THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2692, 4 November 1881, Page 2

THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

The meeting at Parihaka to morrow is naturally causing a good deal of excitement among the natives of the West Coast, as well as among the settlers, and a great many hare gone to Parihaka to see what is going to be done.

The total Armed Constabulary in the district is stated to be 868 ; distributed as follows : —At Eahotu 224, at Pungarehu 540, at Opunake 60, at Manaia, 40, at Okato 12, at Cape Egmont 12. The volunteer strength is 1049, distributed as follows : —At Ratohu —111 of the Wellington Naval Brigade, 162 of the Wanganui contingent, 171 of the Thames contingent, 189 of the Wellington and Wairarapa contingents, 205 of the Nelson contingent and 78 of the Canterbury contingent. At Manaia—--55 of the Wanganui Cavalry. At Pungarehu The New Plymouth Cavalry. The roads iu the Parihaka block will be stopped to all civilians except representatives of the Press to-morrow.

Captain Mair has been appointed Aid-de-Camp to Lieutenant Colonel Roberts. A reconnissance has been made of Parihaka, and no difficulty is anticipated in making an entry. It is reported that Hiroki has cleared out from Parihaka.

The Hon Major Atkinson, Colonial Treasurer, addressed his constituents at Patea last night. Referring to the Native difficulty he said the aim ofevery Government had been to bring into the pale of the English law the Native race, and in doing so they had desired to temper justice with, mercy. When he first became their representative there waa a state of anarchy on the Waimate Plains, and there were no roads behind the mountain. In 1877, when he went out of office, the Government were prepared to commence the survey of the plains, but the next Government permitted the surveyors to be carted off the plains, and generally lost the confidence of the settlers in the conduct of Native affairs. He would now justify the present position. Parliament had appointed a Commission of enquiry, who sent in a report. Parliament adopted their recommendation, and authorised the Commissioners to give effect to their report. The Government tried every means to induce the Natives to accept the very liberal terms offered by the Commission, and having exhausted every means at their disposal, the Government now meant to enforce law and order. [By Telegraph.] [from our special correspondent.] Opunake, Nov. 4. The Wellington Engineers, Rifles and Guards, and the Wairarapa Volunteers, landed yesterday morning, and marched for Rahotu at one o’clock. On landing Drs Diver and Watts, who accompanied them, were informed that no more doctors were required. The matter will doubtless be fully enquired into. As usual the volunteers left the store at Wellington half equipped, and there is a general complaint by them of tbe management. By an advertisement in the “Taranaki Herald ” Colonel Roberts stops the traffic on the road between Opunake and Stoney River to-day and to-morrow. Mr Northcroft, R.M., has reported at Pungarehu that the Wellington Contingent march at 1 p.m., for Rabotu, headed by the Guards’ band. The Native Minister, accompanied by 40 Taranaki Mounted Rifles, visited Parihaka yesterday, stayed a few minutes, and returned. Fifty Marlborough Volunteers landed here to-day. (Pee Peess Association.) Opunake, Nov. 4. Major Bailee, with 50 Marlborough Volunteers arrived this morning per Stella. They march at once for Pungarehu. The road between here and Stoney River lias been closed for traffic by order of Colonel Roberts, to-day and tomorrow.