THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2658, 27 September 1881, Page 3

THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

SECOND EDITION

A gentleman in Timaru, who has a relative an officer in the Armed Constabulary Force, and who is now encamped about 12 miles from Parihaka, received a telegram from his friend yesterday afternoon to the effect that there was no likelihood of any unce occurring at present. The alarming rumors in circulation he characterised ns “ all bosh.” Another telegram was received to-day by the same gentleman from another friend in Nomianby, saying that there was no cause for alarm. _ The “ Lyttjton 'rimes” special correspondent, wiring last night from Okato, a place some 12 or 15 miles from Parihaka, says “ Things so far are in statu, qtto. The Natives for some time past have been turning everything into cash, selling their sheep and cattle at a great sacrifice, the object being to get money in every way possible. X notice that many of the small Native settlements about here which we occupied on the occasion of my last visit are now deserted, the late inhabitants having all gone to Parihaka. The sense of irksomeness and uneasiness amongst the few European settlers here is very great. In New Plymouth the prevailing idea is that Mr Bryce’s plan should have been adopted. Tbe Government are evidently doing their best to grapple with the difficulty, and to be prepared for any emergency ; but there is no doubt that if a sudden outbreak occurred it would fce at a disadvantage as compared with a few months ago. It is fully anticiloated that the Constabulary will, tomorrow, make a move that will bring matters to an issue. Present preparations all point to this.” “Mr Burgess, recently from. England, who w'as the first to take up land and build a house on the Wairoa block, sccmtb of Sloncy river, to day removed ibis family and all his household be'longings to New Plymouth. When the drays containing the furniture crossed Stouey river, a number of Natives gathered around and made jeering remarks. Burgess is in no way to he blamed for removing his family Scorn danger, hut there is no doubt that tbis retreat will have a bad effect on the Native mind. He himself means to return to his land as soon as he has settled his family in New Plymouth. I had a long conversation with him, m the course of which he told me he had applied to the constabulary authorities for protection but was told they had quite enough to do to protect themselves.”

[By Tblegeaph.j (PiIESS A-S^OCIATION.) Nuw Plymouth, §apt, 26, The settlers who hare recently commcnced the w ork o£ making homesteads for themselves at jSTgakamikunu, have determined to 'bring t*«W fa “!. lie ! n J-? New Plymouth for the p?esent, until native affairs are more settled. Burgess and family left on Saturday, and Campbell is making -preparations to remove in a few days. On Thursday last a settler named Danielis, who had purchasedland at the recent land sale was clearing a road in his land when a native e.ime upon him and told him to desist. He immediately sprang upon the native to take his use from him,and in the struggle that,ensued ho »ave the Maori a blow on the head which caused the latter to cry out. A number of natives hud nern hiding in the hush, and they, rushed out ■on Danielis, but did nut succeed in catch in- him, as he is a young active man, mid fleet-looted. Ho outstripped his pursuers, -who followed huii eh-se to camn On arrival at the camp informed Colonel U-dicrh of the affair. Danielis has returned toAew 1 Ivmnut i, as he does nut consider it sate to settle on his land. CIIKISTOHUKCII, Sept. 20. Over 200 men applied for enlistmen to-day, and 100 were picked out. Inspecto 1 ’ Coleman says he is surprised at the physique of the applicants, the men lie has selected being of exceptionally good build and appearance. _ He telegraphed to learn whether he is to take any more.

LATEST NEWS,

New Plymouth, Sept. 27. The Bineraoa anchored in the roadstead this morning from Manukan. She brings arms and ammunition. Titokowaru; and his people, numbering about two hundred in all, left their settlement at Mawhitiwhiti and proceeded to Parihako. They carried with them all their goods and chattels, and burned some of their whares before leaving. They are well supplied with axes, fern hooks, etc., having purchased a considerable number of these implements lately. The natives at Purihaka have warn ed the Constabulary that they intend shortly to proceed to the Waimate Plains for the purpose of molesting the settlers there. They intend to commence ploughing there.

Wellington, Sept. 27. Public meetings have been held at Manaia and Hawera —at Hawera crowded —to enrol volunteer corps in case of disturbance. 63 were enrolled in Hawera as infantry, 30 as mounted rifles, and 38 as foot rifles were enrolled at Manaia last night. At Manaia Major Stapp was present, and the meeting cheered him heartily and showed great confidence in him as officer commanding the district. A number of other volunteers had expressed an intention of joining who were not present at the meeting at Manaia. It is expected that at least 50 mounted and probably 100 infantry will join on the plains, and numbers are waiting to see whether Te Whiti really means fighting, as the new settlers are too busy to spare time for soldiering except at serious incon venience and loss. A few settlers have removed their wives and families into the township of Manaia and elsewhere. The air is full of rumors.