THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5498, 1 July 1879, Page 5

THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT.

THE POSITION TAKEN BY REWI. Wellington, Monday. Instructions of the mo3t peremptory character have been issued along the coast, from the White Cliffs to Wanganni, to arrest and imprison all Maoris found ploughing upon European lands. Rewi has telegraphed to the Native Minister contradicting categorically all the statements appearing about him in the newspapers, to the effect that he is sympathising with Te Whiti and his people. The action said to have been taken at Mokau by a chief of his tribe, Te Wetere, is unauthorised, and he has telegraphed to him iu ihe most peremptory manner, to desist from farther proceedings, and to explain why he has ventured to go so far. The telegram from Rewi especially states, that fc.e is on the Government side, aDd will countenance no action which may be taken by any person against law or order. The conc'uiiqn of his message to the Native Minister; is as follows: —"Ba strong, and prevent trouble coming." Mr. Parris wires also that he has heard from reliable sources that Te Whiti was about to withdraw his ploughing parties in a few days. The Government have replied to Mr. Parris that they cannot afford to wait Te Whiti's convenience, and that the instructions given re the arrest of trespassers are to be carried into effect forthwith. Information has been received by the Government to the effect that Te Whiti diedainß •any connection with the ploughing at Livingstone's, at Waingongoro. The Government have replied that it is of no consequence from whom the instructions came, the persons concerned therein are law-breakers, and orders previously given for the arrest of all persone engeged are directed to be vigonrously enforced.