THE LATE MURDER BY NATIVES.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1485, 8 May 1873, Page 2

THE LATE MURDER BY NATIVES.

ATTEMPT TO MURDER MR MACKAY.

[NEW ZEALAND PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Auckland, May 7. Intelligence 1 was received yesterday that Purukutu, with about GO followers, was established at a place called Ngahakowhitu, on the Maungatautari Ranges. It is said that if attacked or pursued he will be supported by "the other side," including, of course, the Ngatiraukawa Hauhaus-

Mr Mackay pushed on from Alexandra without interruption, and arrived at Kuiti on Monday night, accompanied by Hone Te One, Waraua, and Eriti Ouariri. They were well received, food given to them, and a tent erected for Mr Mackay. About half-past six o'clock yesterday morning he was awakened by some one entering his tent, and looking up he saw before him a Maori, armed with a taiawho, or long club. The man shifted the position of the weapon so as to grasp it with both hands, evidently intending to strike. Mackay rose into a sitting position and seized the weapon, and then a struggle ensued, Mackay being at a [disadvantage through not' } being able to get upon his feet, and [his assailant strove, on account of his advantage to wound Mr Mackay,, with the sharpened end of the taiahao. TVIr Mackay cried out, and several natives rushed into the tent and dragged the assailant out. He was found to be a Hau-hau named Ruru. His capturers at once took him before Manuwhiriri. The natives at the settlement

were generally indignant on account of the outrage.

Rewi soon arrived and took Mr Mackay away with him, remarking that "if he wanted evil, he would do it in a large way, and not in that sneaking manner." Mr Mackay replied, that he regarded the assault as the act of one man, and not as the act of 'the chiefs. He added that, without further noticing the matter, he should proceed on the business of his mission. It is to be regretted that during the struggle with Ruru Mr Mackay received a slight wound on the templer lie is now under the protection of Rewi and other leading chiefs, and no further violence need be. feared. Auckland, May 7, 8 p.m. Mr Mackay is not seriously hurt. His assailant was instigated to the attempt by the chief of Todd's murderers. Rewi behaved nobly in protecting Mackay, and has guaranteed the latter's safe return.