THE RUA MENACE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2043, 2 April 1907, Page 2

THE RUA MENACE.

CONCERN AAIONG THE NATIVES The unusual number of natives in town on Saturday . led to enquiries being made as to the cause. “AVbal’s up to-day to bring all tlio natives into town?” was the question put to mi intelligent native who was at olio time a prominent Gisborne football representative. “Ob, that Ena business,” was the reply, which was at first accepted mirthfully as a revival of a standing joko, but tho native soon mado our reporter understand- that the matter had got past tho jocular stage ns far as they were concerned, and that they were taking quite a serious view of tlie situation. “But why does it bring the natives into town?” was asked. Pointing to a number of well-known and respected natives standing about, our informant said, “AA’e came in to present a petition to have Rua removed from' this district. Tho natives are much concerned about it and think tho Government should take some action at once. Wo had a mooting for two nights at Pakirilciri, as tlio natives near Rua’s camp are loaving'for safety, and we decided to got up. this petition.” “Well, what did you do with it?” “Unluckily the one who was left to bring it in mislaid it, and wo found when wo got in wo had ,no petition. AVe had a korero with Colonel Portor, who told us to come in again next week, and ho would seo it would bo all right.” “That ought to satisfy the natives,” it was remarked. “Aty word it does not. AA’liat tlie good of that? AVe are going to como in ugaju when tlie offices are open, for we are very anxious about this. These natives would not como away from there unless they feltafraid of something happening.” Questioned on this point the native declared that at least twenty natives had como ill and wore staying on the Kaiti or in the vicinity of tho town, aiid he added that 1 they had received information at Pakirikiri that Alangatu natives wore coining in.

Alontioii was made of the fact that Rua prohibited drinking, swearing, and smoking and other habits that affected the natives, and it was urged that it. would be a-goo.l tiling for all the natives if they followed the example set in that respect. “Yes, that is all quite right,” replied the ex-footballer; “we all know that, but Rua may be only using that as a blind.” V

“But it won’t hurt anybody', anyway?” « “.No, but you European dont seem to see. That mail Rua lias only to lift his hand up to these fellows like that (the speaker held bis right hand in the air), and all these hundreds of natives will do what they are bid. He talks peace now, hut we know he means to try and make everyone his followers. The white people laugh, but they ought to know.- Tlie Alaoris know, and they ask that he be cleared away. “Did you see what Air Carroll said, that Government were haring him Matched, and directly he broke the law they would call him to account?” The native laughed. “Of course he not break the law when bo not ready. How can they watch him ill town here. Colonel Portor say he would see it would be all right. Of course they will tell him it is all right. AA’e say it will -he all right only' when they get him and his followers shifted away.”

Pressed on the jioint as to what tho natives had really heard or seen to give them cause for anxiety', the native declared that Rua had made statements that all who did not joi'n would be driven into the sea, that shots had been beard at tho camp between three and four in tlie morning, and that Ron’s followers had plainly stated they were practising tho use of firearms to carry out their purpose, and that whatever the white men might think about- tilings and pooh-pooh 'matters, from Gisborne the natives who objected to Rua had their minds made up about it. “You toll the white people get him

shifted out of that.” said the native in a manner that showed he sincerely meant what lie said. THE OTHER SIDE.

Ollier information available rather throws discredit on the statements of the native. One account accepted officially is to the effect that Rua has only his ordinary' following, who are leading a quiet and simple life, the young fellows earning money by working in the bush, and none of the party offering offence to anyone; that the chief on whose land they are camped has not only made them welcome, but has gone to considerable trouble to ensure their comfort; that the talk of shots being fired is more imagination, and that the large stock of provisions purchased is only an ordinary quantity when the mouths to feed are reckoned lip. Colonel Porter, President of the Tai Eawhiti Council, was questioned on the subject last night, and stated that he had the matted in hand, and was attending to it quietly'. It was a- subject requiring tact; -as many' exaggerated stories got abroad, and it was difficult to sift the true from the untrue, and to prevent- the harm that might arise through credence being given to. exaggerated reports. It was,, he said, his intention to visit Rua’s cam]) this week and enquire into matters. But from the information he at present possessed there was no cause for any uneasiness.

OUTER HARBOR.

CONFERENCE OF ENGINEERS. The following letter has been received by the Chairman of the Harbor Board (Air. J. Townley) from Air. E. AA’. Marchant, relative to his con-ference.-ovitli Air. AYil.soii, who was retained on Air. AJarchant’s scheme for an outer harbor for Gisborne: “Sir,- —I have tlie .honor to inform you that as instructed by your Board I visited Auckland, met Mr. AVilsoii by appointment, and with him discussed all. points and details in connection with tlio proposed outer harbor scheme for Gisborne. The' conference between us covered in the fullest possible manner all tlie questions involved, and I understand him to be fully satisfied concerning the soundness of tlie project’ and that lie agrees generally with tho ' proposals made. AVo differed only 'concerning the'manner in which the breakwater should be built." He favors its (instruction by means of staging, uh i h is admittedly' a customary and <• n veil lent method. I, on thj; (i lic i nid, urged that this question shook! be lef'. open and that wo lionic n'c

i-so expensive staging until ;ve h i ! tried and failed to do good and soeody work.without it, as I thought the locality would admit of -satisfactory results being attained under my proposals.

“I gave Sir. AYil.soii a copy of the nhms and report, and those he v.-ill take to England with him. He will, of course.- report fully to von after his arrival in England, but I thought you would- bo. interested to know tlio general result of the .discussion beW'CClf IIS.”