SURVEYING THE NORTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3642, 15 March 1883, Page 3

SURVEYING THE NORTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY.

THE KING NATIVES STOP THE SURVEY, AND TURN THE SURVEYORS BACK.

THE GOVERNMENT VERSION OF THE MATTER. Auckland, This day.

Mr C. W. Hursthousc, of the Public Works Department, who left Alexandra on Monday for the purpose of making a flying survey of the railway route to Taranaki, returned yesterday, the natives refusing to allow him to proceed. Mr Hursthouso. on arriving at Otorowhanga, was by Aporo Taratutu, who at the commencement of the "Waikato war, destroyed Gorst'.s printing press at To Awamutu. There were also present "Wetere, Te Kawana, Rawiri, Hauporo, and fifty natives. Mr Hursthousc argued the matter for some considerable time. No violence was used, but his horse's head was turned round, and he was ordered to return to Alexandra, and waits until the arrival of Tawhiao, who is on his way up. On crossing the Alexandra bridge on setting out Mr Hursthouse was stopped and warned not to proceed by Te Toko, of the Ngatimaniapoto. This shows that the objection to the journey was premeditated. Returning to Whatiwhatihoe Mr Hursthousc saw and endeavored to get a speech on the subject with Wahanui, who, however, with the excuse that all the natives should be present to listen to their conversation, walked out of the house. Mr Hursthouso thought this was for the purpose of calling them, but TVahanui did not return. The common report is that if Mr Bryce endeavors to go through he will be stopped at the bridge. ■Wellington , , This day.

The Government have received the following telegram : —Mr was sent by" the Hon. Mr Bryee to explore the country between Alexandra and Mokau with a view to find a line of railway. He was warned by the Maoris not to go on, but he did go on, and got as far as Otorowhanga, when the Maoris refused to let him proceed, as Tawhiao was absent. The natives were perfectly friendly and -very hospitable, but very positive is not allowing the exploration. It is believed that the obstruction is only temporary.