NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Press, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4604, 4 May 1880, Page 2

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[By Thxbobaph.]

[fbom otjb owir oobbbspobdbkt.l WELLLNGTON,May3. Regarding Native affairs on the West Coast of this Island, I hear that the latest telegrams received by the Government are to the effect that the Native Minister, Colonel Roberts, and Mr Hursthonse proceeded to the constabulary camp at Stony River last Friday, and then crossed Te Whiti's northern boundary to select the new camping ground, whioh is situated about a mile southward of the Waiweranui stream, therefore within the boundaries of Te Whiti's ground. The camp was pitched there to-day, and road-making is being pushed on vigorously in a southerly direction. It is estimated that if the weather continues favorable the road will proceed two or three miles weekly. There are no indications of any resistance on the part of Te Whiti and Tohn, notwithstanding the advance into Parihaka country. It is probable that Te Whiti will take the opportunity of proving that the present situation is what he foretold. Some of his followers assert that the road making is being really done by the constabulary for Te Whiti, and that they are unconsciously working for him as his servants. Te Whiti is now endeavoring to instil the idea that they will reoeive all their land baok, and that the roads now being constructed by the constabulary will, improve the land for the use of the Maoris, thus fulfilling his prophecy that the Europeans would become the servants of the Maoris. Te Whiti and Tohn have sent presents of food to Major Goring and his men, inolading sheep, pigs, poultry, potatoes, &c. The constabulary and the Maoris in the locality of the new camp continue on friendly terms. The Native Minister remains a few days at Apan.