DIFFICULTY WITH THE NATIVES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3133, 28 May 1879, Page 2

DIFFICULTY WITH THE NATIVES.

The natives arc still at work ploughing up Mr. Courtney's land at Tapuac ; but notwithstanding rumours of their going to commence at other places, no movement iv that direction has taken place.

Mr. W.Remiell, of the Native Office, went to Waitara yesterday afternoon and institute I enquiries as to alleged disaffection shown by the Maories iv that locality. He found no foundation for the rumours, but ion the contrary was led to bolieve that tho natives are on tho most amicable terms with the Europeans. The gentlemen who formed themselves into a committee on Monday to enquire into the state of affairs, have been iv constant communication with the Government, and we learn that a telegram has been received to the effect that it was probable the Governor would, if he was well enough, visit New Plymouth.

The Ministry are considering the situation, and Sir George Grey or some other member of the Ministry will come here, and consult with the leading gentlemen of the place, as what is to bo done in the present critical state of affairs.

The Hinemoa left "Wellington with reinforcements of men for New Plymouth, and callc 1 in at Opunake on her way.

Mr. Parris left town this morning for Parihaka to sec Te Whiti, aud to ascertain from him if it was with his orders that the men had bsen set to work to plough Mr. Courtney's laud.

Mr. Slieehan has arrived at. Auckland from Hamilton, and is still far from well. He is suffering from quiusey.

It is very curious, but notwithstanding all the rumours of persons being warned to leave their lands, we can hear of no one instance where a settler has been in any way threatened.

Mr. W. Biiyly was in town this morning, and states that his native neighbours and himself arc on very friendly term*. Te Whiti, it appears, sent word to Motutu (the head of the natives living in that part of tho district), ordering him to plough up Mr. W. Bayly's land, but Motutu was equal to the occasion, it seems, and sent word back to the fanatical prophet that if he wanted the land ploughed up he had better come there and do it hiin-elf.