Colonial.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VIII, Issue 513, 3 October 1857, Page 4

Colonial.

AHUEIEI.

The correspondent of the Wellington f Spectator/ writing under date of August 20th from Napier, gives the following fuller and later intelligence of the native quarrel in that district •than has been previously received. The two tribes had established themselves near the western extremity of the Pakidka bush, Monatnui's tribe having formed a strong pah close to the bush, and surroundedit with a strongjwooden enclosure, while-the main body of Hapuku's followers were encamped at a distance of half a mile from the bush, on'the bank of {the river Ngaruroro, behind ■ some earthworks which had been hastily-thrown up. Monanui's tribe had possession of the Pakiako bush " a grove of trees, chiefly Kaikateha, about three luudred acres in extent, and the only valuable bush near t Napier or the surrounding plains, and the Tight to this bush formed one among other causes of •dispute between the two tribes. A raliui or pole :had been erected by Monanui's party at the extremity of the bush, and this had been thrown down 'during the night shortly after its erection. Monanui's tribe alleged that this had been done by Hapuku's party, which they on the other hand ■denied. Another rahui, about forty feet high, was put up by Monanui's party, and carefully guarded by them. The two tribes have several times been on the point of collision, in particular on the 29th ■lilt, when a strong party on either side, with their guns loaded and cocked, were within thirty yards of -each other, and bloodshed was only prevented by the personal interference of Mr. M'Lean and Mr. Cooper, who placed themselves between the contending parties, and at great personal risk, succeeded in putting a stop to actual hostilities; and by their further medidation, with that of the Rev. S. Williams, it was believed that the mutual irritation of the belligerents would gradually subside, and these would be amicably adjusted, and under this impression Mr. M'Lean, the Native •Commissioner, left Napier for Auckland in the steamer Wonga Wongd, on the 11th August. About this time an arrangement ';' was ma Je by the Rev. S.Williams with Monanui and his tribe, that -Hapuku's tribe should have free access to the Pakiaka bush, to supply themselves with firewood, and Hapuku's tribe availed themselves of this concession, but it was soon found that, instead of cutting firewood, they were obtaining a supply of timber for tha purpose of strengthening .thsir -defences. Monanui on understanding this went towards Hapuku's pah and warned his people to desist, as they were coming for objects very different from those which had been mutually agreed upon. This -warning was received by Hapuku's followers in the light of a open declaration of hostilities, and the parties prepared for fighting. This occurred on Tuesday the 18th. The first - shot was fired by Renata, a chief on Monanui's side, who killed Patoromuon Hapuku's side; a general engagement then ensued, extending from the rahui at the extremity of the Pakiaka bush in a direction towards Mr. Chambers's run.; the fight commenced about eight o'clock in the morning, and continued throughout the day until towards sunset, .when a :flag of truce was planted by one of the combatants from either side at an equal distance from the rahui, and they retired to their respective pahs, ■hearing with them their dead and wounded. On Hapuku's side four were killed and thirteen wounded, on Monanui's there were three killed aud ■seven wounded. Among the killed the person of most importance is Paiaka, a son of the late Te Akitai who was one of the principal chiefs of the .■district; he fell at the foot of the rahui, pierced by several balls; he was one of Hapuku's party, and was a young man of considerable courage, and his loss is sincerely regretted by both sides. Renatakowepu, one of Monanui's followers, who fired the first shot, was wounded in the arm, Hohai, anotht-rof Monanui's men was shot in the face, the ball entering his mouth and lodging in the back of his head. The two parties remain still under arms, but no further hostilities have taken place, and as both are closely connected by intermarriage and ties of relationship it is hoped that if they are left to. themselves and are not joined by other natives from Wairarapa or Taupo, these unfortunate differences may end in a mutual reconciliation. The settlers in the district do not apprehend any unpleasant consequences to themselves from this quarrel, as both parties have given them repeated assurances that they have' nothing to fear, since the grounds of disagreement have reference entirely to questions among themselves, and do not affect the settlers towards whom they profess to entertain very friendly feelings. If the settlers refrain from intermeddling in this quarrel, and are careful to maintain a strict neutrality, it is believed by the well-informed in these matters that they are not likely to suffer any injury or inconvenience. How this collision may affect the negotiations now pending for the purchase of native lands is a question more difficult to answer; it is generally supposed, however, that if there is no interference from the natives of other districts which would tend to prolong the strife, no serious interruption will occur to prevent the completion of these negotiations. P.S. August 23—Dissentions have taken place among Hapuku's party, a large body having already seceded* being of opinion that that chief has gone too fay. This will probably lead to his retirement to a place to which his claim is undisputed, and if this takes place, an interruption of negotiations for the purchase of. land is not likely to occur. Kinokino, one of Hapuku's followers, died yesterday of his wounds.