THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2706, 21 November 1881, Page 2

THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

The “ dispersing ” policy was vigorously pursued at Parihaka on Saturday. A batch of 150 Natives was started for Oeo, a distance of 25 miles, at 9 a.m. On their arrival at Oeo theyr were given a single ration and told to go home. Three other lots were started in different directions yesterday. The prisoners liberated at their own settlements north of New Plymouth at once settled down quietly to their old ways. The total number of Natives that have been taken out of Parihaka and dispersed is 1813, and only six now remain in custody, these being chiefs taken shortly after the arrest of Te Whiti. Te Whetu and Patui are among them, and will probably be released to-morrow. They belong to Patea. Mr Bryce is not aware of any charge that can be preferred against Te Whetu foi any offence committed since his being released from prison, where he had been cofined for obstructing roads. Patui is one of the principle chiefs, but will not be released until it has been ascertained in what temper he is. Today further searches are to be made for strange natives, aad more whares are to be pulled down. The Government have received a telegram from Mr Bryce that a number of natives have at length submitted voluntarily, and come out of Parihaka on the order being given without as usual requiring to be removed. Moreover Te Whiti’s chief officer or constable has spontaneously come to Mr Bryce and placed in bis hands the greenstone mere which was the sign of his authority.

The Hinemoa arrived at Nelson at half-past six on Saturday evening with the South Island Volunteers. A great crowd was down to welcome them, including the Mayor and City Councillors, the Fire Brigade, &c. The men marched up to the centre of the town, where the Town Clerk presented a congratulary address to Major Pitt, who replied to it. Cheers were were then given for the Nelson men, and the Canterbury and Marlborough corps and Major Pitt. Fully 8000 people were present. The returning Wanganui and Alexandra Voluuteers were accorded a similar reception at Wanganui on Saturday afternoon. The “ Lyttelton Times ’’ special gives that journal particulars of a long korera he had yesterday with an old chief named Motu, who lives at Puuehu, sor G miles north of Parihaka. Motu’s village was searched for arms on Friday, and about tv o-doxeu guns were found. Motu seemed very angry at his village being despoiled so rudely. At Parihaka, a native in Motu’s village said, there was some excuse, but there was no excuse for taking the guns and breaking open wbares at Puuehu.

Late on Friday night the Constabulary made a sudden entry into Parihaka in the hopes of seizing certain prominent Natives who were wanted. The only capture made was that of a high official employed with Mr Bryce in settling the the Native Difficulty. The circumstances under which he was caught are said to he extremely embarrasing. THIS DAY. [By Telegraph.]. Opunake, 10.45 a.m. The last detachment of Volunteers embarked yesterday. The tribes Ngatiruanui, Ngatikane, and Ngarnahine have been escorted as far as Oeo, in charge of Hbni Pihana. They are very sullen. PUNGAREHU, 2.30 p.m. The arresting operations are continued. At 8 this morning all the Natives except Mrs Te Whiti and child, and those ill, were sent off the Pah to the sloue near the grave yard. There were between 600 and 700 men,. women, and children. Those belonging to Parihaka were allowed to return. It is expected about 200 will be taken into custody and sent to New Plymouth. Titokowaru, who has refused all food two days has given in and asked for “kai/’ When Dr O’Carroll visited him this morning he was crying, it is supposed at finding his power of endurance weaker than he expected. He will be sent to New Plymouth and be charged with some offence, Mr Bryce being of opinion that the settlers in the neighbourhood of Manaia would be very uneasy were he at large.