THE TARANAKI NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 125, 4 June 1885, Page 2

THE TARANAKI NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

Major Atkinson Criticises Mr Ballanco,

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New Plymou-H Ibis day. i Major Atkinson met a number of West Coast settlers at Rahotu at noon yesterday in order to discuss the stato of nativo affairs in tho district. Mr Mills (late of Canterbury), opened the proceedings by stating that ho hoped he would receive better treatment than from Mr Ballanco. If he had been the greatest reprobate under tho sun he could not have been treated with greater disrespect. He thon related how the nativos had in the paßt interfered with the settler.. Major Atkinson said ho entirely failed to understand tho motives of Mr Ballance in removing tho Constabulary. His object should be to weaken To Whiti'B influence, but their removal from Parihaka apparently increased it, Major Atkinson promised to uso his influence to get an equable administration of the law to European and Maori. One policeman was evidently insufficient, He thought tho meeting might expect an additional force, Major Atkinson was woll-rocoived, and thanked by the settlers for his courtesy to them, Address to the Elector*. Major Atkinson addressed hisconstituents at Orakau on Tuesday night. Speaking en native affairs, ho saidtheNative Minister appeared to bo coming back to the old " flour and sugar policy." The taking away of the Armed Constabulary force from Pungarehu caused tho nativos to believo in Te Wh.ti more than over, for it helped to biing true his prophecies. Ho thought that Pungarehu should have been the last A.C. Station which should havo been broken up. The natives had full confidence in Mr Bryce, but thoy found that Mr Ballance's word was not to be relied on. If tho Native Minister said "Iwill do this," tho Maoris replied, "No; you must do that." A voto of confidence was unanimously paesod.