LATEST FROM THE FRONT.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 46, 18 September 1880, Page 2

LATEST FROM THE FRONT.

[Specially Telegraphed to Star.]

(from our own correspondent.)

Armed Constabulary Camp,

Pungarehit, Friday. The number now assembled at Parihaka is estimated at 2000 men, women, and children. Te Whiti spoke for an hour and a half, and Tohu for an hour. They promised to finish their work this day, and all that remained was the coming of the Son of Man. They intimated that it was arranged that no more prisoners should be sent, but that the people who are left would be appointed to work out the chieftainship of the tribes. The bell has been ringing for two years, and a policeman is now appointed to the door of the house, who will lock it and turn all away who shall come too late, even friend, chief, relation, father or mother, or elder brother. The Son of Man may come at any tune in the night, at evening, or at cockcrow. They both continually cried out, "O, you who are distressed ; who shall end your distress? O, the night, where is your victory ?" — whatever that may mean. Take the speeches all through, they are full of vague promises of impossible things, and the only wonder is that people can be found to listen to and believe them. The chieftainship is promised to the Maoris, and there shall be no war. The laws are denounced as evil. Something more may be shortly said, but at present everything appears very intangible. All the important men for many miles around are here.