THE BATTLE OF LIVINGSTONE'S FARM.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 153, 28 June 1879, Page 2

THE BATTLE OF LIVINGSTONE'S FARM.

i ! [Chiistchurch Press]. la 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. Patea, June 22. The Bettlers' 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 stockwhips and off. The morning is cold and showery, but a brisk trot warms both horse and man for war. We see a long line of horsemen, and now we dash past pedestrians, who follow us and form the rear guard. We then break into a canter, and the excitement increases. Now the roof of Liviugstone's house is seen and the attraction is irresistible. A smart gallop and the top of the rise ia gained. THE FOE IN* SIGHT. Then we see the Maoris, and catch them in the very act of ploughing. The 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 flax 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, and some of the first arrivals cannot stand the sight. Thofjonehmen's team is stopped. Two bullocks are pet into each dray, and the two ploughs put on board. THE ENCOUNTER. '\ The Maori men, about six in nupiber^ interrupt, push, and wrestle. TtfeySr^HeSj 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 dost. 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 BETORN 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 draya start. One of them will not turn the house corner. " Give a lift ! " is the cry. A score of strong hands are anplied, 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 bride, and the procession reaches at least half way. A BELATED AUTHORITY. Near the bridge Mr Commissioner Williama turns up, and wants the Natives to be kept as prisoners. " Let them go," is the cry, and forward the drays. Now one ia on the bridge, but the Native men halt, and some sit down. BROAD HINTS. The stockwhip roars; unmusical voices ara heard; some heavy thongs are uncoiled; and the Maoris take the hint and vacate the bndge. Mr Commissioner Williams stops the cavalcade again, and takes down the namea of the ploughmen.