®be liratialu §|f mid. PUBLISHED DAILY. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 1879.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3135, 30 May 1879, Page 2

The Taranaki Herald PUBLISHED DAILY. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 1879.

The native difficulty at Tapnae, is so far in a better position that the aboriginal ploughmen have for the time suspended ttieir labours. Whether the labour was too arduous, and imremunerative, or whether a chauge of scene was considered desirable, we are unable to determine, but advantage was taken of the interlude by the leader to ride through town yesterday, to aid in the lamentations over a deceased countryman, This act is more deliberately cool than the ploughing feat, and shows an amount of assurance that caps the usual effrontery of the disciples of Te Whiti. Comment on this is needless unless it be of a practical character, snch for instance on the nest occasion of such an un-

authorise! ploughing match for the Government to arrest the offenders, and allow them ample time within stone walls to reflect on the position, their aggressive tendences had brought them to. Of course in taking such decisive action, provision would have to be made for any contingencies which might arise out of it. The Government, however, we are glad to say inform us that they are strong enough to deal with any aggressive acts the natives may commit. This being the case, we have no doubt that the settlers will feel much relieved at the information so timely given. Physical force immediately available, and capable of being produced for occular demonstration is the only argument likely to convince natives who are inclined to act as those have done at Tupuae. It is true some force has been produced ; forty arrived by the Hinemoa yesterday — good men and true at a pinch we have no doubt, but not quite enough to assure the settlers against any contingency that j may arise, and for which the Government is fully prepared. We have no reason to believe that at present there is any conspiracy or understanding on the part of a large number of natives to bring on a war, though it is apparent to any observant mind that it is quite possible for the Colony to drift into a war unless firmness and judgment is exercised by the Government. We know that the confiscated land on the Plains has been and is a very sore point, and that the Te Whiti-ites are fully impressed that their leader will prevent the pakehas regaining it. But so far the weapons of warfare to be used are not of a carnal character. Nothing so low or brutal as physical force is to be employed. Supernatural agencies are to do the whole work of subjugation. So long as theese feelings are maintained there is no immediate danger of hostile collision. But it is evident that men who can be moulded to such a condition of mind are not to be relied on or calculatad to adhere to any special mode of operation. If the spirits of the air failed to obey, it is possible that in desperation resort might be had aftar all to more material modes of offence. The normal weapon might be utilised failing the supernatural one, and collision become an accomplished fact. The fact of Te Whiti ordering this aggressive act has bsen questioned, but we learn from Mi". Parris that the natives did act under instautiDiis from Pariliaka. It will be remembered that a more local prophet — Tamiti Tito — who ruled the roost at Mataitawa about 1867, instigated his followers to similar acts of agression with respect to confiscated land awarded to military settlers. He has now died out of rememberance, but for deeds of intimidation and agressiou he, at that period, had no rival, and, consequently, he had a higher reputation for supernatural power than Te Whiti. Mr. Parris' interview with Te Whiti is so far satisfactory that it induces the hope that there will be no immediate repetition of these lawless acts. But it follows also, as legitimate sequence, that if the experiment is repeated that prompt punishment must follow, if it is only to remove any lingering doubt there might be at Parihaka that such acts can be perpetrated with impunity, and also to dispel the superstitious belief that the Government is powerless to work against Te Whiti's supernatural spells.