RICOCHETS FROM THE FRONT

Observer, Volume 3, Issue 61, 12 November 1881, Page 132

RICOCHETS FROM THE FRONT

— It is believed that the Parihaka natives have acted throughout under legal advice. — Wi Parata will have a commanding influence over the Parihaka natives in the maintenance of peace. — New song : — " Let me like a soldier fall " — "to the rear." — Auckland man to Taranaki settler : "I suppose the Taranaki people would like to lynch Te Whiti." Taranaki man : "No fear ; he is too valuable for that. — Te Whiti means " the wheat." Just so. He has been the staff of life for many years past to Taranaki. — It is openly stated in New Plymouth that a certain contractor has cleared £10,000 since the Armed Constabulary were massed on the Waimate Plains — A gentleman recently arrived from the Front says it is lucky there was no fighting, as a few dozen Maori girls would have wiped out the New Plymouth contingent of " gallants," and probably another regiment (! !) as well. — Old soldier of the 57th, now one of the Thames Volunteers : "If there's any fighting you don't catch me in front. I mean to let the young fellows go." Enquirer: "Why?" "Well, you see, I don't exactly to be between two fires, and to get shot behind. r^ — On Wednesday Aveek Mr Bryce applied for a warrant to arrest Te Whiti and Tohu, and endeavoured to secure evidence to support his application. Messrs Coverhill, O. Carrington, and another Taranaki resident were appointed to draw up a case, but it is said that they were unable to adduce any evidence _ otherwise than to the effect that Te Whiti had maintained the peace of the West Coast for a number of years.