THE TARANAKI AFFAIR.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1089, 17 June 1879, Page 2

THE TAR ANAKI AFFAIR.

New Plymouth, Saturday. An opinion is gaining ground both here and at Patea that the Government should force on a settlement of the question of the Waimate Plains, at the same time that the question of Hiroki is to be dealt with. The tone of the natives has altered since the settlers have formed themselves, into Volunteer corps, and it is believed the natives will yield to anything before they will fight. The natives are passing through the town towards Parihaka to attend a meeting to be held on the 17th, which, it is said, will be the largest that has been held here for some time past. Nearly 900 Volunteers have been sworn m, m the Taranaki County, and it is and it is expected that there will be over a thousand before the end of the next week, and m the Patea County the Volunteers number close on 600. It is reported that the natives at Parihaka are busy road-making, but I cannot get the statement verified m time to wire to-night. With reference to a statement published m the ' Auckland Herald' relative to the position of the land at Oakura, the ' Taranaki Herald' after pointing out the errors the writer has fallen into, says : — " There is no good trying to throw dust m the public's eyes by subterfuges of this kind. It is too well known, and the Government are perfectly aware of it, that the attitude taken by the natives has reference to larger matters than the military allotments at Tapuae or Mr W. Bayley's paddook, at Opunake. The whole question of the confiscated lands has been raised by the natives, and as the Government have a good opportunity of settling the matter once and for all, it is to be hoped that they will do it, and not allow themselves to be diverted m their action by these floating straws that may cross their path." The excitement has all coole^ down, and no fear of hostilities is entertained whilst the arming is kept up. Te "YVhiti and his followers are said to be much altered m their tone towards the pakehas. Natives from all parts are flocking to Parihaka for the graat meeting on the 17th. One of the papers to-day blames the Government for upholding the mviti- of the chiefs, instead of individuals, as the late Government did. It further says the Grey party are making political capital out of the present difficulty. Hawera, Friday. Owing to the scarcity of work, laboring men are leaving m numbers this last week. Government must push on with roads m order to keep the men here. The Plains road could be improved without danger, M.inaia, Titbkowaru, and other chiefs being held responsible for the working parties' safety. Most Maori's about here look with too longing eyes to reserves to risk falilng off with Government now. The scales of superstition are falling from their eyes. The great advantage already gained must be pressed homo without delay. If the working men are obliged to leave, our strength will be weakened, and the crafty enemy would know it. Fortunately, the contractor is taking on to-day 100 bushmen for widening the Mountain Road, but other works must be pushed on by Government. Haweba, Saturday. The excitement at Normanby is intense, the place being m a large bush, which offers splendid cover for the enemy's attack. Business and occupations are neglected. Everybody is busy erecting a blockhouse. In the event of hostilities, however, it is just as likely that the Maoris would step m and man the redoubt themselves as a preparatory step, whilst other Maoris committed depredations, unless well manned day and night by the local defence force. This means heavy work for settlers there, especially if the Government keeps the district long m suspense. Normanby would show more discretion if not so oxciteable. The settlers, armed and organised, can defy the Maoris if necessary. At a few hours notice we can transform several well-situated houses at various parts of the town into blockhouses, as arranged by Major Noake, by digging trenches and raising breastworks. Business, though dull, has never been suspended m Hawera, and things go on jin their usual course. Our drills are mostly at night time. A few of the most exposed settlers have wisely arranged for their families to sleep m town until things are more settled. Beyond this, wo are put to no inconvenience. Wo want to sec the Government pushing the settlement of the question of the Waimato Plains. TE WHITI HAS ANOTHER VISION. HE PREDICTS THE BULLETS "WILL ! TUIIN AGAINST PAKEHAS. Patea, Saturday. ; To Whiti has informed his followers that ho had a vision on. Thursday last^

and saw Christ, who told him that tho bnllota fired by the Pakehas at the Maoris would return and kill the white men; and, m the event of war, Christ will come down from heaven and drive all the whites into the sea. Te Whiti has made a call upon all . natives Parihaka, and says that those " ™ refuse to rally round him will be killed by supernatural means. THE SETTLERS EXCITED. • The position of affairs con tinue to excite interest among the settlers, the only topic of conversation being drill and fighting. Wellington, Saturday. NATIVE OFFERS FOR POWDER. Private letters from Wanganui and Patea state that the Maoris offer as much as 40s and 60s per pound for powder. VOLUNTEERING. At a parade of the Naval Brigade last night, the Captain asked how many would volunteer for active 'service if required, when the entire Brigade, including officers, enrolled their names as volunteers. A corps of about fifty has been enrolled at the township of Halcombe, Manawatu, } m consequence of natives m the neighbor- * hood being alleged to' be strongly imbued with the current faith of Te Whiti.