The Native Difficulty. [PER TELEGRAPH.]

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1457, 3 November 1881, Page 2

The Native Difficulty. [PER TELEGRAPH.]

Parihaka Meeting. The following, from its Wainiato Plains correspondent, appears in last night's Star relative to the meeting held the pre\ ions day at Parihaka : — Perhaps the most noticeable feature in the speeches was the frequent command given to them not to try any other means for settlement of their trouble than that now being carried out by Te Wlriti himself, and repeated assertions of an utter failure to any who did so. Notwithstanding the arguments made against them, they were to revel in peace and safety night and clay. Operations now being carried on for their deliverance were spoken of as the ark of Tohu, and these attempts likened to the escape of Noah fiom death by water ; that of Lot from death by fire ; and that of the faithful among Israel on their exodus from Egypt, fetress was laid upon the fate of the unbelieving amongst the latter, who perished in the desert. To sum up all, there is a determination apparent to persevere in the agitation until a final end is arrived at to their benefit, and an assurance that they will not fight. It is probable that the meeting was convened for the purpose of commanding the natives to stay at Parihaka and await the end, and to impress upon them the utter futility of listening to Government or trying any other means of redress for their grievances and permanent settlement of the land.

Volunteer Movements. An Opunake telegram, dated yesterday, reports :— The Thames contingent and South Canterbury volunteers* started at 10 o'clock this morning m heavy marching older to the front, their bag and baggage following behind. The men weiein excellent spirits, and have a most beautiful day for the tramp. Thoy will piocced to Rahotu and camp for the night, reaching Pungarehu to-morrow e\ cuing. The march to Panhaka by the whole of the troops will be commenced on Saturday ivxt. Arrangements have been made for providing the Thames men with gieatcoats, leggings, &c. Through some bungling, the piovision was not carried out, but the field officers are now endeavouring to have them supplied on their arnval at Pungarehu. The VVelhn«tou torpedo corps is expected to-day by the Hinemoa. Wellington, Last Night : —The Hinemoa has sailed for Opunake with over 200 officers and men belonging to the Wairarapa Rifles, the City Guards, Naval Btig.ule. and • 'ity Eifiea. A i ress Association telognm fiotn OpunaUo leports :— Major Noake has arrived, and will assume command here Yesleidiy (Tuesday) 455 volunteers were landed here from the Thames, Auckland. Wanganui, and the South Island. Capt Watt's company, from Wanganui, remains in garrison here The remainder have in trolled for Pungaiehu. The totil number of \olunteers who left Wellington to-day (Wednesday) was 281, comprising a detachment fiom Masteiton, Grey town, Caiterton Rifles and City Rifies, Engineers, Naval Brigade, Wellington Guauls, and Makaru Rifles.

Miscellaneous Inbelligence Hon. Mr Rollestoii has proceeded by the Hinemoa to-day. Hone Pihama's daughter has gone te Panhaka. Her father is much incensed and tried unsuccessfully to intercept hei on discovering her departure. It is said that several of Te Whiti't. followers have gone to their different settlements. Some of them have not bueu inhabited by them for over three years. Government telegrams from Pungarehu state that the proclamation has had th» effect of frightening many of the \ isitors to Panhaka, and a meeting was called yesteiday, to discuss matters uenerally No information lias been received as to ■whether visitors intend to quit befoie Saturday. The Mar's Wellington correspondent says: — "It is generally supposed from various (reported) peaceful utterances oi Te Whiti that he will not in any way countenance fighting, and that is ju&t where the Government finds itself in a dilemma. They cannot very well arrest all the natives, and if they arrest Te Whiti there is danger of his iolloweib becoming turbulent in the absence ot their leader's influence, and unless som? greater evil ensues than the mei'e cutting down of stick fences the bayonet cm scarcely be called into requisition. What Government will do under the circum stances is not clear."