THE HON. MAJOR ATKINSON AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 183, 12 June 1879, Page 2

THE HON. MAJOR ATKINSON AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

* £ (From the Wanganui Herald.) Hawera, Juno 6. Tho largest public meeting ever held in Hawera took place last night, to consider the native question. Major Atkinson was present from Taranaki by invitation. The speaker said he would not permit party questions to be introduced, and said tho Government policy would be criticised elsewhere. They must bo of one mind in trying to avert danger or guard against attack. He thought the settlers should only be called out to protect their homes, the Government prviding an armed force for active work. The Government had promised to modify the volunteer regulations. He had urged the folly of tho Government arming settlers with old EnfieldSj when the volunteers down South had Snidcrs. Tho Olcato settlers, however, within six miles of Parihaka, will receive Snidors, 'Ho thought the Maoris had implicit confidence in Te Whiti, and they all preferred to believe that our annihilation was to take place by supernatural means. This, so far, was very good. They wore all willing to be experimented upon in this way by To Whiti, but when the prophet wakes up and finds lie has not this power, he will use force, and call upon his infiituated followers to carry out his prophecy, and we should bo prepared with thi3 form of power. As tho people are feeling gravely their position, ho said, we must insist on the Government doing thoir duty. We are tho people who will suffer by it If matters como to a display of force let us not play with them, but mako a clean sweep. Resolutions wore proposed urging tho Government to take the necessary steps to protect tho district and arm the settlers. A committed was appointed, and names, were taken dowji of persons willing to join the volunteer force under the modified regulations, as wisely agreed upon by tho Government at Taranaki, The meeting was most enthusiastic, ending with three cheers for Major Atkinson,