NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 155, 21 September 1880, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Wellington, Sept. 18. The Government have received a telegram from the Native Minister, reporting the result of the Parihaka meeting, which commenced yesterday, and which is understood to have practically concluded to-day. Te Whiti and Tohu delivered long speeches, both stating that there was to be no more fencing, but “those who were left should remain for ever. - ’ This has not been explained. They also said that the “ Son of Man” would come almost immediately—indeed, might be expected at any hour, and his advent should make the Maoris triumphant. It is believed that this alludes to the coming of the new Governor, Sir Arthur Gordon, and is intended to imply that on his arrival he will take the part of the natives by disallowing all that has been done against them. It is known that Te Whiti recently took steps to ascertain when Sir Arthur Gordon was expected, and what were likely to be his views on native matters. It is supposed that he has profited by the intelligence he has gained, and is holding out hopes to his followers that the new Governor, whom he designates “The Son of Man,” will redress their wrongs. The Native Minister starts for Wellington, and should arrive there ©n Tuesday. Major Atkinson is expected on Wednesday next. The Post's Hawera correspondent telegraphs to-day as follows “ Rumors are current here to the effect that the constabulary intend to march on Parihaka to take Hiroki to-day. The Maoris up the coast say that the object is to take Te Whiti and Tohu. I do not know from whence the report originates, which is disbelieved here. It is reported that Tohu had an interview with some one from the other world, the ghostly visitant urging the completion of his work. The name of the visitor is not stated. Tohu objected at first, but afterwards consented to finish all things. The report of yesterday’s speech is not yet to hand. The reports of the Wellington and Napier natives having expected war on the 12th instant are looked upon with suspicion. Many visitors are here looking after the land, particularly at Waimate. The Government should put more of it in the market in larger blocks.”