THE NATIVE CRISIS.

Evening Post, Volume XXII, Issue 111, 8 November 1881, Page 2

THE NATIVE CRISIS.

INSUFFICIENT EQUIPMENT OF THE VOLUNTEERS. SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS' ( GRIEVANCES ILLNESS 0? A WELLINGTON NAVAL BRIGADE OFFICER. [Bx Telegbaph. | [I'KOM OUB SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. | Pungarehu, 7th November.

I Last night passed quietly. This morning began wich a strong gale and heavy rain. The men in most cases were under canvas before nightfall, but some orps were left without tents, and up till 2 or 3 in the of cernoon were seeking shelter where best it oould be found. At Manaia, Captain Sommerville, of the Wanganui Cavalry, has been patrolling frequently, and from what I can learn ho has performed most efficient service. Major Atkinson left camp this morning. It is unlikely that any movement will be made in this inclement We ather. I hear of an amusing report made by the officer in charge of the guard which arrested the straggler to whom I referred in my last. It stated :—": — " There ie nothing particular to particularly report, except that a man was found wandering on the road, and brought in by the sentry. On enquiry, it was found that he was a special correspondent, and I therefore made him a prisoner." Wo all know " a policeman's life is not a happy one," but what is that of a correspondent at the Front? At a meeting held here of Press representatives, it was resolved to present a reapeotful letter to the officer commanding tin district, asking permission to be given for the free access of correspondents to the camps, It is to bo hoped it will be met properly. Dr. Diver wa9 despatched to Rahotu this morning on receipt of a telegram stating that an officer of the Wellington Naval Brigade was ill from sun-stroke. A report obtains currency that a reconnaissance party left last night to search for defences in the interior. Lieutenant Fitzherbart left for Wellington to-day on leave of absence. The Wellington Navals and the Wanpanui men were on the alert last night at Rahotu, but nothing occurred calling for their serviceß. VISIT TO THE CAMP 3. (UNITED I*RESS ASSOCIATION'S SPfiCIAI/ CORRESPONDENT. ) Pungarehu, 7th November. At 10 o'clock this morning I started on a visit to the different camps on the road to Farihaka. The first camp is distant about a quarter of a mile from the village, and on the right hand Bide of the road which lead 3 to the pah. Here the Wellington Engineers, Wellington City Rifles, Wellington Guards, Masterton Rifles, Makara Rifles, Marl' borough contingent, and Canterbury contingent were stationed, the whole being under the command of Captain Hamersley, of tho Timaru Artillery. No difficulty was experienced in gaining admission to the camp, and the members of the different camps received the visitors kindly. Notwithstanding tho heavy downpour of rain, the men were in high spirits. This camp had very trying tiineß, pickets being posted in the bush a distance of about 150 yards from tho camp. While in camp I visited several of the tents, and found many of them leaking ; bnt this tho occupants said they did not mind, as the water-proof sheets supplied by tho Government were a preventive against their getting wot. There being no appearance of the weather clearing up, I moved on to headquarters, near Parinaka. On arrival there, the six-pounder Armstrong gun, which had been sent from Pungarehu this morning, had been placed in position on a small hill overlooking Parihaka. On teaching the top of the hill, only a sentry was found thoro. I then descended, with the intention of proceeding to Parihaka, but was prevented from doing so (at the front entrance) by the sentries. After this I managed to gain admittance to the pah on the opposite side, but only a few natives wore about, the larger number having sought refuge from the boisterous weather. I thun retraced my steps to tho Constabulary camp, and, although refnsod admittance yesterday, the sentries allowed me to enter today. When in camp I sought an interview with Colonel Roberts, and, being direoted to his tout/, I proceedod there, and found that officer in company with the Hon. J. Bryce and the Hon. W. Eolleston. Mr. Bryco assured me that some mistake must have been made in refusing me permission to enter the camp yesterday, as no orders had been issued to that effect; ; but that there was an objeotion to any persons visiting the pah. Mr. Bryoe also stated that notice had been posted in Parihaka calling ou all tho natives to disperse forthwith ; and that tho unpropitious weather had put a Etop to all movements for the day. While on my return journey to Pungarehu I was recalled by Colonel Roberts and informed that tho hill on which tho Armstrong gun is stationed had been called Fort Rolloaton.