THE WAIMATE PLAINS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5759, 3 May 1880, Page 5

THE WAIMATE PLAINS.

[bv telegraph, TROM our SPECIAL COR. RESPONDENT.] Noriianbv, Sunday, 5 p.m. THE ROAD BLUNDER.

When I left Camp Werekino, yesterday morning, nothing had been finally decided upon relative to crossing the Waiweranui. The greatest uncertainty prevails as to what will next be done or how accomplished. It is impossible to move the baggage by the newly-inade road; and to do a round about by the old track is tantamount to a practical fulfilment of Te Whiti's prophecy. In the meantime the Maoris on the Piaius, seeing the fix, are becoming more bounceable. Building whares on the unreserved land is proceeded with, and the Maoris in the neighbourhood of Camp Werekino ore saying they hope the Armed Constabulary will soon move, as they wish to plough the land which has been cleared for camp purposes. Had matters been under the control of the Defence and Native Departments only, in place of being dominated by the Public Works Department, such a fiasco could not have happened. On the verge of winter everything is at sixes and sevens, and the Government are completely at a loss what to do next. I know that great efforts will be made to march the men partly on the new road to the next camp, but the baggage, ammunition, commissariat, &c., mitsl go by the other track, probably, for months to come. It is the old story of " some one has blundered," followed by unpleasantness and mutaal recrimination.