THE NATIVE TROUBLE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5669, 31 May 1879, Page 2

THE NATIVE TROUBLE.

MR. PARRIS'S REPORT ON THE TARANAKI DIFFICULTY.

(PER PKBSS. AGENCY.) New Plymouth, Friday. Mr. Parris returned from Parihaka last night. He was received by Te Whiti and 200 followers very courteously. Te Whiti denied any intention to injure the Europeans, but he admitted that the ploughing of Courtney’s land was done under his orders, and he signified his intention of proceeding with that and other similar works. Mr. Parris told him he was acting foolishly, and would bring trouble on his head. There is no danger of bloodshed on the part of the Maoris at present, but it is impossible to tell how soon some settler may resist spoliation of his land, and the first resistance on our side will most likely be a signal for war. The ploughing on Courtney’s land has ceased.

Mr. Parris's visit to Parjhaka has evidently not resulted in favor of peace. Te Whiti is determined to have the matter out with the Government, and nothing is left for .it apparently hut to fight. This affair has entirely suspended all business here and at Patea, and a very dull winter is looked,forward to, It has quite spoilt the prospects: of "these .districts for two years. , /

Pate.',, Friday. A very large meeting of Carlyle residents was held last night to discuss native affairs, Mr. Sherwuqd in the chair. The following resolution- .vie unanimously carried ;—lst. “That this meeting is of opinion that, in consequence of the present attitude of the natives; it is urgently necessary that the district should be immediately put in a, state of defence, and that Government be at once requested to for•ward a supply of arms and ammunition here

to be is.-uetl to the settlers when oeca-ion require?.’' 2nd. “ That the settlers at this meeting sign their names as being willing to form themselves into a corps for'tiie local defence of K-, and request to he armed and drilled at ouce.

The settlers here are not at all satisfied with the aspect, of affairs, and should an outrage he comm tted near town nothing could be done to as-i t, as very few possess arm?. Similar meetings to the above have been held all tarouyh the country.