LATEST FROM THE FRONT.

Thames Advertiser, Volume XIV, Issue 4058, 31 October 1881, Page 3

LATEST FROM THE FRONT.

Opunakb, Saturday, Some 540 A.C. who arc now at Pungarohuand all available woro inspected by tho Honourablo Mr Bryce this morning at Opunake, Tho Wellington Navals aro busy at drill and camp work. Captain Bennett and officers aro evincing every intent in perfecting tho mon. Tho Hinoraoa called twice 'nt Opunako this morning with tho Nelson Volunteers, but could.not land tho men. l ■ A rumour was circulated through the town yestorday afternoon to tho effect that Tc Whiti and his followers had quitted Parihaka, and had taken to the bush, Considerable oxcitcment was caused by this report, its it was thought that if this was the case, the Maoris auroly meant fighting, as thov would not bo likely to fight at Parihaka Coupled with To Whiti's statemont that Bryce will find ho fortifications at Parihaka, tho report seemed to have some colour of truth. The Government, however, havo not received any information on tho subject, and the Premier does not think there is any truth in tho assertion further ttyw that same of tho followers of To Whiti may be deserting their ohicf to sayo themselves from the consequences af remaining in rebellion. I understand that tho thrco (lays 1 graco given by Mr Bryco for To Whiti's answer is to prevent any quibble about tho natives not getting a fuH fortnight to docide on their course of action, Tarawhiti, ono of the Maoris who woro rocontly ploughing on Hunter's land, Otakeho, has knocked somo fencing down beoauso an old road of his whioh ran across tho section was stopped by the fencing. _ Information has boon laid against him. Tlio Native Ministor at*r- . sent refuses tlio request of 10 . andOkiawa aottW um otalTclio ..,„ior an A.C. force. . „ iitti had a rather animated discussion* with Mr Rollcston when ho was at Pungaroliu, and ono which Mr Rolloston did not altogether relish. During the discussion To Whiti took Mr liollcston s lint and was about to cut it iti two with a kaife, when Mr Rollcston objeotod, sayug his had would bo no good to him if it

1 were cut in halves, to Whiti said, "You object to have your hat divided bccaufo it would then be useless to you. I also object to havo my land divided because it would be usolcss to mo. This is onough." ' Mr Rolleston could not gat another syllabio out of To Whiti, who considered his argument'unansworable. Tho Maoris havo expressed their intention of preparing a big feast for liiu duy of settlement and if the Constabulary go to arrest thorn they will invito them to sit down and enjoy thomsolves. " What can j thoy do if wo ask them to cat?" say the Maoris. ■ . - It is stated that £47,000: will be paid, ovor to tho Maoris at the ensuing sitting of tho Native Lands Court at Marton.