THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXIII, Issue 9542, 10 November 1881, Page 2

THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY

(association's special reporter.) PUNGAREHU, NOV. 8.

Shortly after daylight this morning the troops at Parihaka were under orders to march on the pa at 8 a.m. The first company entered the village and made a search through the whares for the purpose of taking possession of any firearms that could be found there. The Maoris were squatting in the inarae, and did not take the slightest notice of the Constabulary.

The Maoris were amused at the sixpounder Armstrong, which was placed on the hill, and Wi Parata informed us that Tihana, one of the New Plymouth Maoris, had become frightened, and had left for his hapu. At one this afternoon the Constabulary were ordered on parade, but after inspection they were dismissed for the day.

Messrs Bryce awd Eolleston having gone to Pungarehu, during the afternoon I visited the camps of the Nelson and Thames Scottish, to the west of Parihaka. Here the men were found to

be in good spirits, although complaining

of not having received their camp equipments in time to allow of their making preparations for the boisterous weather yesterday.

From a conversation with Wi Parata

I was informed that he had postponed his visit to Wellington for the present, and that Mr Butler (Mr Bryce's secretaiy) had visited the pa during the morning endeavouring to persuade the natives disperse, but without avail.

The movements of the Constabulary were watched with interest by a number

of visitors, • and on their returning with the captured arms they were formed in line in front of the pa, and the guns were stacked. A couple of expresses

were then drawn up, and into these all weapons taken were placed, after which they were sent to Pungarehu under a guard of the New Plymouth Mounted Eifles. With the exception of searching

the whares for firearms and ammunition

there was nothing done to-day. The weather is still fine. Messrs Bryce and Eolleston have gone to Manaia. November 9. The Prince of Wales Birthday was ushered in with beautiful weather, and shortly after daybreak a stir was made, and several proceeded on to Parihaka ; but from the fact that the Hon. Messrs

Bryce and Rolleston were absent, it was not expected that movements of auy importance would be taken. This conjecture proved to be true, for, on arrival at Parihaka, the Constabulary were qnsily engaged in placing fortifications around the six - pounder on Fort Eolleston. After this I attempted to gain admission to Parihaka, but was unsuccessful, and there being nothing to detain me at the Camp, I returned to Pungarehu, but only to be again difappointed, the Telegraph Office having been closed in celebration of the Prince's

birthday. On my return journey from the Camp I met numerous visitors (including several ladies) from New Plymouth who were desirous of visiting the settlement.

Immediately on the raen parading this morning, and shortly prior to my visit, Major Tuke addressed the Constabulary, and said that it had been reported that several things were missing from the pa, and alleged that the pillage took place during the search of the whares. Major Tuke hoped that if any of the men had taken anything from the inside of the whares they would at once return it, and intimated that the men and their tents would be thoroughly searched. At a later period of the day the search took place, but nothing whatever was found. With the exception of getting the Camp into proper order, the men had nothing to do, and about 10 a.m. several obtained leave to visit the Camp at Pungarehu. The picket in Fort Eolleston kept a look out for any Europeans visiting tne pa, and it is only by the greatest precaxition that one is enabled to gain admission. In the event of visitors being seen within the settlement men are at once sent to either arrest or put them out of the village. Two or three journalists were sent back early this morning, but later in the day they managed to gain an entrance — but little information was obtained.

During the forenoon Wi Parata and bis men from Otaki took their departure from Parihaka for their own hapus. At noon I started to return to Pungarehu, aud was surprised to find that the camps comprising the Wellington, Wairarapa, and South Canterbury contingent had been removed closer to Pungarehu and to the opposite side of the road. The reason of this change I was informed was owing to a stream which passed through their former camp being polluted by filth thrown into the stream by the natives.

One or two of the Wellington contingent were exhausted this morning owing to the excessive heat, and in one instance it was thought medical aid would have to be sought. From conversation with a gentleman who thoroughly understands the manners of the natives, I was told that nothing of any importance has occurred since the departure of Mr Bryce. During the afternoon I again visited the camp at Parihaka, and found that a large number of men had obtained leave and were at Pungarehu. Various games, such as putting the stone, running high jump, and tug-of-war were taking place at the camp, aud on the opposite side of the road the officers were enjoying a game of tennis. There being nothing further to do, I strolled round the camp at Pungarehu, and visited the blockhouse where Te Whiti and Tohu were imprisoned. I then visited the tent in which Hiroki is in custody, and had the pleasure of witnessing a game of draughts between Hiroki and a Constabulary man. The former proved to be an adept at the game, and easily won. The roads to Parihaka are in some places in a very bad condition. While returning this evening I witnessed a dray, loaded with provisions, which was proceeding to the camp, capsize in one of the deep ruts. The Hon Mr Bryce returned from Manaia about five this afternoon, and it is expected that some further action regarding the natives will be taken in the morning. The natives are determined not to give in, and when I left this afternoon were still squatting in the marae.

Educational. -- We learn that the Inspector has fixed Friday next as the date on which the examinations for the upper standard pupils will take place.