NATIVE OBSTERUCTIONISTS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3526, 30 August 1880, Page 2

NATIVE OBSTERUCTIONISTS.

NINE NATIVE PRISONERS TAKEN.

GOVERNMENT CHANGE THEIR LINE

OF ACTION. Last evening a guard of the Constabulary arrived in town from the camp with seventeen native prisoners. On arrival at the gate of the New Plymouth gaol a holt was called by the officer in charge (Sergeant Wyatt), and, in conformity with his "marching orders," he liberated eight of the prisoners — one a lad, who is known as a young rascal, two old men, and the others between 18 and 25 years of age. The surprise of the natives at being sent adrift was great, and they did not at first clearly understand their position. They were, however, further enlightened by an interpreter that if they were caught again at the fences they would be taken to Wellington and liberated there, and they would have to depend upon their own resources. These explanations having been duly delivered and received, the natives were dismissed. They soon began to feel the pangs of hunger, and immediately betook themselves to the Native Office ; and, atter a short time, they were served with a loaf of bread each. The natives remained in town all night, being accommodated with lodgings at the Native Office, and left this morning for Parihaka. The remaining nine natives were handed over to the care of the New Plymouth gaoler, and will in due course be shipped per Hinemoa to Wellington.

It cannot be said that the prisoners were liberated on account of their youthfulness, because some of them were strong full-grown men. It is. therefore, rather an indication that the Government have decided upon some new course of action, and this change has doubtless been brought into effect by the Native Minister, who is at present at the camp. We must confess, however, that the change does not appear, on the face of it, to be likely to bear any good results, for it is almost a certainty that these very natives whe have been liberated will again appear at the camp aud resume fencing. Of course, in the terms of their discharge they will be again arrested and sent to Wellington, and there left to their own resources. What good can result from this ? The natives will be provided for in Wellington, and will sooner or later find their way back to Parihaka. Besides, it is not at all certain that the natives will not look upon the liberation of the prisoners as a sign of weakness on the part of the Government, and Te Whiti will not lose the opportunity of pointing that out. A more effective course could be adopted by taking the prisoners into gaol, and after administering to them seven days' solitary confinement, to liberate them. Solitary confinement is regarded by the natives as the greatest punishment, and there is every reason to believe that they would not ask to be confined a second time.