NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5949, 20 March 1880, Page 5

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[By Telbgeaph.]

[bbom oub bpeoiax. coeebspondbnt.] |

NEW, PLYMOUTH, Mabch 19.

All reports that have reached the camp confirm the opinion expressed in my telegram that Te Whiti and his followers are thinking more seriously than hitherto of the possibility of war. Last night, as an extra precaution, Colonel Roberts gave orders that inlying pickets should be told off. The Native Minister paid a visit to the camp during my absence at Parihaka j but I do not gather that it was of any special significance. The survey of the road is now. abreast of Motera’s place, and is advancing steadily towards Parihaka. Yesterday another present of- food was made by the Natives, and they have intimated their intention of making a larger one a fortnight hence. - . , _, . To-day Mr Orchoston, of the Telegraph Department, arrived in camp, and the extension of ithe wires outward to connect at Opuuake will be immediately proceeded with. The Natives are returning in crowds from Parihaka. A late telegram has been received stating that Mr Bryce will bo here to-night. It seems evident from this, and the extra precautions taken generally, that there is great anxiety since the late Parihaka meeting. The official report of the Government agent, I have reason to believe, is to the effect that Te Whiti will not allow the road to be proceeded A rumour, apparently well authenticated, has reached the camp, that Major Kemp arrived to-day at Parihaka from Murimotu, and urged Te Whiti to join him against the Europeans. To Whiti is said to have received Kemp favourably, v The Natives returning from Parihaka to-day gave the above information to one Of the armed constabulary. ;