OPUNAKE.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4008, 2 November 1881, Page 2

OPUNAKE.

Yesterday. A large meeting wes held at Parihaka yesterday, at which about 1500 men and women attended. Te Whiti and Tohu spoke for about three hours, and both recommended peace. Te Whiti taid that the day of attack would be the salvation of the people. The object of the meeting was to gather the people of Parihaka together at Farikaka, so that they might not be molested. He said that Abel was not killed like a man, but like a pig, and if they resisted they would be killed like pigs. All the men, women, and children were to assemble on the marae when the troops advanced ; if any became frightened

and rushed for their guns they had better shoot themselves j if any ran into the bush they would be lost. There was nothing to fear, they could not arrest them, but Tohu said that perhaps they might be taken, having instigated them to opposition. Hiroki was present. Te Whiti said they would not submit:, and described his sacred land on his blanket. Visitors were treated very civilly, and food prepared for them.

The Nelson corps arrived at Eahotu yesterday, having left the 6 pounder Armstrong at Pungarehu. The Wellington Navals marched this morning for Kaliotu ; they have improved very much since they came up. The Constabulary at Pungarehu are being knocked iuto shape, and are getting a knowledge of the country. Lateb. The Stella arrived after having landed 50 officers and men from Canterbury, and proceeded to Wellington at 11 30. The p.s. Manawatu from Wanganui landed 762 of all ranks from the Wanganui and Rangitikei districts, Captains Hall and Lethbridge are in command of the latter, Captain Hammersley being in charge of the Canterbury men. '■■'■

Major Noake arrives to-night. The arrangements for landing and forwarding troops and stores are efficiently carried out by Captain Taylor, A.C., and Mr S. C. Anderson, defence storekeeper.

Since leaving Parihaka at 4 p.m. yesterday, I learn that Te Whiti has told the, people to return to their settlements if they choose, and some have done so, others remain at Parihaka.

This day.

The Hinemoa landed the Thames Volunteers, and the Huia arrived about 6 p.m. with those from Canterbury, both steamers landing 333 men. Unfortunately rain began to fall in the afternoon, and the Canterbury men in their tents looked in for a wetting, but the weather cleared" towards night.

jgMr S. C. Anderson secured a large unfinished Hotel for the Thames ]N Tavals> as the tents from Canterbury by the Huia did not arrive until late. Altogether every exertion was made by the Defence Storekeeper and Captain Taylor, A.C., to make matters comfortable at the port of landing. It is insufficient, however, as it is quite one officer's duty to attend to the Quartermaster's department.

The Thames and Canterbury con tingents march to-day for Bahotu.

The officers of the Thames and Wanganui Volunteers naturally grumble about the want of equipment on arrival. Some corps have been supplied with camp necessaries before leaving, but the Wei linftton, Nelson, Thames, and Wanganui corps have arrived unprovided for. Surely some officers could, by looking at the store book, fiud how many requisite articles were available at Opunake for the number of men sent up. :