THE WEST COAST NATIVES. [PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1599, 3 October 1882, Page 2

THE WEST COAST NATIVES. [PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

WhLLixoTiix, Last Night. We are indebted to Use Government for the following information :— Mr Bryco reached Wanganui this afternoon, having ))een up the West Coast a8 far as Paiihaka. It is understood that native matters are considered to be in a very satisfactory condition there. Almost daily seed potatoes are being carted to othei parts of the district ior food. A short time ago it was reported that the natives going to PaiilviKa for potatoes were stopping to assist planting. As this might be used as a pictcxt for natives 1 ('turning when the crop was ready, Mr Biyce directed that Paiihaka natives should bo told it could not be permitted to continue. Tom iik i, the present chief there, seems to have received this decision in words to the effect that it was quite right, there had been enough trouble nlieady from stranger*,. The West Coast Maons seem to be revolting to the old modes of cultivation that preceded the ParihaUa, or To Whiti's. They have done a good deal of substantial fencing by means of ditch ami bank. Theic is no evidence of anything like planting. Indeed, the natives now say that the monthly meetings being stopped, planting as they recently did would bo useless. Several large canoes for fishing have been constructed In all their fencing and cultivations the Maoris have confined themselves to lands assigned them, and kept within the bounds fixed except in a single case to the extent of a few acres. This action is believed to have resulted from accident, and the matter will no doubt be easily arranged. Titokawaru seems now determined to live at peace with us, and on all hands the Native Minister is said to have received assurances that the temper of the West Coast natives has very much changed for the better.