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Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 172, 2 December 1876, Page 2

So many instances of native insolence and Genera! Government meekness in this district have been quoted during the last year, that a fresh proof cannot surprise, however gross it may be. In our last issue we referred to the fact that some Germans, said to have boon trespassing on Maori land, having their game—two pigs—and their horse and dray taken possession of by the Maoris. Whether or not the men were justified in pig shooting or not, we cannot say, but it is certain that, as compensation for any trespass, the natives are not entitled to take possession of the slain pigs and confiscate the horse and dray. The interpreter, G. Wallace, went out to (lie natives, and had a long interview, the result of which was that they declared their intention of keeping the horse and dray, and defied the Europeans to take either away A telegram was received by the authorities here yesterday from Iloni Pihama, in which he warned thorn that it would not bo sale for them to send out force to recover the property in question. Wallace echoed the sumo c.aiition, and from that it would appear that the Waingongoro natives think that they can do as they like, and spoil the pakeha, Egyptians at their leisure. It is reported that Major Browne is to be sent to tiic seat oi; disturbance, but ail that .shrewd gentleman’s tact will not extract the horse and cart from .Maori clutches, unless either cash or its equivalent be paid. The namou and residences of the Gormans are known, and they are quite able to pay any fair sum that a regular court would award for any damage committed, but it is bitter indeed to find savages dictating their own laws, openly stealing will to nun's property, and a Government submitting to such humiliation. Flour and sugar will no doubt be brought into play in this case, and wo shall hear wonderful stories of the astute diplomacy that, has been shown in its settlement. All wo know is, that, an outrage lias been committed within a very few miles of a settlement, and that the Government arc either unable or unwilling to punish the p jrpetrators, or to take any means to enforce the law. What will come of it remains to bo seen.