PATEA.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3156, 31 March 1879, Page 2

PATEA.

Saturday. News has been received here that the bulk of the natives have retreated to the bush, which is looked upon as ominous of their intention to fortify. The wellknown chief Tauroa, who was forced into fighting last war v»lth Titokowaru, is in trouble at the present state of. affairs, and is anxious to come with bis 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 to Parihaka, saying he has already suffered enough by war. The feeling of the settlers here is that 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 on their part, and approve of the firm attitude which the Government has so far shown. If the men are sent as promised in fair numbers such confidence will be felt in the settlers of the district, and the trained men combined, that it is believed the Maoris will reconsider before taking any further action. The announcement that Government had 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 to Hawera should be occupied by armed men, to isolate the plains named from those inland, and as a protection to contract parties now forming the road there. The settlers are ready,'o stand on the defensive should they be furnished with arms, and redoubts built at all the centres of population and on the plains. If vigorous measures are not promply taken the natives will not stop at the plains, but will demand the whole of the land down to the confiscated lines. It is believed all the inland pahs are well supplied with arms, about which the natives are bent on .fighting. Hence the settlers desire to be placed on a similar footing. The determination to sell the plains land, as advertised by the Government, is highly approved.