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English
(Signed) T. G. Young 10. 9. 65 Civil Commissioner's Office Napier September 6th. 1865 Sir, In reference to my previous letters on the subject of the present state of the natives in this Province, and the spread of the Hau Hau fanaticism, and especially in that part of my letter of the 12th. (15th.) May last, in which I stated that hostilities would soon break out between the Loyal Natives and the Hau Haus, when the former would call on the Government for support. I have now the honour to state that there is every appearance that an outbreak such as I have predicted the probability of, will immediately take place in the centre of the Province. A small party of fanatics have made a Kainga on the border of a plain called Ngatarawa, let to Europeans, and about the title to which there has been a great deal of jealousy, especially between Karaitiana and these Hau Haus on the one hand, and Te Hapuku on the other. Since the party in question turned Hau Haus, however, a split has occurred between them and Karaitiana, which has thrown them into the arms of Te Hapuku. They have recently erected a praying pole, or "Niu" at their Kainga; and Karaitiana has sent several messengers to them, calling upon them to cut it down. On the morning of the 4th. instant, one of the messengers narrowly escaped being fired upon; and they told him they would certainly shoot the next person who went to them on a similar errand. Karaitiana has now sent Official Notice to Mr. McLean and myself that he intends to cut the pole down, and has at the same time asked for arms for his men. He has been told not to take any decided steps until he has been to town to consult with Mr. McLean; and with regard to arms, that there are none to spare. I have felt it my duty to trouble you with this narrative, as I think it right that the Government should know that hostilities are on the eve of breaking out in the centre of this Province; and that it will require the greatest circumspection, if it be not impossible, to avoid being implicated. Whether it would not be good policy to adopt a decided course at once, is a question for the consideration of the Government. I have etc., (Signed) G.S. Cooper Acting Civil Commissioner To:- The Native Secretary Wellington.

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