THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2695, 8 November 1881, Page 2

THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

A notice was posted in Parihaka yesterday calling on all natives not belonging to the place to return immediately to their homes, but owing to the state of weather—a heavy rain falling all day —no movement in the direction of enforcing it was made. Te Whiti and Tohn will most likely be tried on a distinct charge of sedition and inciting. They will probably be first brought before the New Plymouth Magistrate, but it is not finally settled where they shall be tried. Captain Hamersley is in charge of a camp about a quarter of a mile from Parihaka, having under his command, besides the Canterbury contingent, the Wellington Engineers, City Rifles and Guards, the Masterton, Makara, Caterton and Greytown Rifles, and the Marlborough Contingent. The special reporter of the “ Otago Daily Times ” at the front says :—“The general feeling here is one of surprise at the easy way in which the captures were effected. As an eye-witness I can speak as to the remarkable spectacle presented by so large a gathering submitting to such a measure without even a gesture of anger. It affords satisfactory evidence that Te Whiti’s influence over his people had not been overstated, and shows also that the proceedings in no way took them by surprise. Probably no other race equally passionate when roused could have been schooled to witness the spectacle of their leaders being arrested in their very midst with the same equanimity. Mr Bryce’s remarks to the Volunteers and officers notwithstanding, the Native difficulty is in the opinion of many here as far from settlement as ever. There is doubtless an expectation on the part of Te Whiti and others that they will be able to fully open up the question of confiscated land on their trial, and numbers of the Natives will without hesitation submit to be arrested in the same hope.” The “Lyttelton Times” special wired last night:—A gale has been raging all day, but the Volunteers seem to pat up with all discomforts iu a most cheerful spirit. They have a bad commissariat, and worse shelter, and are to be complimented on the way they take their hardships. The new camps at Parihaka are perfect seas of mud. It is quite impossible to do anything. The Maoris are all in their whares, and with the exception of the sentries no men are to be seen at the camp. He says the Maoris have no intention of complying with the orders to clear out.

[By Telegraph.] [from our special correspondent.] Pungarehu, Nov. 7, 3 35 p.ra. Last night passed quietly. This morning began with strong N.W. weather and heavy rain. The men in most cases were under canvas before night fell, but some Corps were left without tents, and are now (2 p.m.) seeking shelter where best it can be found. At Manaia Captain Somerville with the Wanganui Cavalry has been patrolling frequently, and from what I can learn he has performed efficient service. Major Atkinson left the Camp this morning, so doubtless the promised Proclamation will soon be published, but it is unlikely that any movement will be made in this inclement weather. I heard of one amusing report by the officer in charge of the Guards which arrested the straggler to whom I referred in my last. It stated “ there is nothing in particular to particularly report, except that a man was found wandering on the road. He was brought in by the sentry, and on enquiry it was found that he was a special correspondent, and I therefore made him prisoner.” I may say a policeman’s life is not a happy one; but what is it to that of a correspondent at the front ? At a meeting of gentlemen representing the Press of the colony, it was resolved to present a respectful letter to the officer commanding the District, asking permission for free access of correspondents to the Camps, it is to be hoped it will be met properly. Dr Diver was despatched to Bahotu this morning on receipt of a telegram, stating that an officer of the Wellington Naval Brigade was ill from sunstroke. A report obtains currency that a reconnaissance party left last nigt to march for the defence of the interior. THIS DAY. [Press Association Special.] Pungarehu, 9 a.m. The weather has now cleared up, and the men in the different camps are / engaged putting their things shipshape, after the boisterous weather of yesterday. There is nothing fresh at Parihaka. Early this morning a notice was posted in the pah, calling on the five tribes, and other visitors who have assembled there, to disperse and leave for their respective hapua. The Hon. Mr Bryce and Mr Rolleston left this camp at 6 o’clock this morning for Parihaka. The prisoners are still here. Hiroki is kept in a separate tent from Te Whiti and Tohu, and is bound down at night. There are only 50 men, inclusive of Mounted Rifles, now stationed here. . It is expected that some action will bo taken this morning. 11.30 a.m. Several Natives ■whom I saw at Parihaka this morning, are now passing through for their own hapus. The Constabulary are now searching the whares for arms. The hill in front of Parihaka is crowded with men witnessing the movements of the Armed Constabulary. (From our special correspondent.) Pungarehu, 10.30 a.m. Word was sent at 7 o’clock to the natives at Parihaka ordering them to disperse. No answer being given the Armed Constabulary at once proceeded

to . empty the whares. The Waikato Natives all assembled at the meeting place. A company of the Armed Constabulary is now clearing the whares in the centre of the village and walking amongst the Maoris. A good number of guns have been found but no resistance has been offered. The people are sitting quietly and are not saying a word. The Volunteers are under arms. The Nelson Batallion is covering the assembly. The Armed Constabulary are surrounding the village. The Native Minister is here. Throe special correspondents found in the settlement were arrested and sent to the rear under escort. Te Whiti andTohu are in the Block House at Pungarehu. Hiroki is in a tent, in irons, and is secured at night. A quantity of arms of all sorts have been found and passed out. - The Chiefs will probably be arrested and the whares destroyed. Latee. At eleven the Constabulary finished searching the centre of the villiage and are now on the south side of the river. Two hundred and fifty arms have been collected so far. Some meres brought by the search party were returned by the order of the Minister. A number of breech.loading guns and Enfield rifles and revolvers were among the arms found. Quite a large haul was made of Enfield ammunition, besides shot and powder, and shot belts. The arms are now being sent to Pungarehu by wagons. The troops have now (noon) been dismissed to lunch, to fall in again at one o’clock. Tito’s men are not here. (Pee Pkess Association.) Wellington, Nov. 8. The Hinemoa leaves this evening for Opunake to bring down Mr Eolleston and probably the prisoners.