NATIVE AFFAIRS IN TARANAKI.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 979, 9 June 1879, Page 2

NATIVE AFFAIRS IN TARANAKI.

Hawep-a, June 7. There was the largest meeting ever held in fTawera, last night, to consider the Native question. Major Atkinson would not permit party questions to be introduced, and said the Government policy Trould be criticised elsewhere. They must be of one mind in trying to avert danger and guard against attack, Hp thought the settlers should only be called out to protect their homes, the Government providing an armed force for active work. The Government had promised to modify the Volunteer regulations. He had urged the policy of the Government arming the settlers with old Enfields, when the Volunteers down South had Snider's. At Okato, however, the settlers within six miles of Parihaka were armed with Sniders. He thought the Maoris had implicit confidence in Te Wliiti. They all professed to believe that ou;' annihilation was to take place by supernatural means. This was, sa far, very good. They were willing to be experimented upon in this way by Te Whiti, but when the prophet wakes up and finds he has not this power, he will use force and call upon his infatuated followers to carry out the prophecy, and we should be prepared for this form of his power. As people feeling the gravity of the situation, we must insist on the Government doing their duty. We are the people who will suiter if matters come to a display of force. Let us not play with them, but make a clean sweep. A resolution was proposed urging the Government to take the necessary steps to protect and arm the settlers. A Committee was appointed, and the names taken down, of persons joining the Volunteer force under modified regulations, as wisely agreed upon by the Government in Taranaki. The meeting had an enthusiastic end, three cheers being given for Major Atkinson, New Plymouth, June 7. The Stella has left for the Manakau, to bring the Constabulary from Auckland. The natives resumed ploughing operations on Mr. Courtney's farm this morning. The}' have seized the hay on the farm. The Carly]o correspondent of the Herald wires that the settlers about ten miles up the Patea River have been warned not to go upon their land. Hitherto natives at Tauranga have been verj" cordial, but today they were repellant, and warned the settlers not to proceed to Tauroa, and that they had better return, which they did. The matter has been reported to the Government. It is supposed that the natives are erecting a pah on the Otataupahu block. The report of armed natives being seen at Waitara turns out to be false. The natives will not lire the first shot. Giseorne, June 7. The statement that 1000 Ngatiporons were ready to fight at Taranaki is unwarranted. They are very undecided. Probably a meeting of the tribe will be held next week to consider the matter. Two hundred to live hundred is the most that could be relied on under the circumstances.