THE WAIMATE PLAINS DIFFICULTY.

Temuka Leader, Volume 2, Issue 133, 2 April 1879, Page 2

THE WAIMATE PLAINS DIFFICULTY.

Wanganui, March 28. A meeting of natives summoned by a chief named Paora Tutauwhau, was held here yesterday afternoon to consider Te Whiti’s action re the Waimate Plains. The speeches were of a pacific nature, the various speakers urging upon their people not to countenance Te Whiti’s proceedings, but rather to quietly dispose of their land to the Government, who would pay them for it. It was, however, maintained, with regard to the Waimate Plains, that Sir Donald M‘Lean had promised to give a certain portion of it back, and pay a certain sum per acre for all that was taken. Wellington. March 28. It is understood that the Government in selling 16,000 acres in the Waimate Plains, will depart somewhat from their original plan. It is now felt that the main object in view is to put settlers on the land. 8000 acres of the block to be offered for sale will therefore be disposed of on deferred payments, and the remainder sold by auction for cash. Telegrams from well-known settlers in the Patea district express the utmost confidence that the land will be eagerly bid for and fetch excellent prices. It is stated that the settlers between Patea and the Waingongora _ express themselves confident of protecting their district, but at the same time request the Government to supply them with arms. It is denied that there is any truth in the report which has been put about that the Government intend sending militia and volunteers up to the plains. Patea, March 29. News has been received here that the bulk of the Natives have retired from the plains land to the bush. This is looked upon as ominous of an intention to fortify. The well-known chief Tauroa, who was forced into flighting last war by Tito Kowaru, is in trouble at the present state of affairs, and is anxious to come with his people to reside at Carlyle, offering to stand on the defensive with the Europeans, if required. He positively refuses to join Te Whiti or to go Harihaka, saying he lias already suffered enough by war. The feeling of the settlers here is that the Government should take a decided stand. Fighting is by no means desired, but there is a strong feeling that the plains should be held even at the cost of a collision. The settlers show a readiness to do their part, and approve of the firm attitude which the Governraeot have so far shown. If men are sent, as promised* in fair number such confidence will be felt in the settlers of the district and armed men combined, that it is believed the Maoris will reconsider before taking any further action. The announcement that the Government have determined to organise a force of militia settlers to occupy sections on the plains is hailed with satisfaction, the time for temporising being considered past. What is strongly desired is that the Mountain road from New Plymouth all the way to Hawora should be occupied by armed men, so as to isolate the plains Natives from those inland, and as a protection to the contract parties now forming the road. The settlers are ready to stand on the defensive, but should be furnished with arms, and redoubts built at all the centres of population and on the plains. If such vigorous measures are not promptly taken, the Natives will not stop at the plains, but will demand the whole of the land down to the confiscated boundary. It is believed all the inland pahs are well supplied with arms. The settlers desire to be plactd on a similar footing. The determination to sell the plains, as advertised by the Government, is highly approved. Wellington, March 29 Itisstatod upon undoubted authority that the latest news from the West Coast of a confidential and trustworthy character seems to indicate that now it is almost certain that a peaceful and satisfactory solution of the Waimate plains difficulty will be arrived at in the course of two or three days. The great bulk of the real and original owners of the land are very strongly opposed to resorting to hostilities, as they consider such a course is most likely to result in their losing altogether the reserves which have been long promised to them. They have expressed a wish to meet the Hon. J. Sheehan on the ground. Mr Sheehan, accordingly, purposes to leave for Hawera on Sunday, to endeavour to effect a final settlement.