THE WAIMATE PLAINS DIFFICULTY.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1178, 15 January 1880, Page 2

THE WAIMATE PLAINS DIFFICULTY.

Wanoawui, Monday. A ohsnebuo desire is expressed in Wanganui that the Government should immediately take the expected decisive action relative to the Waimate Plains, although opinion is divided as to what kind of resistance, if any, the natives will display. Letters from Hawera complain that every day's delay has the effect of confirming the impression in the native mind, which Te Whiti is sedulously fostering, that the pakehas are afraid of the Maoris, and increases the danger of war. Those who anticipate war do not think hostilities will break out on the Plains, but that remote and unprotected settlements will be attacked, the natives hoping, by thus harrasedng the Government, to obtain concessions. A rumour has been spread in Wanganui that the Government has already taken alarm at its own policy of activity, and has indefinitely postponad theoarrying out of its intentions, but this I am in a position to say, is not true. For urgent reasons, there may be some delay, probably not more than a few days, but decisive action may be confidently looked for before long. Wanganui tradesmen complain bitterly of depression of trade since the commencement, of the Plains trouble, and are impatient for the settlement of the difficulty.