NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 231, 3 February 1880, Page 2

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

(From the Chriaichurch Press^ Wellington, Jan 31. Latest news recflied to-day from the Waimate Plains represents the Nati\ts as inclined to be mure sulky then t ey were yesterday. One old chief is reported to have said to a European interpreter, referring to the action taken by the Government “ Before the pakehas came to New Zealand the Maoris used to fight, kid, and afterwards eat their prisoners. Wl an the missionaries arrived on the scene and told them it was bad to eat their prisoners, they asked them To whom they were to look for food, and were told to look above to to( . They did so, and were friendly with each other afterwards. But after a while the pakeha fought with the Maori. Did God tell them to do this ? If so, why diii the missionaries say it was bud to fight. ? ” It is stated that a largo meeting of Natives will bo held shortly iu the Manawatu, and that several loading chiefs will go there, as they express it, “ To talk with God not with man.” The subject of discussion will be the action of the Government respecting the Waimate Plains ; but from all I can gather, there is no real danger of any hostile proceedings, unless Te Whici should take it into his head to command his followers to sweep ofl the Europeans into the sea, assuring the executants of his mandates that they will be invulnerable. At present, however, Te Whiti seems inclined to make his prophecies and inspirations fit in with the changing aspect of affairs. Unless under the influence of some insane impulse, it is in the last degree improbable that ho will attempt to inspire any forcible resistance to the proceedings of the constabulary. Every day that is gained increases the strength of our position, and renders any adverse attack more hopeless of success and improbable of occurrence. The Government are very sanguine tint the occupation and settlement of the plains will be effected peacefully, and without any necessity of using force.