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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5182, 31 October 1877, Page 2

Mn. Karaitiana Takamoana, in pointing out in the House yesterday the evils that would arise by a change of Government, said plainly that war would be one of the results. His remarks on that head were referred to afterwards by European members, who deprecated the threatening tone Mr. Takamoana assumed. This hon. gentleman, in.the course of his observations, referred to himself in connection with a battle which took place in times gone by. He was, he said, in the battle in Hawke’s Bay at which the chief Puhara fell. .Those who feel inclined to take a retrospective glance at the native affairs of Hawke’s Bay, and compare the situation of to-day with that of the time when the excellent chief Puhara was sacrificed in an “ inter-hapu” strife, will see that our relations with, the natives of that district have not improved to the extent that might have been expected. The fight to which Mr. Takamoana referred took place in, 1358, between the chiefs Te Hapuku and Te Moananui. It might be stated here that the former chief is still living, and Is the leading petitioner in the case of the Te Ante Estate, the management of which has excited no small comment. Te Moauauui’s success in his quarrel with Te Hapuku was a fortunate circumstance for Mr. Takamoana, as upon the ’ issue of that action depended the occupation by him and others of the Pakowai Settlement in Hawke’s Bay. The Europeans, who were then few in number, in that district, were rather alarmed at the fighting, but the natives assured them that they would remain unmolested. The natives only asked to be allowed to have the services of an European doctor to administer to the wants of the wounded. Even then the medical gentleman declined to attend except on two days in the week, and then he prescribed for the sick and wounded on both sides. The natives of Hawke’s Bay were at that time on terms of perfect amity with the Europeans. Now wo find a feeling of jealousy has sprung up. The representative of. the natives of that portion of the colony alludes threateningly to another outbreak. - Transactions long since concluded have been and are still being “ripped up,” and repudiated. The same evil influence is extending to other parts of the island.