NATIVE INTELLIGENCE.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1618, 28 April 1879, Page 3

NATIVE INTELLIGENCE.

[Press Special Wire.] Wellington, April 26. THE WAIMATE PLAINS TROUBLE. _ The “ Post,” in an article on the Waimate question, says : —“ It is not probable any definite action will be taken on either side relative to the Waimate Plains until after the great Maori meeting at Te Kopua next week.” The article is basea On a private letter from Te Whetu, a sort of secretary to Te Whiti. The letter contains, among others, tho following statement t— “ Te Whiti, at the Parihaka meeting, bluntly accused Mr Sheehan or pretending to put out the fire with one hand, while with the other he secretly tried to rekindle tho blaze.” They allege also that the boundaries of the confiscated land, as originally proclaimed, have since been fraudulently forged, so as to include a largo area of Native land never legally confiscated. The position taken up by To Whiti and Tohu is said to be this —They complain that they have been wronged by the Government in Various respects above indicated. They accuse the Government of trying to provoke t 1 em into war after secretly collecting an armed force sufficient to crush them. They protest against these alleged wrongs, but utterly disclaim all intention of trying to redress them by force of arms. A Masterton correspondent of tho “ New Zealand Times ” reiterates the o'idemfnt that Te Whiti has written to c< rttin Wairarapa chiefs asking them to be prepared, us the day of blood had arrived, ai d adds ho could supply names of thuro who supplied the letters, they ha\ ing made uo secret of it at the time. New Plymouth, April 26. The Government Engineer here has received information that all survey camps, at Te Koti, about half way between Stratford and Normanby, would be removed. The cook was this morning warned by the Natives that the survey pegs would be pulled up. PRELIMINARIES OP THE KOPUA MEETING. Alexandra, April 27. Yesterday afternoon this township was completely in the hands of the Natives, who, however, behaved themselves admirably. Paul Tuhaere’s people, Ngatirangi and Ngapuhi, challenged the Kingites to a war dance. Henare, a Taupo chief, accepted, but had a difficulty in raising many followers, but the war dance came off on the road between the two hotels. The dress consisted of feathers in the hair and a shawl on the neck and round the waist. The affair gave quite a holiday aspect here; no disturbance took place. This morning tho Lower Waikatos arrived in war canoes and were received with a discharge of guns, shouts, &c. One of the war canoes capsized at the rapids near town. The clothing and guns of the Natives were lost. They proceed to Whatihobatitu, where a number of Kingites await them, and another war dance will take place. Food in plenty is provided for them. Sir G. Grey and Mr Sheehan are expected at midday by a special train to-morrow. Hundreds have gone up the river to-day. It is expected there will be seven thousand present at the meeting. THE KOPUA PROGRAMME UNDETERVINED, Later. News from Te Kopua states that the Natives are divided among themselves as to the programme to be proposed to Sir G. Grey. They will have to settle definitely among them the Native proposals to be submitted before Sir G. Grey will meet them. MINISTERS AND NGAPUHI. Kawakawa, April 26. Sir G. Grey and Mr Sheehan met 400 Ngspuhis yesterday outside the public hall at Kav.ikawa. The principal house was decorated with flags. Triumphal arches were eree’ed bearing the motto “ Welcome.” Sydney Tawhangi presented an address on behalf of the Natives, expressing confidence in the Government, and asking that all old land grievances should be inquired into with a view of future reform. Another address, containing proposals from the Ngapuhi and Rarewa tribes, was then read. It was signed by several influential chiefs, who formed a committee. THE PREMIER’S MOVEMENTS. Auckland, April 27. Sir G. Grey’s m >vements are uncertain, except that he will proceed to Hamilton on Thursday to turn tho first sod of the railway. The Hinexnoa arrived hero at 3 p.m.