NATIVE MATTERS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 177, 25 November 1881, Page 2

NATIVE MATTERS.

(from our special correspondent.) / PUNGAREHU, This Day. / Everything so far, is quiet and settled. The force at Farihaka has broken up. Some go to Manaia, Opunake, an(3 Tukearuhe.

The Specials' occupation is gone, and they leave to-morrow. Before doing so, I must say, I am indebted to Mr. Bryce for information given when asked, but cannot extend the same to many others, who by a little less " don't know," might have lightened our labors, and made our stay amongst them a little more select than the canteen.

A native from Oakura has returned with a pass to take away his buggy. Captain Newall'a party have returned , from New Plymouth, also those under Captain Gascoigne, from Opunake. The Native Minister leaves to-day to meet Sir William Fox at Oeo, proceeding thence to Wanganui. PUNGAREHU, Yesterday. Post Rahotu is to be dismantled to-day. The head-quarters are to be at Opunake. Jt would be well to keep Hahotu both to watch Ngaraki and Fuugarite natives, and also to keep the road open. Many natives at New Plymouth and Waitara have taken to fishing. Provisions are not so scarce as prognosticated, TJrenui being the only poor locality. The natives at Punehu, Motu's place, complain of the treatment re arms. They say they have been always peaceful, and if asked for their arms, would have given them up ; instead of that doors were , 1 broken open and places searched. It is stated that Mr. Parris visited the pah on Tuesday, and told the natives that the land would be cut up in alternate native j and European blocks. lam told that no alteration in the reserves will be made until next meeting of the Cabinet, probably not till after the elections. Mr. Parris was scarcely authorised to make such a statement to men always quiet. The memorable paddock at Pangarehu | is now potatoes. The native guards having j been removed, the cattle and horses are j constantly in. It is a great pity to destroy i a good crop. The A.C. could now easily fence both sides of the road in a few days, and prevent such wanton waste. Only three companies of A.C. will remain at Parihaka. The remainder are road making from there to Manaia, connecting with the Stratford-Opunake line. Captain Davidson and Cavalry have just marched for home ; also a reinforcement of A.C. for Pukearuhe and Oakura.

Motu, who has always been a friend to the Europeans, feels the indignity of being deprived of his arms. When about twenty-four stand of arms had been secured by the Mounted Rifles, and they were thinking of going away, Motu called to them, saying they had not got his "big gun." The chief conducted some of the men to his whare, and, opening a box, took out the British ensign, saying, "This is my big gun ; take it also." Since the seizure of firearms at Punehu, Motu haß had the halyards cut from his flagstaff, and it is said he has been heard to declare that he will not allow the British flag to again float over his pah.