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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume I, Issue 18, 31 October 1861, Page 3

To the Editor of the Hawke's Hay Times. SiR, — There has been a great cry against the Maories lately, soijie have endeavored to palliate their outrages, talking of grass money and their right to demand it. Have they a right to demand it ? According to law we have no right to pay it. What do the Maories do ? drive off the cattle; no later than to-day a party of twenty mounted natn es rode on to freehold land belonging to Messrs. Stevens & Elwin, at Petane, and drove off a mob of cattle which were quietly feeding on that freehold—cattle too winch always feed on the European side of the river. They threaten to drive every head of cattle they can catch into their stockyard, irrespective of where they may find them. Is this to be tolerated ? Unless some steps are soon taken to put an end to these things, what will be the result ? Europeans, if the law can’t help them, will help themselves, and there will be a collision. Hoes an Englishman dare do anything of the kind ? No. Then why should the natives be allowed ? If the Resident Magistrate has no power to prevent the evil, how is it our Superintendent does not summon the Provincial Council, and see what can be done. I am, Sir, lours, &c., &c., -Justitia.