PUNGAREHU.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4021, 17 November 1881, Page 2

PUNGAREHU.

This day.

Two hundred and forty• seven Taranakis were selected, yesterday, some fifty were rejected not being of the tribe. I use the term "Taranaki" instead of the natire tribual term as being more eesily followed by my readers. Mr Bryce has a difficult; task to perform but all agree he is doing it well. Opinions differ as to the action of the Government re confiscation, and sympathy is expressed on one side as to the natife title, but looking at both tides and the custom of the natives, the position appears to be this:—la 1835 the Waikato natives suffered a great defeat by the coast natives, assisted by Dick Barett, a whaler, who brought two ship's carronades ashore to aid his friends. The Taranaki natives held possession of the land Hitiora to Bawa Creek by right and conquest, and yet they will not see our right to the land by the same means. This applies to the land lying between Bawa and Waiangongoro, which includes the Waimate plains. This land was originally held by the Ngatiawara and Ngatiawas, who were entirely destroyed and their land taken by the present claimants. The objection advanced that the non- occupation on confiscated land nullified the ownership appears by native custom to be erroneous, as a conquering tribe could retain if sufficiently strong, and take up the conquered tributary. On the other hand, it is stated by a reliable authority that after the last war no steps were taken to take possession of the land between the Waingongoro and Stoney rivers. That the military settlers were given land north of the latter river, and the redoubt at Warea was abandoned. Also that Te Whiti was consulted about the formation of a Coast road and a telegraph wire running over the Waimate Plains. But, were not grants of lands given to natives on lands south of Stoney river in lieu of land taken from them on north? It appears to be true that the boundaries of such grants were never laid out, but the fact of disposing of the conquered territory pointed to the rest of. the ownership, though a passive one. Undoubtedly the possession is complicated, and I mention the foregoing to meet the argument that the present action is arbitrary. Free comments are passed upon the action of Mr Parris sitting on the Bench at the trial of Te Whiti at New Plymouth whilst a Government officer; also his motive for asking witnesses leading questions.

The Taranaki Cavalry returned from Opunake, and the Alexandra returned to Opunake.

The Taranaki and Alexandra Cavalry were paid to-day, receiving six shillings per day, less tenpence for rations. They returned the cheques at a glance: but must not wear and tear be greater on cavalry than infantry? Besides shoeing and the use of the horses.

The Thames Volunteers had the order inviting for two months service "atleast" and free outfit, and a similar telegram was received by Major Pitt. There appears to have been a general muddle of Interior economy at Wellington, and the result will be unnecessary loss to the colony. To-day is the Farihaka meeting day, but if there is any attempt; made to address, the natives will be arrested.

The Canterbury Volunteers have returned.

11.35 a.m.

The Nelson Volunteers took picket on the prisoners last night. Hakas were danced, the refrain being to continue the opposition. The Maoris call the Native Minister Hone Wareha or John the chief, chief of the devils;

The Nelsoa Volunteers marih at 8 o'clock for Opunake. The Wanganui contingent march to Waverly to-morrow, the Palmerston left with the Canterbury.

(Pitßss Association's Special)