplied to the settlers, but Mr EoHeston said Government would only arm volunteer companies formed ia the usual way. A telegram had been (received in New Plymouth ordering the enlistment of every able-bodied man offering. _ . It is said that a poition of Te Wliiti s (speech on Saturday week was suppressed, *and that this portion was decidedly pacific in tone.

LATEST NEWS. fßv TeLEGKAPH.] New Plymouth, Sept. 20. Several settlers who were living near Pungarehu, on the newly acquired land, are coming into town. The Native Minister, Colonel Roberts, and Mr Parris, with a guard of eight men, went yesterday morning to inspect the fence and ascertain the present disposition of the Natives, and the numbers that may be expected to resist the Constabulary. If the attitude of the Natives is not so determined as reported, he intends that the Constabulary shall remove the fence. This morning a. force went out, but no news has feaslied here as to what has been done. ,Qu the way to Pungarehu the Native Minister saw Mr Messenger (a good Maori scholar and who was at Parihaka) and asked him respecting the speech published in the papers by the Press Association. Mr Messenger said if was a fair translation and in no way exaggerated. Auckland, Sept. 26. Afi -advertisement appears in the «Star” to-iidgh t, signed by Major Withers, stating that Government directs that men who are drilled and are prepared to enrol for active asrvice in the Armed Constabulary will meet here on Friday next. Opunake, Sept. 26. JMkgor Stapp is to day enrolling the •settlers at Mauaia for volunteer corps, and to morrow will do so at Opunake. The Native Minister, who is now at Pungarehu, endorses the action of the settlers in preparing for contingencies, present the Natives are passive, and appear discomfited at the action of the Europeans. iCaargTCHUECH, Sept. 26.

Over 100 men had applied befoie one o'clock to be enrolled in the Armed Constabulary.