THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2688, 31 October 1881, Page 2

THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

The Stella sailed from Lyttelton for Wellington on Saturday night, taking the Timuru, Temuka, and Ashburton men, about eighty in number, for “the front.” Seventeen of the Timam recruits were rejected at Christchurch on the ground that they were unacquainted with drill, besides two apprentices stopped by warrants. Speaking of their departure from Lyttelton, the “ Press ” says ; —“ The corps represented were the Timam Artillery and Temuka and Ashburton Rifles, and from the bearing of the men when tiie bugle call was sounded for them to fall in prior to going on board the steamer Stella, then lying at the jetty, there can be no two opinions as to their efficiency for active service. A good many of their friends had accompanied them to witness their embarkation, and these assembled at the end of the jetty in position to have a last wave of the handkerchief and a last cheer upon the steamer casting off her lines. The Lyttelton Naval Brigade mistered in uniform with creditable promptness and numbers, to form the guard of honor to their comrades in the Volunteer service." Lieutenant Colonel Packe, Major Lean, Captain Young, Temuka; Lieutenant Wolfe, City Guards; Captain Slater and Lieutenant Millett, C.Y.C., were among those who witnessed their departure. Between 40 and 50 of the Christchurch Artillery have given in their names as willing to go to the front, but it is understood that the Government will not call for any more men at present, having enough on the ground or on the Avay. No news of importance has b been received from “ the front." The Volunteers from Nelson and Wellington, and probably also those from Lyttelton had a rough time of it on the way, the sea being very high. Some difficulty was experienced in landing them at Opunake. The Nelson men could not belauded there and were taken to New Plymouth. The Thames contingent, numbering 140, arrived at Auckland on Saturday, eti route and proceed further to day. The Wanganui men, 142 in number, start this afternoon. They have several Maori war medalists among them. The Government have now got the full number of Volunteers required for the present. They have declined to take men newly enrolled, and who have not had previous training. Some anxiety was felt that the Maori King Avould be inclined to assist Te Whiti in his extremity, but Government has received a despatch from Major Mair stating that Tawhiao is very anxious it should be distinctly understood that he has no sympathy with Te Whiti, and will not be drawn into any of the latter’s quarrels. The “Lyttelton Times” correspon* dent at Pungarehu says the signs that the end is approaching are not wanting, and by Thursday he expects the preparations will be completed. Yesterday he wired :—“ The Maoris remain perfectly indifferent. I visited Parihaka this morning. Before going we were told that Te Whiti would not speak to any Europeans, but he observed us as we entered Parihaka, and at once called out to us and welcomed us very cordially. I can see no difference in his demeanour, nor that of any of the other Natives. They are thoroughly informed as to all that is going on in the camps, and discuss our movements quite good-naturedly. One man remarked —‘ Te Whiti good man ; make Government spend plenty money.’ Pungarehu camp has been visited to-day by scores of people from New Plymouth, who are evidently quite of the same opinion. Hiroki is still at Parihaka. Some argue that this is the sign of an intention to fight, as he would decamp if they intended to submit, but in my opinion Hiroki can get clear at a moment’s notice. The officers’wives have just been ordered to move into the town, and most if not all of the settlers’ wives have already gone."

The special reporter of the “ Otago Daily Times ’’ says :—“ From very reliable authority I have intelligence as to the mode of procedure contemplated by the Natives at Parihaka. Their idea is simply to meet any exercise of force attempted by our men with equal reprisals—for every man wounded, and every prisoner taken, &c,, to respond in the same rate. This is, of course, a project which it would prove almost impossible to carry out in its entixety,. but it has the effect of showing pretty clearly the attitude of the Maoris. They are particularly anxious to proceed to no unprovoked excesses, and to allow the Europeans to become the first aggressors. By this means they hope to gain the countenance and support of their fellows, appealing in the first instance to their sympathy.” The Patea “ Mail” publishes the following Private information enables us to state that the Governor has , reported to the Colonial Secretary in London on the state of the native

difficulty,and has asked for instructions. We believe more than one message has passed. It is also known that the Governor’s version of the question is being backed up by some politicians hero and in London. A combined attempt is being made on a small scale to force a dissolution of the Ministry. If the Governor be instructed from London he will dismiss the Ministry.” The value of these statements is dependent upon the amount of truth in them. In all probability the Governor did report to Colonial Office at Home, he was almost bound to do so, and to ask for instructions ; that is all plain sailing; but when it is said that the Governor’s version is “backed up,” we want to know what that version is before we can attach any importance to the statement, and the value of the last two

sentences depends entirely upon the degre of truth in them. How did the “ Mail” get bold of this knowledge if true? [By Telegraph.] Mauton, Oct. 31. 32 Marton Volunteers, 25 of Feildmg and 33 of Palmerston, left by the morning train for Wanganui, to embark for the front. A large crowd assembled to witness the departure cf the Volunteers.