The Native Difficulty. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH, UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1455, 29 October 1881, Page 2

The Native Difficulty. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH, UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Thursday. Mr Bryce went to Opunake to-day to meet Major Atkinson, with whom he has had a long conference. Mr Bryce telegraphs that he has released the two native youths whom he arrested on suspicion on Tuesday, and has sent them to Pan halt a with a note to Te Wluti, warning him of the conduct of his followers in pnlliu^ down Mr Fleming's fences and stopping the Government drays, and pointing out the consequences this might entail on offenders aud instigators. It is reported that To Whiti has expressed strong disapproval of the conduct of the natives in destroying European property and stopping drays, and has declared disj dainfully that this was nob his way of carrying on the "pakanga," and that he contended with the inspired tongue and divine authority. These reports, howi ever, have not yet been definitely confirmed, but from private information I have received I am disposed to believe them correct. It is also rumoured that some natives have pulled down some ot Mr Hunter's fencing, near Manaia, where it was formerly alleged untruly that some damage had been done by natives, but this too is uncorroborated, and is generally disbelieved, as circumstances render it very improbable. It is known, however, that some natives have started fencing on another section (l\o 52) of Government land on the seaward side of main road. It is not likely that much notice will be taken of this until the 14 days' grace expires.

Opunakh, Thursday. Th« Wellington Naval Brigade arrived this morning, they proceed to Pungaiehu to-morrow.

Wellinutos, Thuivdav. Official telegram- lepmt that thellinemoa arnvcd M Opunako eaily tbis mirniriir, <uicl landed the Wellington Naval Volunteers. The Hinemoa left at onco for Nelsou to fetch the voluuteoia from that pl'ice, and after landing them at Opiuiake goes on to the Muiak in biing some Aucld.ind and Thames men. The Stella is not yot to bo eraploycl'in tho ttansfeiring faprvice. The voluutceia will pioVvibly remain a day or two at Opuiuke,!jroom being made by foiwardinjr a number of the constabulary to Pungarehu and Eiahotu camp**. At a meetiu^r o\ the Volunteer Engineers to-nijrhc they uuauiiaously resolved to offer their services to go to the front as a rifle corps. The thirty-fivo who woie willing to f,'o handed in their names, exclusive of a number of stranger* who wished to enlist.

Dunedin, Thursday. At a meeting of tho company to nig-hfc twputy-five ot thp N'lv.vl Brigade volunteered for active Service in tho fiild. Colonel Stavely fii^fc addressed the men, and told fcho:n they mutt not expect child's pl.iy. It is exj^eoted that the contiagent will bo aug-nented by thirty from Port (Jhtimbeis.