THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2686, 28 October 1881, Page 2

THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

Captain Hamersley yesterday received an intimation from the officer commanding the district, that the services of the South Canterbury men who had offered to go north had been accepted, and instructions that the men should hold themselves in readiness to go when sent for. It was rumored that a steamer would call at this port to pick up the men, but there does not seem to be any real foundation for the rumor. About thirty men of the Timaru Artillery corps have offered to go, 20 of the Temuka Eifles, and 20 from Ashburton. Anyone who has had some military training, although not a member of a volunteer corps, may join on passing an examination, and Captain Hamersley will be at the drill shed this evening to receive applications. The company to be formed here will go north under the command of Captain Hamersley and Lieutenant Wardle of the Battery, and sub-Lieu-tenant White of the Temuka Eifles. The Wellington Naval Brigade arrived at Opunake yesterday morning, and they proceed to Pungarehu to-dav. The natives in Napier laugh at the Governor’s Proclamation. They say that the Europeans are afraid of Te Whiti, and dare not touch him. It has been reported to the Government that To Whiti disaproves of the recent action of natives in destroying fences and stopping drays. Major Atkinson arrived at Opunake yesterday, and Mr Bryce went down from the “ front ” to interview him.

Thirty-five of the Wellington Engineers, and twenty-five of the Dunedin Naval Brigade yesterday offered to go to the front. The “ Lyttelton Times ” correspondent at the front says ;—A large meeting was held on Wednesday night. Both Tohu and Te Whiti made speeches. The latter still promises Divine intervention in the event of the Constabulary coming to Parihaka to make prisoners. The Maoris are to retaliate by taking them prisoners, but all resistance is to stop short of bloodshed. No firearms are to be used, Tohu said the quarrel must bo as one between school boys My personal belief is that the present force at Pungarehu might enter Parihaka and make the prophets prisoners without difficulty whenever they pleased. Te Whiti declares that deliverance is coming in December. The Natives tell me Te Whiti is likely to be murdered if something does not happen by that time. His prophecy declares this deliverance whether he be taken prisoner or not. They also say Te Whiti’s influence will wane directly any prisoners are made, and that numbers of strange Natives at present in Parihaka will disappear.”

[By Telegraph.] Nelson, Oct. 28. At a parade of the Volunteers last night, about 130 town men were present, including the Naval Brigade. The men were examined by Dr Boer, 17 being rejected. It is expected that with the country Corps at least 150 men will leave for Opunako to-night by the Hinemoa. Opunake, Oct. 28. The Constabulary inarched from here to Pungarehu this morning ; the Navals will in the meantime garrison Opunake. Mr Bryce, Colonel Roberts, and Major Atkinson have proceeded to Pungarehu. The Opunake Rifles are about to build fortifications. New Plymouth, Oct. 28. The two Maoris who were arrested for insulting Mr Bryce, were liberated at daylight yesterday morning, after being admonished for their misconduct. Major Atkinson and Capt. Hulme arrived last evening by coach from Opunake. Wanganui, Oct, 28. The Alexandra' Cavalry, 42 strong, under Captain Somerville, left Wanganui to-day for the front. A large crowd gathered to see them off, and the local Volunteer band played them down to the station. The men are well mounted, and present a very fine appearance. The infantry leave by steamer on Saturday. Wellington, Ont. 28. Mr Bryce has to-day sent to ToWhiti a letter, saying that on Saturday November 5, he will go to Parihaka for his (To Whiti’s) answer to the Proclamation,*