OPUNAKE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 129, 9 July 1881, Page 2

OPUNAKE.

(from our own correspondent.)

Opunake, July 5.

Friday last was a day of great interest at Parihaka. All the released prisoners were entertained at a well provided feast, at the conclusion of which Titokowaru interviewed Te Whiti, and asked that all his people may be allowed to return to Waimate, for the purpose of visiting their old kaingas, and spending a few days pig hunting and pigeon shooting, which was granted, but he strongly advised them not to create any disturbance, and return to him pure, as the days of hostilities were passed. Mrs. Hone Pihama met with a rather serious accident on Wednesday last while proceeding to Parihaka. On leaving Opunake, she was thrown from her horse, which rendered her insensible for a considerable time. After being removed to the Telegraph Hotel, and being attended to by Dr. Alexander, she recovered consciousness, and next morning was cor>veyed to her home, where she now lies, progressing favorably. Great sympathy was expressed at the old lady's accident, she being such a favorite among Europeans for her general hospitality, when accommodation could not be acquired on this coast.

Mr. Chetwynd has commenced the survey of the bay and roadstead. On the evening of Tuesday last the provisional directors of the Opunake Lighter Company met, when it was resolved to engage Mr. O. Samuels, solicitor, New Plymouth, to draw up a prospectus, after which a general meeting of shareholders will be called by advertisement, to elect permanent directors, &c, and finally float company. The new theatre at Rahotu is to be opened on Saturday next. Some natives complain of the partiality shown by the Native Commission to certain people. For instance, in referring to the report of the Native Affairs Committee, page 23, we find a lady awarded one hundred acres; and although "her mother " appeared before Sir William in the usual way, putting her claim before him as one having more than an ordinary claim in land here, and as always being (with her children) on the Queen's side, met with little or no consideration. The natives are all very anxious to have the land set apart for them surveyed arid individualised.