NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5892, 14 January 1880, Page 5

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[Br Tblegkaph.]

fFEOU OUE SPECIAL OOEEESPONDENT.]

WANGANUI, Jan. 13,

Nothing now is positively known as to the intentions of Government relative to the Waimato Plains. On the one hand it is whispered that no later than the 20th will witness the contemplated coup, while others are assiduously circulating a report that Government cannot and dare not move on to the Plains.

1 have to-day been in communication with several persons who have just returned from that district. Mr Sharpe, photographer, who has been visiting the redoubts at Waihi and Opunake, for the purpose of photographing scenery thereabouts, tells me that recently some of the Armed Constabulary have been drilled in bush fighting, movable objects being placed here and there in the bush and amongst fern to represent Maoris. The men are said to be in a high state ef efficiency and thoroughly sick of inaction. The photographer in question managed to forward a request to Te Whiti to be permitted to visit Parihaka, but was refused. On asking the advice of Europeans at Hawea well posted up in Native affairs, he was told that if he persisted in going probably he would not suffer personal violence, but his apparatus would certainly be destroyed.

A European who recently passed through Parihaka, and was hospitably entertained, informs me that there are fully 2000 men there. lam also informed by an influential resident of Wanganui, who is married to a Native woman of high rank, and is credited with possessing a most intimate knowledge of Native affairs, that recently from 100 to 150 of the scum of the Wanganui Natives left for Parihaka, all well armed. On putting the question direct to him as to whether, in the event of the constabulary going on to the plains, there would be trouble, he expressed himself utterly unable to venture an opinion. In fact, the position seems to ho one of utter uncertainty and anxiety.

Ihe demeanour of the Natives about Wanganui is extremely bounceable. They swarm about the public-houses, and are evidently quite aware that something in which they are directly interested is on the tapis. The following from to-night’s Wanganui Serald very fairly represents public opinion on the subject;—“ Speculation is exhausted in finding a reason for the removal of the Maori prisoners from Wellington to Dunedin and Hokitika. Were they not secure in Wellington, or could they not have been made so ? The secret will come out some day, but their action appears full of mystery. Dr Bailer complains bitterly that faith has not been kept with him in removing the prisoners without informing him of the intention 5 but it might not have been prudent to acquaint the Natives or their counsel beforehand. It would be premature to express any decided opinion on the matter. The responsibility of bringing Te Whiti to terms rests with Government, and rose-water diplomacy is out of the question. What the public have the right to demand is prompt action, for it was on this ground that the late Government was condemned by the members who are now entrusted with the execution of a policy of vigour, a policy which these ministers have been preaching up and down the country. The removal of the prisoners may be the first step in the line of action, and we expect daily to hear what the next step is to be. The people on this Coast are suspicious that the Major’s tall talk is going to end in blank cartridge, and that a vigorous policy is moonshine, but they will be undeceived before the end of the present month.” There is no doubt that feeling runs high in the district, and is being worked for political purposes. It is freely said by representatives of the Liberal party that if the Ministry fails to carry out its pledge to deal immediately and firmly with the Plains difficulty, it will lose every supporter on the West Coast from Wellington to New Plymouth. Amongst other rumours about, is one to the effect that Mr Bryce and Major Atkinson are quite prepared for decisive action, but that Mr Whitaker stands in the way. At the same time it must be remembered that in a matter of this kind the utmost secrecy as to intended movements is absolutely necessary, and that under such circumstances the movements of Government are apt to be misconstrued. Whatever happens, it may be taken for granted no move will be made until Mr Bryce reaches Colonel Roberts’ headquarters. A telegram from Wellington to me to-day states that both his and Major Atkinson’s intended movements are quite uncertain. Meantime, the whole of the Coast is on the qui vine.