TE WHITI AND TOHU.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LIX, Issue 6872, 9 March 1883, Page 5

TE WHITI AND TOHU.

fßx TatBOBApu.J [raoM otra own ooaaaarow»B»T.J WELLINGTON, Maboh 8. Tho Government despatched the Stella to Nelson lest night in a very unostentatious way; in fact the extreme unostentatiouenese of the vessel’* movements was so very marked that it set people wondering what was “ up," and a shrewd suspicion got afloat that she was in reality on her way .to fetch Te Wbili and Tohu. This proves to be the (rue object of her journey. Full arrangements have been made for the restoring of the exiled prophet* to their homes. They will embark in the Stella at Nelson this evening, and she will then proceed direct to Opunake, arriving there early to-morrow morning. Te Whiti and Tohu will be landtd at Opunake, and afforded the needful facilities for reaching Farihaka in good time. It was deemed advisable that the precise date of their arrival should not be known to the Nativea before hand, so that (her# might be no probability of any undesirable demonstratioa on the return of the exiles. All is now expected to pais off with the utmost quietness. The Now Plymouth Mtrald, referring to To Whiti and Tohu’* relearn, says" We think the Native Minuter might have chosen another period of the year than (he middle of March for their release. It was on (he 17th of this month that Te Whiti used to hold his principal meeting*, and the Natives will no doubt look upon his return at that time as due to supernatural power rather than aa an act of clemency oa the part of the Government." [Pkb Pbbss Association.] “NELSON, Maboh 8. Te Whiti and Tohu, with Mr Ward, the interpreter, who has had charge of them, left in the Stella at 6 o’clock this evening for Opunake. About half a dizen Maoris belonging to Nelson were on the wharf, but with the exception of rubbing noses with these, there was no demonstration or excitement.