THE NATIVE BUSINESS AT OMARAMA.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1036, 15 August 1879, Page 2

THE NATIVE BUSINESS AT OMARAMA.

(from our own correspondent. ) Omabama, August 14.

Snow is falling this morning, and it is i very Gold. The constabulary left here at i 8.30 a.m., and as they were halted about half a mile from the Maori camp, the natives began to march out with spring • carts, drays, and one eight-horse team. They numbered probably about 140 souls, with 100 horses and 100 dogs. The weather being so dreary and cold, if they had asked to be allowed to remain for another da-y, permission would have been given ; but as they took their departure, the sun shone, and the day turned out fine. When a halt was qalled, Inspector Thompson and Mr. Sutherland went forward to where the natives were crossing a creek, but they did not go into the pah, in case they should imagine that they were glorying over a fallen foe, and did not wish to irritate them in any way. As the natives passed them, a scowl was on the face of most of them, others readily answered "Good morning." The priest (Maharoa) being ill, or pretending to be so, was allowed to remain for a few days, with a man and woman to attend upon him. A buggy was offered him by Mr. .Sutherland, but the offer was declined. They intend going to the Native Reserve at the mouth of the Waitaki. As already stated, on the first intimation of the approach of an armed force to remove them, they determined to resist. Over fifty men had firearms, and their idea was that if Mr. Sutherland and the officer commandingshouldbeshot, they would succeed in repelling the attack. Men were told off to prepare for this emergency. The messenger from Waimate strove hard to prevent bloodshed, but, until the last moment, everyone wa3 in council, unti Mr. Sutherland's sudden appearance at the door, where all were assembled. The object sought for was obtained, and they were shown that- the Europeans did not fear them, and were determined to carry orders into execution. I

At 11 o'clock the force were marclied back to Omarama, and will leave for town to-morrow morning. Great credit is due to all concerned for the tact displayed in such a delicate undertaking, and especially to Ricars, the Waimate native, for pressing his good advice on the excited natives.