The Taranaki Herald. PUBLISHED DIALY. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1870.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3215, 1 September 1879, Page 2

The Taranaki Herald. PUBLISHED DIALY. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1870.

Nativk Affairs, in tho eyes of a special correspondent to the Lyttelton Times, have a very disquieting aspect, if we are to judge by his letters and telegrams to the newspapers he is corresponding with. He says, under date of August 28, that disquieting rumours have reached Wanganui to the effect that the Maoris who assembled at Parihaka ou August 18 have not returned to their homes, but are throwing up earthworks. It is vory difficult to prognosticate what may happen. Persons who from long residence here ought to bo thoroughly competent to judge, aro divided in opinion; »Som6 appear to' beliore in Te Whiti's statement that the Maoris will not light; others say he is anxious to obtain a oasus belli, and that the raw recruits forming tho majority of the Armed Constabulary could bo swept away by the Maoris like chaff, but the whole social and political atmosphoro of this Coast is so tainted with Pakoha-Maorism that it is hard to tell what to believe. My own impression is that the situation is very critical, and that the time has arrived for Government to take decisive steps. The Maoris swarming about the streets of Wanganui arc very bounceable iv demeanour, and evidently have plenty of money:- K very public-house has its room sot apart for them, where they aro supplied with liquor, and most disgusting scenes are witnes.se.l about the streets when women excited by drink get into aquarrelsomo mood." If this correspondent visits Parihaka and Now Plymouth we aro rather inclined to thinkthat tho tone of his lotters will considerably change ; for although at this end tho settlers are ready for any emergency, they aro not letting the late aggressive action of the natives interfere with thoir usual occupation.