NATIVE DISTURBANCES.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1273, 23 July 1886, Page 3

NATIVE DISTURBANCES.

ARREST OF TIIOKOWAKU. On Sunday morning tho Maoris, to the i number of 500, proceeded to Mr Hastie’s ] property at Manaia aud commenced to build 1 a whart. Sergeant Anderson and four con* j stables attempted to prevent them, but were unable to cope with them. The Maoris came from all parts of tho coast, and some were present from 'Wanganui, Rawer*, Waitotara, Otakeho, and Parihaka. Many were recognised as Natives who had formerly been in gaol. The Native who was leading the men at Mokoia at the entry on Mr Lysaaht’s land seemed to bo the leading man. The trespassers brought drays louded with provisions, and a huge number of horses were turned looso in Hastie’s paddocks. At times it appeared as if a serious disturbance uld be the result, but several Justices of the Peace who were present counselled moderation. Those Maoris who were asked wh it they came for said it was a dispute about fhe land that brought them, it was noted that many Natives who were never previously mixed up in such matters were now most active among them, as Ngahino, Ngati, and other local pet*y chiefs. A number of horses were impounded in the afternoon by the Europeans, who outnumbered tho Natives. Thirtv special constables having been sworn in the ringleaders of the disturbance were arr.sted. So far as is known, the nam=-s of the Natives taken are: Ngahina, Titokowaru, Tu Rahoe, and Komaka. Certainly tho leaders in this morning’s disturbance were all taken. Several expressed a wish that Kereopa who was present—should be arrested, but the police said, “We are satisfied.” The remaining Maoris, after being warned, left Hastie’s property, but returned. The police, however, at once pulled down tho vjhare which had been constructed. It is reported that the Natives propose entering on land at Okanra and Pnngarehu, but Inspector Pardy has been to resent it with a firm hand. The Constabulary in Wellington weie orders to leave for the disturbed district by the Stella, hut this order has been countermanded. (Evening Star’s Own Correspondent). Wellington, July 19. Wellington was thrown into a state i of excitement last night by news of Native troubles' on tho West Coast When tho news airived Mr Ballance was spending tho evening at tho house of a friend, and messengers were sent out in all directions to find him. In the meantime the Cabinet had assembled at Parliament Buildings. Colonel Whitmore was sent for, and all the Armed Constabulary force were called out and drilled at the barracks, while stops were taken to get the ■ Stella ready to convey them up the coast. Reassuring telegrams were, however, received while these preps rations were in progress, at this stageMr Ballance armed, aud tho meeting of the Cabinet held. It suosequontly trans* pired that all fear of a serious trouble was at an end, and that the expedition would

not Btat t. I saw the Native Minister at bis residence at midnight, and he assured me that there was no cause for alarm. He says he was folly aware that the Natives intended to to plough, and he had taken measures accordingly, but he had neglected to apprise his colleagues of the state of affairs, hence their alarm when the news arrived Mr Ballance further says that he is aware that Te Whiti has given instructions to the Natives to commence ploughing all oyer tho district, and he expects that they will make a start at Oakora to-day, and at other points later on. He has taken all necessary precautions, and by swearing in special constables considers that he has an ample force to carry out the law. In every instance the Natives will be arrested when ploughing commences. If the force is insufficient he will call out the Cavalry and Volunt era in the district, as he considers that they would be more useful than unmounted Armed Constabulary, who might be sent up from Wellington. He consequently does not contemplate sending the Stella up. and believes the trouble will - very speedily subside, I believe now that the Government have Titokawaru by the heels they do not intend to let him go so easily again. On Tuesday I advised your readers that Titokowaru was the most aggressive ringleader in the Hawera disturbances, and I apprised you of the intention of the authorities to arrest him if he continued to give trouble. You will have been informed from another quarter that this rebel chief was one of the Natives taken yesterday. The Permanent Artillery were under orders to proceed to New Plymouth by the Stella last night ; but. Inspector Pardy advising that the affair was likely to be suppressed by the arrest aud punishment of the ringleaders, that order was countermanded. The Government have been aware for some time of Te Whiti’s actions, and have warned him earnestly of the consequences ; but he has chosen to disregard this caution, and to constitute himself an accessory before the fact in relation to these disturbances, aud will be prosecuted accordingly. He has been plainly told that he will be held responsible for any disturbance that he instigates. Notice has been received that Natives intend to begin ploughing at Oakura to-day, and measures will be taken to deal with them. Inspector Pardy telegraphs that his force is ample for all purposes, and that the affair can be coped with by the regular police force and by the existing laws ; so that it is not deemed necessary either to pass special legislation or to increase the aimed force. The Government are very confident that the affair will be easily and quietly disposed of. Tho Government attribute the maniadisa turbance to religious fanaticism, and to the fact that tho Natives are discontented at the nun-payment of their rents. In mnny cases the Natives, acting under Ta Whiti, have refused to accept the rents tendered, some saying these are too small, while Te Whiti himself has never acknowledged the right of Parliament to deal with his lauds. I have just discovered from a Native source that the disturbance was not unexpected, several Natives who arrived here from Wanganui last week being aware of what was going on. Instructions have been given for Te Whiti’s arrest, and if ploughing is proceeded with at Oakura, as anticipated, further arrests will be made there. No special legislation will be required for the punishing of the offenders, who can be dealt with under the criminal law for trespass, riotous assembling, aud wilful damage to property. Te Whiti and Titokowaru will be arraigned on charges for which, if convicted, they will be subject to imprisonment with hard labor. The Armed Constabulary, the Permanent Artillery, and the Engineers ara under orders to be in readiness to proceed to New Plymouth.

Wellington, July £O.

Te Wbiti was arrested this morning on a charge of inciting the Natives to commit a breach of the peace. No resistance was offered to his being taken. The prisoner will be tried at Opunake.

The Manaia Natives are now releasing their bullocks and horses in small lots. Take, an old Native, who has a considerable interest in leased lands, says, “No more plough now that Te Whiti and Titokowaru are arrested.” The excitement has quit a cooled down.

Haweea, July 20.

Everything la quiet. The Natives concerned in Hastie’s affair gathered at Tito* kowa-u’s kaiaga to talk over the matter. The natives for the most part were very pouri and sulky. They said, “As the white men have taken our land, they may as well keep our cattle and horses,” The impoundini; or these animals is a very sore point. Some of them go furiher and say, “ Aa you havo arrested so many you may take the rest” ; and they think that more whaie building and trespass ou the laud in European occupation will be made. The land occupied by tenants of the so called Maori leaseholds are now almost exclusively managed by the Native trustee, and the Europeans rent was some time ago reduced by lalf for a term of three years, the balance of the deferred rent to be paid jup at the end of three years. This privilege has been extended to many of those tenants, and is oae of the Maori grievances. The participation of certain chiefs in the affair is regarded as a sign that the enforced collection of their rents and official deductions made for collection, have caused these Natives to take the steps they did. About ten acres of grass have been destroyed, and perhaps 20s worth of damage done to the fences. The settlers have no fear of any serious disturbance.

Man ai a, July 20'

Nearly all the cattle and horses have been released. The police and a few of the armed constabulary have been on guard all day. The generel feeling of security is gradually being restored by the prompt arrest of the ringleaders. Auckland, July 20. Sergeant Steele and seven members of the A.C. force stationed at the North Head batteries, yesterday embarked in the Hinemoa for Taranaki to assist in the suppression of the Maori disturbance at Hawera.