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Star (Christchurch), Issue 3638, 8 December 1879, Page 2

[FROM OUH OWN COEEBBPQKDBNT.I WELLINGTON, Due." 8, The New County of Geraldine. Relative to the petition of C. G. Grippand others, o£ the County of Geraldine, praying that the new County of Geraldine may not be constituted, the Petitions' Committee recommend that tho petition be referred to the Government. Native Troubles. I had a long conversation this morning with Joseph Jones, commonly known as " Mokau Jones," who is credited with possessing a more intimate knowledge of Nalivee and of the views and intentions, more particularly of the disaffected Natives, than any Jluicpean in tliß Colony. He takes a very gloomy view of tho situation, especially if tho Government should take any hostile steps at Parihaka. In such an event he fears a massacre will ensue of the settlers who have taken up land between Parihaka and Ingle wood. Towards the settlements tracks have been made whioh'would enable tho Maoris to more with great expedition. Ab one inßtanoe of the grave( yjew taken of Rowi's return to the King country, lam informed that a few days ago an English tourist loft Wellington furnished with letters to facilitate his pussago through the King coun'vy, and that a telegram has been sent after him, advising him on no account to prooecd. Everything in the shape of roads through tho Waikato has been stopped. It is rumoured this morning that, in the hope of averting dieastrouß consequences, all parly jcaloueie3 will bo waived^ and that, Mr Sheehan will accept a portfolio, Tho Natives have intimatod very plainly that they will deal through him, but not through Mr JJryce. Te Wheoro is Tory ''pou.?^" even towards bis most intimate European friends^