CO129-290 - Governor Sir Blake - 1899 [1-4] — Page 746

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Had a bunyi at the fore p

Walked through the villages in that district, the elders of

which are coming to see me here. We reached Taipo at 6 p.m.

after having marched about 25 miles.

On arrival I sent you the following message.-

*Just returned Taipo after 25 miles march; glad to report coun-

try traversed peaceful; inhabitants male and female all pur-

suing ordinary occupations. Hope complete tour shortly."

All the inhabitants seem to have returned to

the villages in the districts through which we passed. We saw

men and women working in the fields. As an instance of the feel-

ing of confidence now existing among the people, I may mention

that out of 111 persons employed yesterday at Wo Hang to carry

our baggage, 70 were women, who came with us all the way from

Wo Hang to the Camp here.

Before leaving Wo Hang, I received a deputation

of the elders of that district who presented a petition couch-

ed in much the same terms as the petitions already presented

by other districts. I told them that I was not able to state

in what manner the Governor would deal with those who had ta-

ken part in resisting the British, but that His Excellency had

instructed me to tell them that all good people would be pro-

tected; that bad characters would be severely dealt with; and

that they should carry on their occupations as usual. I called

upon them to surrender their arms, which they did but somewhat reluctantly. I will have a complete list of all arms sur-

rendered drawn up and forwarded in due course.

At Wo Hang a deputation of the elders from the

Luk...