NEW PLYMOUTH.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5111, 4 June 1885, Page 2

NEW PLYMOUTH.

This day.

Major Atkinson met a number of the West Coast settlers at Rahotu at noon yesterday, in order to discuss the state of native affairs in the district. Mr Mills (late of Canterbury) opened the proceedings by stating he hoped he would receive better treatment than from Mr Ballaoce; if he had been the greatest reprobate under the son he could not have been treated with greater disrespect. He then related how the natives had in the past interfered with the settlers. , Major Atkinson said he entirely failed to understand the motives Mr JBallance had in removing the * Constabulary; his object should be to weaken Te Whiti's influence, but their romovnl from Parihaka appareutly increased ju Major Atkinson pro-.-

mised to use his endeavors to get an equable administration of the law to European and Maori. One policeman was evidently insufficient; he .thought the meeting might expect an addition to the force. Major Atkinson was well re* ceived, and thanked by the settlers for his courtesy to them.

Major Atkinson addressed his constituents at Oakaru on Tuesday night. Speaking on native affairs he said the Native Minister appeared to be coming back Ifi the old flour and sugar policy ; taking nway the A. C.'s from Pungarehu, caused the natives to believe in To Whiti more than ever, for it helped to bring true his prophecies. He thought thatPungarehu should have been the last A. C. station which should have been broken up. The natives had full confidence in Mr Bryce, but found Mr Ballance's word was not to be relied upon. If the Native Minister said, " I will do this," the Maoris replied, "No you must do that." A vote of confidence was unanimously carried.