THE NATIVE OUTRAGE AT ROTOKOHU.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1291, 9 May 1878, Page 3

THE NATIVE OUTRAGE AT ROTOKOHU.

Concerning the interruption of a survey in the Upper Thames district, the Auckland "Herald" of April 26th has the following : We understand that it is not at all likely that the Government will tolerate quietly the action of Tukukino and his followers in marching with arms in their hands and stopping the operations of a road party at Rotokohu, between Ohinemuri and Te Aroha. At present the Natives are entitled to consider themselves victors" It is clear that the best way to deal with Tukukino is to bring the law to bear upon him. The only way in which this can be done, so far as we can ascertain, is to exercise the powers under the Public Works Act of 1870. At present no action can be taken, except a direct appeal to force, which is not to be thought of under the circumstances. The County Council road party had really no legal right to be where they were, as the land is native property. But the Act we have referred to above gives power to the Minieter of Public Works to authorise the construction of roads across native land, or the making a survey, and provides that the natives, if they obstruct, may be summoned before the Magistrate. If this process were adopted, Tukukino's obstruction would cease at once. The Thames County Council has done good work during the time of its existence. Under the caro of its energetic chairman, roads have have been made in localities where they were much wanted, and where it was thought Maori obstruction would prevent their being made for years. In a short time, if the Thames County Council goes on as it has been doing, aud if the Waikato and Pinko people do their part, a very great stride will have been made towards the opening up of the whole valley of the Thames and Piako. But if the Government sit down quietly under the present exploit of Tukukino, we will have to make up our minds that the lands of the Thames will remain unsettled for many years to come.