NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6473, 25 November 1881, Page 5

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[BY TSMOBAPH.J [from otm arsoiAD cobrbspokdbnt,]

NSW PLYMOUTH, Nov. 84.

learning that Colonel Trimble and other Taranaki residents had boon permitted to visit To Whiti in his oonSooment, 1 made personal application this morning to Mr Bawton, Resident Magistrate and senior Visiting Justice, for an order to see him, intimating that 1 desired to hold no conversation with him, but merely to observe the nature of his jonflnemont. Mr Rawson was very courteous, but declined to give mo an order, naively admitting -. " When you sent in your cord the other Justices were with me, and, of course, wo knew what you wanted, and decided not to grant any further orders.” Mr Rawson informod > mo that without waiting for Government instructions, ho and his brother Visiting Justices had directed the gaoler to supply To Whiti and Tohu with tinned meats, tobacco, and generally to comply with any reasonable requests they might make, stating that if necessary they (the Visiting Justices) would pay for it out of their own pockets. They then telegraphed to Mr Bryce on the subject. Ho replied approving their action. Mr Rawson informs mo that both To Whiti and Tohu are quite cheerful, and oonverao freely with the selected few permitted to visit them. The Taranaki Mounted Rifles returned today to Now Plymouth. There was no public reception beyond that Major Btapp complimented the volunteers in the Taranaki district, and read to them an address of congratulation sent by Mr Bryce. Tbo corps throughout the " campaign ” has done really bard work in tho shape of escort and orderly duty—in fact tho lion’s share has fallen upon their shoulders. They feel very eore that two of their number should have been found stealing from the Natives' wharfs, and are anxious that their punishment should be adequate to the meanness of the offence.

[Pbb Pause Association,] PUNGABEHU. Nov. 24. The Mounted Bifies started on their return home at 9.16 this morning. Everything is quiet at Parihaka, and 12 of the Constabulary have just left for the White Cliffs. The weather has cleared up. Everything has. been very quiet at Parihaka to-day. Fatigue parties wore out early carrying raupo from the destroyed wharfe to the spot chosen for the new camp, where it will re used in erecting cook houses, &o. Since noon it has rained steadily, and all rood entrances to the camp are in a very bad condition. Work in connection with the stockade had to be stopped owing to the nnpropitions weather, as also had the clearing for the new camp. Should the weather clear up during the remainder of the week the camp will be shifted, and the road party commence work. Katruia, a Native from the neighbourhood of Bahotu, came to Parihaka this morning, and was allowed to remove two dray loads of potatoes, some for food and others for seed. Other Natives from different hapus will be allowed to return for food, but always under supervision. Scarcely an adult Native was seen in the village to-day, they, no doubt, having taken shelter in their wharfis. During the absence of the Natives from the fences at Pungarehu, several horses strayed on to the plantations and played sad havoo with the potato crops. The Natives returned to the fences this morning. On Tuesday tWo Natives belonging to the Bawera district were found in tears, and oh being asked the reason of their grief, they remarked that they wished to go to their homes, but did not care to proceed there unless they were taken, as the others have been. This is another instance of the Maories refusing to disperse voluntarily. Bahotu camp will be dismantled in a day or two, and the Okato camp will olio be abandoned as soon as arrangements are concluded for doing so. The disposition of the Constabulary at tho principal stations is, as near as can be ascertained, 460 at Parihaka, 160 at Mania, 60 at Opunake, and 40 at Fungarohn. Opunake, it is stated, will be the headquarters. Mr Anderson, defence storekeeper for the Colony, is deserving of the greatest praise for the manner in wmoh he has carried out his duties in connection with clothing and rationing the volunteers and constabulary, and also the transport of Natives. It is now (8 p.m.) raining heavily. Mr Bryce will leave the camp for Oeo tomorrow, where be will meet Sir vv. Fox. NEW PLYMOUTH. Nov. 24. Te Ota was brought up this morning charged with stealing articles from Messrs Fleming Bros.' house at Bahotu. The evidence disclosed that some of the clothes were found on the prisoner when arrested. The prisoner was remanded till Wednesday next.