THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2689, 1 November 1881, Page 2

THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

The Stella, with the Sout Canterbury volunteers for the front, left Wellington for Opunaki last night. The men won golden opinions in Wellington by their steadiness and good conduct. Several corps in various parts of the colony have tendered their services wihin the past day or two, but Mr Bryce has telegraphed to the Government not to accept any more, he has as many as he wants at present. The Wellington Artillery Corps has lost its temper. They offered their services early, but were told they must go

as a rifle corps if they went at all. They demurred, wanting to go as a Battery, but at last consented to go as rifles. By the time they had made up their minds the Government had got enough men on the field or en route, and the Artillery among others were informed that they would not be wanted. Then they got riled. Having been at so much trouble, and having made concessions so galling to their professional pride as an Artillery Corps, they have determined that they will go, whether Mr Brjree wants them or not, and are collecting subscriptions and contributions or loans of tents, etc., to enable them to go. Te Whiti addressed his people yesterday, his speech being of a quieter tone than previous ones. He said that when he counselled resistance there was not many soldiers in the neighborhood, but now every south wind brought more men. Tohu followed in the same strain. Interpreters and reporters were present, and summaries of the addresses will no doubt be published. It is is said that their followers did not seem to approve of the prophets changed tone, and it is considered not unlikely that Te Whiti and Toha, or at any rate Te Whiti, will be in danger of being lynched by the deluded natives.