NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 972, 31 May 1879, Page 2

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Ha web a, May 30. The Maoris at Maliai, between Hawera and Carlyle, are selling off stock in Hawera, and are on the road to Parihaka. Only one old chief named Matthew Renkins is at Makai. He says it is quite true that the Maoris now seem quite fanatical in their adoration of Te Wliiti. The settlers this morning, at an urgent meeting, were all desirous for the representative of the district, Major Atkinson, to a hold conference with them at once. They have faith , in his long experience and tried judgment. Wellington, May 30. Major Atkinson has received a telegram from his constituents at Patea asking him to go down to consult with them, as they consider the naturp of matters is looking serious there. He replied, promising an immediate visit after the Governor leaves for ISTew Plymouth. The Waitara correspondent of the Taranaki Herald writes :—There is no doubt the present Government have entirely Inst the confidence of the natives, not only on this coast, but throughout the island, and if matters are allowed to proceed much further in the same course as at present taken, we will have to come to blows. Mr. Parris was asked by the Government to see Te Whiti, and ascertain whether it was by his orders or sanction that Mr. Courtney's land was being ploughed. Mr. Caverhill and Mr. G. Messenger accompanied Mr. Parris. The interview with Te Whiti was so far satisfactory that he stated he in no way desired to commence hostilities, but he admitted sanctioning the ploughing of the land, and intended to continue it, as he wished to bring the question of the confiscated lands to an issue with the Government. Mr. Parris told him that doing so would tend to create hostility, as the confiscated land could not be surrendered by the Government. Te Whiti, who attended by two or three hundred natives, received the visitors iu a very friendly way, and the interview throughout was conducted with good humor. On Tuesday, the natives were not at work at Mr. Courtney's, but - two of them passed through town to attend a tangi at Bell Block.