NATIVE INTELLIGENCE.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1666, 23 June 1879, Page 3

NATIVE INTELLIGENCE.

THB NATIVES COMMENCE TLOUOHINa AT HAWEBA. HAWERA, June 21. A lot of Natives have been ploughing here all day in a most cool manner. They say they will come and plough again to-morrow and afterwards plough at Patea. The settlers say they will turn them out. VIEWS OE THE SBIXIEBS. WELLINGTON, June 21. The “Post” received the following from Hawera “ The settlers are not satisfied with the snail’s pace of things, and expected the Government to act with more promptitude. They intend to morrow to remove the Maoris from Livingstone’s land by force, and have notified to the Government that if they do not choose to do something the settlers will test the mana of the prophet. It is lime it was broken, as all he has ordered has been carried out, and the ploughing has been proceeding for several weeks on the Taranaki side, notwithstanding the prompt action so much vaunted.” COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE QOVEBNMHNT. WELLINGTON, June 23. The following series of telegrams relating to the Maori ploughing at Hawera have been supplied by Sir George Grey : Hawera, June 21st—The Premier, Wellington—Settlors are very much excited, and talk of turning the Maoris off to-morrow. Settlers meet here at 10 a.m. Please have wire kept open for committee.— Thos Middlbmas, Chairman of Committee. Hawera, June 21st—The Premier, Wellington.—Asked to attend public meeting. Settlers are very excited and determined to take some action. I think they will either oppose the Natives entering on the lands of settlers or cart the ploughmen and their ploughs across the Waingongoro. There were fifteen men and two ploughs at work on Livingstone's land to day. Some of the Natives there have warrants out against them for theft and other offences. I recommended these warrants to be executed. There are . reports that the Natives threaten to plough near Hawera and Mopokia,—(Signed) 0. Shown. THE PBEMIEB’S PBUDSNT ADVICE,

Wellington, Juno 22nd —Major Brown, Hawera.—Thank Mr Middlemas for telegram to tne. Am sorry to hear settlers are excited. This is unnecessary, for I understand there are men of singular courage and determination amongst them. Anything done under excitement in times of disturbance is badly done, and something takes place which always leaves reason for Listing regrets. I believe, also, there is such strength at Hawera that the place can protect itself against any immediate danger without difficulty. Had I been able to travel I would at once hA,ve gone up there. From ignorance of any circumstances I cannot now pretend to give complete directions to those on the spot. Much responsib lity must therefore rest upon the authorities there ; but the best interpretation shall bo put upon ail they do. I understand there are warrants out against some of the Natives ploughing, for theft and other offences. It must rest with tho authorities on tho spot to determine whether their strength at Hawera and other circumstances render it prudent to execute these warrants, and whotherjt is most advisable to do that or simply prevent the Natives from going on the land, or to warn them off the land, and if they do not go to move them and their C" ghs without insult, and quietly from the , I have no doubt that your own judgment will, with the full knowledge you have of all the circumstanceo, point out what is the best course for you to take, but you should let the settlers understand that the great thing is to bring on no unnecessary disturbances ; that measures will be taken to secure the permanent peace of tho country ; that if this eon be done without bloodshed, and the ovils that would follow from un unnecessary war, all we can desire will bo gained. Some of IboNatirei re present that what they arc doing

is only to call attention to wrongs which they state they have for years suffered in reference to land promised them as compensation. Others undoubtedly are doing it under the orders of a fanatic, and there is no to what length fanaticism will proceed. This is no new thing. Nearly similar circumstances took place in the county of Kent in ray youth, and resulted in much loss of life. You should lot them understand that there are no negotiations whatever going on withTe Whiti, and that we are quite free to take any course we think necessary ; that they may rely that everything possible will be done to secure their safety, and that I fed sure they will act with calmness, with a view to their own welfare, and to the good of the colony generally. The wire will be kept all day, so that the settlers may keep me advised as to matters. — (Signed) Q-. Grey. TUB SETTLERS ACT POE THEMSELVES. Hawrra, June 22nd, 10 30 a.m. The Premier, Wellington.—Sett'ers have removed ploughmen, teams, and carts from Livingstone’s to the other sido of Waingongoro with only a slight tussol with one of the Natives, who say they will return.^ — (Signed) O. Brown. Hawera, June 22nd. The Premier, Wellington. The report is incorrect that the Natives were ploughing at Normanby. The ploughmen, carts, and teams that were moved across the Waingongoro were increa»ed in number to about fifty and then dispersed. The settlers used no more force than wa i> necessary for their removal. The warrants, I think, had better not be executed yet against the ploughmen guilty of theft, &c. — (Signed) 0. Brown. AFFAIRS AT NEW PLYMOUTH. NEW PLY MO UrH, June 21. It is report'd that the Natives will resume ploughing at Oakura to-morrow. THE BATTLE OF LIVINGSTONE’S FARM. In reference to the serio comic proceedings at Hawera yesterday, when, as will be seen by telegrams supplied by the Government, the settlers turned the Maori ploughmen off Mr Livingstone’s land, a correspondent at the front has obligingly telegraphed the following narrative of the brief but memorable campaign : THE ADVANCE ON THE ENEMY. PATE A, June 22. The settlers’ ultimatum to the Government promised to abstain from fighting till twelve to-day, but the British lion’s tail is up, and he cannot wait, so there is a flourish of stock whips and off. The morning is cold and showery, but a brisk trot warms both horse and man for war. Wo see a long line of horsemen, and now we dash past pedestrians, who follow us and form the rear guard. Wo then break into a canter, and the excitement increases. Now the roof of Livingstone’s house is seen, and the attraction is irresistible. A smart gallop and the top of the rise is gained. THE POE IN SIGHT. Then we see the Maoris, and catch them in the very act of ploughing. Tho house is a good and commodious building, with a large lawn or small park of about two acres, beautifully undulating and smooth as a carpet, with grass and a few large trimmed 11 ax bushes on it. There is the ploughing, from the road fence up to within ten feet of the 'verandah. Horrid ploughing too it is, six inches of grass appearing between every two furrows —the barbarous work of barbarians. We are just in time, aud some of tho first arrivals cannot stand tho eight. The ploughmen’s team is stopped. Two bullocks are pub into each dray, and tho two ploughs put on board. THE ENCOUNTER, The Maori men, about six in number, interrupt, push, and wrestle. They are held or pushed out without blows or high words. Mr Livingstone begs everyone to keep the peace. One Native is very obstructive, and the lusty settlers make him bite the dust. He rubs his nose in a furrow. A SUPPRESSED AMAZON. A Maori woman here began to throw mud, but her husband promptly stopped her. THE RETURN MARCH, Now, off with the dray. The Maoris rush and jump before the bullocks, throwing their hats in their faces. They are soon pushed aside, and the drays start. One of them will not turn the house corner. “ Give a lift!” is the cry. A score of strong hands are applied, and the dray is swung clear. When the drays are well started the Maoris are allowed to follow. It is a good half-mile to the Waingongoro bridge, and the procession reaches at least half way. A BELATED AUTHORITY. Near the bridge Mr Commissioner Williams turns up, and he wants the Natives to be kept as prisoners. “ Let them go,” is tho cry, and forward the drays. Now one is on the bridge, but the Native men halt, and some sit down. BROAD HINTS. The stockwhip roars ; unmusical voices are hoard ; some heavy thongs are uncoiled; and the Maoris take the hint and vacate the bridge. Mr Commissioner Williams stops the cavalcade again, and takes down the names of the ploughmen. THE POE REINFORCED. Just as this is done and their horses arc turned homewards, another contingent of Maoris appears from the plains. THE ENEMY BBTBEAT. They are for rushing back with the ploughs, but are met by Mr Williams and warned that the settlers are not to be played with. THE BLUOHSB DODGE. Now the move is homewards, and we are met by troops from Manutahi and Carlyle just too late to see the sport. A NEW ALARM. Then the word is passed—They are coming back !” Every horse is turned. “ Oh, the wild charge they made!” but it was a false alarm. Then all rode back, too late for church, and covered with glory and tnud. Thus ended the battle, the fame of which is only equalled by that which took place by tho Shannon shore.