Latest from the Front.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4028, 25 November 1881, Page 2

Latest from the Front.

(fhom oub special cobbespondent.)

PUNGAEEHU.

Thisday,

Nothing of note to report; Eata from Oakuru returned and asked for a pass to go to Parihaka to bring away his buggy. This appears to be a beginning, and doubtless most will settle to the inevitable and return to their old habit, but still there is a certain amount of uncertainty as to the ultimate result of the policy. On the occasion of the searching of Motu's pah he said the Government had better kill him at once ; where as another said, they would all turn sailors as they could not live on land; but in a short time when the feeling is settled down the effect upon natives will be more apparent.

Under instructions your correspondent leaves Parihaka, and will pass through the districts where it is reported the natives are located. On leaving the camp I have but to say that a great difficulty was experienced in getting the ordinary information for which the public have a right to look . from the Native Minister who.received the information, when requested, but with one other exception "Don't know," was the watchword from the Volunteers who were not mystery men. News that would be of interest'to'many was freely accorded, and the ordinary courtesy extended in the Constabulary command. The line was so tightly drawn that officers were debarred from even asking a newspaper correspondent into their mess. The omission of such slight civilities might pass unnoticed, but to be told that such a special bar existed discloses the absence of a very general attribute amongst military men.

' A very desirable alteration has been made in the commissions of the officers, whereby they are now of right styled captain, although it is a sudden rise from sergeant or sergeant-major to captain, thus passing over lieutenants of long standing in the volunteer forces. Mr Wilson Hursthouse, C.E., has been gazetted captain in the Militia, which doubtless gives him authority when working with the troops. A similar commission is necessary to the defence storekeeper, Mr S. C. Anderson, as from personal observations I have noted the advisability of such a step. He has, as usual, carried out everything to the satisfaction of all concerned. The special correspondents will have dispersed tomorrow from Parihaka, except one from Otago,. and it is to be hoped that no further need of their services may be required on native disputes. I have to thank them for their invariable courtesy during our sojourn together.