PALMERSTON NORTH.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5311, 3 April 1878, Page 3

PALMERSTON NORTH.

(PKOjr otm own correspondent.) The Native Lands Court last week decided the dispute about the land between here aud Kangitikei, upholding the decision given in 1873 on the same subject. Tho whole dispute seems to have been over a trifle, and was, like many of our own law suits, carried on more as a matter of feeling. In the end all those interested seem satisfied, although during a portion of the proceedings some bitter remarks were exchanged by Governor Hunia and Hone Mason, in which allusion was made to the manner in which such disputes would have been settled some time back.' In fact the “ Governor ” got so enthusiastic as to don his war toggery and parade the square with an air of defiance. All has now ended amicably, and the winning side, the Eangitaaas, having given £IOO as a kind of salve to the wounded feelings of their opponents, £25 of this money was expended in biscuits, &c., and two hogsheads of ale, a keg of brandy, sundry cases of wine aud old tom, &c. On Friday all this was • displayed on the square, and bank-notes to the' value of £75 crowned all. The several chiefs, after going through the usual amount of speeches and ceremony, divided the whole amongst those tribes entitled to share ; biit as it was quite evening when this was accomplished, the consumption of the good things was postponed till Saturday. I could not help thinking, on glancing at the heap—“ Oh, monstrous ! but one halfpennyworth of bread to this intolerable deal of sack.” Constable Gillespie made some sort of a protest, I believe, but as the Maoris had possession of the liquor, they just paid no heed, and on Saturday reassembled, and having been successful in their efforts to empty the several barrels and cases, went through a number of war dances. Although of course such a quantity of beer and spirits would naturally leave traces of its consumption, still there was much less riot and confusion than might have been expected, and by 10 o’clock the town was quiet. Constable Gillespie, by the bye, had on Friday to leave for Wellington to give evidence in a sheep-stealing case. This was unfortunate, as his presence might have been urgently required;-but as it was all passed off quietly. Last week he received a consider-' able dressing down in a leader of the Mantxwatu Times for his report to the Licensing Bench; but it is the universal opinion here that it was uncalled for, and that probably' Mr. Owen now wishes to be “ saved from his friends,” if his cause is advocated in such a manner.

We had a very good entertainment on Saturday evening, given by Miss Leaf and Messrs. Reed and Flood ; but in consequence of the very short notice they gave, and the presence of so many Maoris in the town, they did not receive the support they should have done. I hope when they next appear here, which I hear will be on Thursday next, they will have a full house, such as the singing of Miss Leaf richly deserves. Her rendering of the, few simple ballads she sang, was a real treat, ■ and the local celebrities of Mr. Beed, in which he introduced the names of our principal citizens, induced roars of laughter.