NATIVE DISTURBANCES IN THE NORTH.

Temuka Leader, Volume 2, Issue 152, 7 June 1879, Page 3

NATIVE DISTURBANCES IN THE NORTH.

Wellington, June 5. The Government have not heard anything more about Taranaki to-day, than that the natives continue -it work, ploughing. A. Cabinet Council was held to-day, when it was resolved to make every preparation for any possible emergency, but a confident belief seems to be entertained that there will be no fighting, and that the Maoris are really more inclined to test the title to the land in the law courts, than to fight about it. Ropahas and Ngatiporous, 1600 strong, are ready for embarkation to the West Coast at a few hours notice if wanted. New Plymouth, June 5. A report was in circulation in town this afternoon that the natives of Waitara were arming, and that 50 of them had rifles. From enquiry I find that there is some truth in it, but it is supposed that the natives have taken alarm at volunteers being armed, and have made provisions to protect themselves, should they be attacked. The ' Herald's' correspondent at Opvmakc telegraphs to-day that a party of Natives, headed by Ngamari, a turbulent chief who recently warned the settlers and Constabulary off, commenced ploughing Bayley's mill paddock yesterday, within 400 yards of the A.C. redoubK They signify their intention of taking possession of Bartlett's farm, and the settlers feel considerably alarmed, as a number of cattle have been killed in the district, and hitherto the . Government has afforded no protection to property hero. The correspondent satirically adds:— '•'The land tax papers have just been received by the inhabitants of Opnnake." The natives have . given notice to Sub-Inspector Morrison, who is in charge of the A.C. force , at Opunake, that they intend to commence at once to plough up the Government paddock. The natives are getting bolder and bolder, and it looks as if matters were coming to a crisis when they commence to destroy Government property. Meetings are being held by the settlers in town and in the country districts for the purpose of forming Volunteer corps. A corps of Mounted Rifles and two Rifle Companies have been formed in town. At Bell Block another force has been enlisted, of some 60 strong. Altogether at the present time, nearly 400 men have enrolled themselves, and the numbers are being increased every day. The settlers living in the country are bringing their families into town. [• Press ' Special Wire.] New Plymouth, June 5. The Maoris have commenced ploughing a paddock the property of W.Baylcy, near to the old flax mill at Opunake, and have given Mrs Bartlett notice that they intend to plough her land, which is Immediately under the constabulary redoubt at Opunake. A small vessel was seen off the Harnett beach on Tuesday evening when the Maoris were fishing. Yesterday morning a Maori's cart containing arms was seen coming from that direction. This is supposed to be the same vessel which was seen by a surveyor off the coast of Taranaki proper some two or three months ago. The Volunteers are being armed at Marsiancl Hill barracks. More than 100 men were sworn in last night. The ploughing at Courtonay's farm

: meat 1:1 (own this afternoon at a report ! that iifi' strange have been seen i at Manu'.or,.; pah. n the centre of the Raleigh iown-hip ;-.i W.ucai'a. Maori bullock c:,i'. ! s have been seen proceeding to and IVom Kaitcke, an old aori stronghold. Arms have been sent to-day to Okaio. Major Atkinson has gone to Hawera, at the invitation of his constituents. Napier, June 5. The Hawea this morning took 19 recruits for the Armed Constabulary, several of them being trained men, old military men or Volunteers. Five others remain to go by next vessel. In the course of the day there were over fifty applications more. Wellington, June 5. At a Cabinet meeting this afternoon it was decided to make all preparations for eventualities, while abstaining as far as possible from any steps likely to precipitate hostilities. The Government think actual hostilities may be avoided with the Taranaki Natives, but in any case within the next four days 250 constabulary will be at New Plymouth. If hostilities should occur they will pi-obably begin at Oakura and towards Opunake. Major Noak has received instructions to organise all Volunteers between Wanganui and New Plymouth. In a few weeks, with the help of the Ngatiporous, Government will be able to place 2500 men in the Taranaki district. It is expected that the Maoris ploughing up Bayley and Courtney's land will be turned off", and in doing so Government will be guided by circumstances. A contingent of a thousand men of Ropata's tribe is now under offer to the Government. These can be placed on the disaffected district in a month. The Government are quite determined that the settlers should not be driven from their homes. All remonstrances and arguments with the Natives are fruitless. They say they are obeying the orders of their master, and intend carrying out instructions. They are now ploughing the land within a mile of the armed constabularly barracks at Opunake. Fifty armed constabularly left in the Stella at four this morning with 100,000 rounds of ammunition on board. A lot of camp material is to be taken on board at Nelson. Another squad of fifty is to be sent up next week. All have been recruited in Wellington, where any number of men are offering. The Government only accept men of a good stamp.