THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1333, 6 November 1872, Page 2

THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

As some anxiety has been displayed concerning the true state of matters at the Chatham Islands, the Wellington Independent obtained a statement of the facts elicited during the late investigation by Lieut. -Colonel St. John. On the evening of the 13th the Luna arrived at Whangaroa, a harbor in Petre Bay, and cast anchor. Some houses in the bay were seen, but on being visited were found locked and deserted. The house of a settler some, eight miles off was also visited by a party, which at midnight returned, reporting it also deserted. By daybreak the next morning the Luna was off Waitangi, where by the help of the glasses it could be scon that the houses on tho beach were tenantless. Some natives were seen on a plateau above the beach, and presently two Europeans made their appearance, and met the Colonel on the beach. They were followed by seven or eight natives, all of whom were very friendly. It was ascertained that the majority of the Europeans were assembled at a place called Kaingaroa, thirty miles off, there being a few families still living on their homesteads. On the 15th several settlers rode ia, and it was arranged that a general meeting should take place the next day for the purpose of an investigation. The 16th and 17th were spent in carrying this out. The facts which were gathered during it we are able to state shortly as follows : — Suspicion of the natives seems to have arisen in the miuds of some settlers, caused by various rumors, and by meetings held, the proceedings of which were not divulged. It also became known that a correspondence was going on between the Islands and Taranaki. Under the influence of this, Mr La Nauze started for Mr Chudleigh's house, near Whangaroa, to consult with him. At the same time messages were sent to the out settlers, warning them of danger. A meeting of a few settlei'3 took place at ; Whangaroa on the 27th, and Mr LaNauze left for Auckland the same day, it having been determined that the Europeans should assemble together for protection at Kaingaroa. The next day an armed party went down to Waitangi to escort away the families. It appears that Mr Chudleigh agreed then with the Natives to have a meeting next day at Waitangi ; they themselves going to the house of Mr Shand, some little distance off, but leaving several Europeans about the township. The meeting took place next day, the Maoris numbering eight or nine unarmed men, the Europeans fourteen or fifteen armed. A paper was read to the Natives, telling them of the suspicions of the Europeans of their behaviour, and that they would remain until their truth or otherwise was made clear by an investigation. The Natives were then asked to give up their arms, and signified their willingness to do so at once if the Europeans would only return to their homes. This the Europeans still refused, alleging .that their suspicions were too great for them to separate. They also proposed that a line of demarcation should be traced across the island, and advised that no man should come near Kaingaroa for fear of a mistake — at the same time they informed the Maoris that some families which could not travel, and. all the goods in the deserted ■ houses (including two hotels) were left to their (the Maori's) responsibility.. . The next day the Europeans started for Kaingaroa arid remained there doing garrison^ duty tilt , Qoloubl ; St7"«ronn's arrival.

By the time the investigation was over it was pretty evident that no o~>e present had an idea that any danger remained, and the settlers agreed to return to their homes, protesting, however, at being left ;n a defenceless position; a few rifles Were consequently left 4n the charge of tho magistrates. Both Europeans, Maoris, and Morioris seemed satisfied that an inquiry had taken place, and also with its results, . •

Everything is now perfectly quiet on the island.