OHINEMURI.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3354, 22 September 1879, Page 2

OHINEMURI.

THE SITUATION UP THE EIVEE.

(FBOM Offß OWN COBBESFONDBNT.) * [PEB PATOB LIEUT. PEBBT]

Paeboa, Saturday.

The position is unaltered. The Ngatihako still refuse to gire up Pakara and Epiba, and I beliere nothing less than an armed force will hare any effect on the scoundrelf. Tukukino and Mr Mitchell went up to Ohahukura, and had a long conference with the culprits, but notwithstanding that Tukukino pointed out very earnestly that their refusal to give thenv tel Tea up might involve the whole people of the district with the Government, and perhaps lead to the confiscation of their lands, Epiha appeared quite indifferent, not feeling called upon to offer himself ai a sacrifice for his co»ntrymen. These men are not actuated by the feelings of patriotism or unselfishness that the followers of Te Whiti appear to be, and are quite indifferent what the cousequenees may be as long as they are unmolested. It may be said on the other hand that selfishness is at the bottom of the friendship shown by old Tukukino, and is probably due to a <feeling of danger, the warning or threats of the Native Minister, that the surrounding tribes would be held accountable for the sins of the Ngatihakb unless the courts of law were appealed to, and the punishment due for their crimes awarded them. Eopata, a welldisposed chief of Paeroa, went up also, but with no better effect. This afternoon a large public meeting of all the native tribes in the district is to be held in the Public Hall, but the conclusion is arrived at before the gathering takei place. The .universal feeling here among the natives is that, as the Ngatihako refuses to be advised by the council of their countrymen, they should be isolated; that assistance or countenance should not, be given them, and if the pakehas wishes to arrest them, no obstacles should be thrown in their way. After the meeting the Ngatitamatera and all who can go are to proceed to Ohahukura and bid Pakara and Epiha farewell. Tukukino is playing quite a new character, and says he is a Queenite, and with Eopata wishes to place himself under the protection of the Europeans. Taipari is working well, taking a decided stand for the Government, and intends informing all the natives in the Piako that they must remain inactive, or run the risk of having their lands confiscated.