THE NATIVE CRISIS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 168, 4 November 1881, Page 2

THE NATIVE CRISIS.

(FEOM OUK SPECIAL COIIRESPONDENTS.) OrUNAKE, Novembers. The Thames and Canterbury Volunteers marched for Raholn yesterday. The "Wauganui contingent niai died at 10 a.m. to-day for the same camp ; and those to arrive by the Einernoa to-day will march out after landing. To-morrow will see 1140 men under arms in Bahotu. Major Pitt will command the Volunteers. Major Noake arrived yesterday, and resumed command at Opunake. Captains Gudgeon and Taylor rejoined head-quarters at Pungarehu to-day, Captain Somerville, Wanganui Cavalry, taking charge at Manaia, The camp at Bahotu presented a varied sight to-day, itfeleoa fired a match against the A.C. and won. At the same time the same corps played a cricket match, which was unfinished when I left. Major Pitt is prepared to back Nelson at any friendly contest. In the afternoon the Nelson battalion was out in skirmishing order under Captain Webb. When the Thames and Canterbury men marched into camp, they w re heartily cheered by the A.C, and the latter quickly pitched their tents, under the supervision of Captain Newall. The two Naval Brigades had a specially friendly greeting. A patrol of the Taranaki Mounted Bines passed through Bahotu during the day. The conduct of all the Volunteers, both in camp and on the march, has been excellent. The Hon. Mr. Bolleston has just landed. OPUNAKE, This Day. The Wellington Engineers, Bifles, Guards, and Wairarapa Volunteers landed ' yesterday morning, and marched for Bahotu at one o'clock. On landing, Drs. Diver and Watt, who accompanied them, wore informed that no more doctors were required. This matter will doubtless be fully inquired into. As usual, the Volunteers left the store at Wellington half equipped. There is general complaint by them of the management. There are only ball bags to carry 40 rounds ammunition. Mr. North croft, 8.M., Waikato, has rejoined at Pungarehu. The Wellington contingent march at 1 p.m. for Bahotu, headed by the Guards' band. 50 Marlborough Volunteers are landed to-day. PUNGABEHU, This Day. Since the close of the meeting on Monday night, nothing of importance has occurred atParibaka. After tbe meeting, a chief oi Ngafciruanui, named. Te Ika died, and a great tangi, with the usual feasting was being held yesterday. Natives are still engaged in fencing and planting. The boys still guard the gateways of the fences on the main road, and in fact everything proceeds as if no proclamation had been issued. All is drill, skirmishing and otherwise expectation, and preparation* The Commissariat is active, and the military storekeepei S busy in the extreme. Telegraphists are at work all night, and the wire is generally blocked. WELLINGTON, This Day. Captain Gilbert Mair has been gazetted Aide-de-camp to Colonel Boberts ; Lieut. C. W. Hursthouse, of the New Zealand Militial to be captain ; and the following Constabulary officers to hold Militia commissions : — Majors Tuke, Scannel. Goring, and Swindley, as majors ; Sub-Inspectors Gr&scoigne, Capel, Norkbcroft, Morrison, Newall, Taylor, Gordon, Baker, Fortescue, Coleman, and Powell, as captains. The services of the Egmont Rifle Volunteers, Wanganui Naval Brigade, and Nelson Brigade are accepted. The following Volunteer appointments have been gazetted : — Bell Block Bifles— Lieut. G. Hoby to be captain ; sub-lieutenant G. Bandall to be lieutenant; T. B. Bennett to be sublieutenant. Hawera Bifles— W. T. Watts to be lieutenant. Opunake Bifles — W. C. Alexander to be honorary assistant-surgeon. Stratford Bangers — O. M. Curtis to be lieutenant. No. 2 Inglewood Bangers — W. Carter to be lieutenant ; H. Curtis to be sublieutenant. Egmont Rifles— W. J. W. Smart to be lieutenant.