NATIVE INTELLIGENCE.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1612, 21 April 1879, Page 3

NATIVE INTELLIGENCE.

[Press Special Wire.]

THE WAniATE PLAINS DIFFICULTY.

New Plymouth, April 19,

The Parihaka meeting commenced on Thursday, and ended to-day. 600 natives were present, including Te Whiti, Titokowaru, and Hiroki. Messrs Mackay, Blake, and other Europeans were also present. Te Whiti spoke for two hours on Thursday, his sentiments being very peaceful. The Government, he said, ended disputes with the sword, he would settle this dispute with his tongue. Mr Mackay spoke on Friday suggesting a commission of inquiry as a solution of the difficulty. This was favorably received by most of those present. Te Whiti did not seem to entertain it favorably. Hiroki was not so demonstrative as at the past meeting. He moved about with a body guard to assist to distribute food. The European visitors were very kindly received. Wellington, April 20

With regard to the Waimate difficulty, it is stated here in a semi-official way that when Mr Sheehan was interviewing the Natives on his visit to the coast last week, he devoted his attention to examining these alleged promises, and he states that he found that every promise made, either by Sir D. McLean or other Native Ministers, has been fulfilled to the letter. As to the promises which Te Whiti alleged to have been made to himself, the closest investigation failed to show that he had the slightest ground for his claims. He was given plainly to understand this, and his attitude has, as the reports from the Parihaka meeting show, altered considerably for the better.

Two telegrams have been received by the Government relative to the meeting now being held at Parihaka. The Native Commissioner of the district telegraphs that To Whiti has explicitly and publicly declared that on no account will he allow any disturbance or breach of the peace now existing between the two races.

Mr Mackay reports that he is engaged with Te Whiti in discussing the whole question, and with every hope of a speedy solution of the difficulty.

THE FORTHCOMING MEETING AT TK KOPUA.

Alexandba, April 19.

Preparations are vigorously proceeding for the Te Kopua meeting. Two hundred Natives are being drilled by a European instructor in military movements, forming four lines in skirmishing order. These will form Tawhiao’s body guard. The Natives are inquiring, at Alexandra, as to the truth of the canard circulated in the king conntry that six cannon have been placed at Alexandra redoubt. The approaches to Kopua are strongly guarded, in accordance with Tawhiao’s order that no European will be allowed to go up before the meeting. No invitations have yet been sent to Sir Q-, Grey and Mr Sheehan. The Natives already gathered represent three distinct religions, and all dialects in the island.