TE WHITI ARRESTED. FULL PARTICULARS. TOHU AND ITIROKI TAKEN PRISONERS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3884, 7 November 1881, Page 2

TE WHITI ARRESTED. FULL PARTICULARS. TOHU AND ITIROKI TAKEN PRISONERS.

TE WHITFS FAREWELL SPEECH TO THE NATIVES. MR. BRYCE'S ADDRESS TO A.C. AND VOLUNTEER OFFICERS. NATIVES HAVE THREE DAYS TO LEAVE DISTRICT. [by telegraph.] [FROM THE PRESS ASSOCIATION^ SPECIAL.] Pungarehu, November 6. — Until this morning native news has been very quiet here, but Mr. Bryce's move to Parihaka with the troops to-day caused great excitement in the Pungarehu Camp ; and from early morn the Armed Constabulary were flitting about getting ready for the expected fray. The Rahotu Camp was equalty busy, inasmuch as that the men were under orders to march at daylight and join the troops at Pungarehu shortly after 7. The Armed Constabulary, and the New Plymouth Cavalry and Rifles, marched from the latter place at 6.45 a.m., the Constabulary baud playing as they left. The fact of an order being issued on Friday night— that all special correspondents would not be allowed to accompany the troops, or in the event of any of them being found there they would be immediately arrested, and detained for the space of twenty-four hourscaused some indignation among pressmen ; and during that day several members of the press interviewed Colonel Roberts, but were unable to get permission to go to Parihaka. Some of the correspondents were determined, if possible, to gain admittance to Parihaka, and at daybreak a party of five gentlemen, including the special correspondent to the Lyttelton Times, Mr. Hamilton, of the Lyttelton littles, the special correspondent to the Press Assoctiation, Captain Dawson, and Mr. Barclay, of the Government survey, the latter gentleman acting as guide, left by a track which brought them to the rear of Parihaka. After a rough walk of two hours, on reaching the spot, three were left on the hill in the rear, and the specials proceeded on to Parihaka. The intention was that L in event of the " specials " being arrested those behind would be able to communicate 'with the telegraph office, and send any information that could be obtained.

On reaching Parihaka the specials were well received by the natives, who did not appear at all concerned as to the approaching visit of soldiers. On closer inspection of Parihaka it was seen that there were about 2500 natives present, including women and children, and the natives were squatting in the marae. and had been there since twelve o'clock on Friday night, they having been informed that the soldiers were to visit the pah about daylight. The weather was exceedingly warm, and the Constabulary and Volunteers were rather exhausted from their tramp in heavy marching order. The natives appeared very clean, and the larger portions of them wore white feathers as a head dress. The Maoris had pulled down one of their fences to allow room for the troops to go into the pah, and had five hundred loaves prepared, so as to provide the men with food.

Early in the morning, the chief of the Ngawaras addressed the assemblage, and cautioned them not to use any violence. Tohu followed in a similar strain, and said that no matter what force was used against them, they were not to strike— not even with a stick.

From a hill in front of Parihaka the Armed Constabulary were seen advancing (at 7.15 a.m.), they having been joined by the Volunteers from Rahotu, who came by way of Parihaka. The troops on reaching Kopara, separated — one body comprised chiefly of Volunteers took the left with the intention of proceeding to the rear of Parihaka, the staff and main body continuing the march on to Parihaka direct. The special correspondents already mentioned, seeing men approaching near the scene of the supposed action, engaged the services of an interpreter (who is also a special), and by these means gaiued admission to a pah. Tohu wished them to get beside him, but, this being out of the question, a whare, from where full observation could be made, was offered them. The offer was kindly accepted.

The first body of men seen advancing over the slope to the south-west of the pah was at 8.30 in the morning, and made a gap in the fence at oue of the native plantations. They approached the pah, but on gaining the high ground to the west of the pah, halted, and waited the advance of the main body.

Immediately this body was observed by the natives, about two hundred young children were scut on to the high ground in front of Parihaka, and danced a Jiaka. From the excellent time kept by the children — whose ages ranged from S to 14 years — in their movements, it was apparent that they had been trained specially for the purpose.

The staff turned ou to the road leading to Parihaka at 8.35 a.m., and the children turned their attention to them, performing the same as they had to the other company.

On a small rise in front of Parihaka the staff halted, and waited for the Armed Constabulary to approach. The whole then came on towards the pah, headed by the Armed Constabulary skirmishers. At 9 o'clock the skirmishers of the A.C. had taken up their position on the hill immediately above the native burial ground, and were accompanied by the Hon. Mr. Bryce and the Hon. Mr. Rollestou. The latter was on foot, whilst the former was mounted on a white horse.

At five minutes past nine o'clock the four companies of the A.C. had reached the foot of the hill, and then Tohu commenced addressing the natives assembled. His utterances were of short duration, and were inaudible to the reporters. Captains Gudgeon and Newall were now advancing to the front of Parihaka with a company of A.C. The Maoris still kept their squatting postures, with the exception of the young girls, who were enjoying themselves with skipping ropes, and the boys, who were playing- in front of the pah. None appeared the least afraid on the approach of the Constabulary.