THE TARANAKI NATIVES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1293, 20 July 1886, Page 2

THE TARANAKI NATIVES.

New Plvmodth. July IS.

Thirty Natva-, under Te Whet i are at Oakura, and ate ordered by Te Whlti to plough on Mr Mama’ land to-morrow. In an interview with a reporter of the News, Te Whetu stated that the whole agitation waa caused by Te Whitl, who hopes to get all the confiscated land back. The trouble la not through the non-pay-ment of rents by the Government The Natives state that they have been instructed by an English lawyer that they must assert their right to the confiscated land every three years, or they will lose their title to to it. Acting under this impression, they are, therefore, now formally asserting tßeir ownership of the land.

New Plymouth, July 20

It is reported that Ta Whlti was arrested at daylight this morning. p eople here think very little of the disturbance. With the arrests which have been made and those to be made the whole affair will bo quickly over. The natives are making no show of resistance at this side of Parihaka. They say they will plough the land of the Europeans if Te W hiti tells them to do so. Wellington, Jnly 20.

Te Whitl was arrested this morning on a charge of inciting the natives to commit a breach of the peace No reslstenoe was offered to hla being taken. The prisoner will be tried at Opunake. Manaia, July 90The natives are now re-leasing their bollocks and horses in small lots. Tukl, an old native who has considerable interest in leased lands, saye, “ No more

plough now that Te WhlH and Ti toko warn » rented.” T;ie excitement haa qolte cooled down.

Baweba, July 20. ' Everything is quie?, The natives con* cermd in Hsatu-'a affair gathered at Titi kowaru’s caing% to talk over the matter. The natives fjr the most part were very ponri and . nlky. they said “ the white man have taken oor land. They may a* well keep our cattle and horses." The impounding of these animals is with them a very sore point. S'-me ot them go farther, and say, ‘‘ as you have arrested so many you may take the rest " and add that they think that other whare building and trespass on land in European occupation will be made but of this they seem to be doubtful at present. The land occupied by tenante of the so-called Maori leaseholds are now almost exclusively managed by the natives. Trust Commissioner and the European’s rent was some time ag reduced by half for a term of three JUS*, the balance of the deferred rent to be paid op at the end of three years. This privilege has been extended to many of these tenants and is one of the Maori grievances. The participation of certain chiefs la the affair is regarded as » sign that enforced collection of their rents and official deductions made for collection has caused these natives to take the steps they did. £The damage for trespass of horses and cattle were assessed

at la a head. About tea ac es of gras* has been destroyed and perhaps 20* damage to fencas. Settlers have no fear of any serious disturbance.