MOMAHAKI SURVEY.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 300, 2 March 1878, Page 2

MOMAHAKI SURVEY.

Ix last issue we mentioned that a number of Patea men bad been to Momahaki, and had assisted the survey party in placing bridge across the Momahaki Stream. The bridge is about half way between Carlyle and Waitotara, but a few miles inland. There appears to have been no serious obstruction since Monday, and from all appearances the work will now be allowed to proceed. Up to the time Major Brown arrived at the camp next day (Tuos.lay) which was about twelve o’clock, there had been no interference either with the bridge or the surveyors. No sooner did that gentleman put in an appearance than about half a dozen strong women commenced operations with the intention of destroying the bridge. Being prevented by the survey party from doing any serious damage,- the Civil Commissioner was taken in hand,- and in rough playful sort of fashion got tumbled about considerablj'. The good-tempered manner in which Major Brown received the partly angry and partly playful attentions, of the Maori women, at last led to gentler treatment, and after keeping the Major a sort of prisoner for a couple of hours or so, and food being ready to be partaken of, an adjournment took place, and hostility ceased. Some of the survey party were allowed to go on cutting the survey line which had become overgrown with young vegetation. Major Brown left again in the evening. The women, who, on the first day had struggled hard for mastery against the Europeans, now came forward vuluntarilly to shake hands with the Major. From the cordiality shown at the parting theic is little fear of further opposition. Besides which the surveyors had been allowed to proceed with their work most of the day unmolested. One native was present on behalf of the obstructionists, but so long as no Government natives helped the Europeans lie did not intend to interfere. Had friendly natives attempted to help the survey party, an opposition force would immediately have been called on. It appears to have been arranged with the surveyor that if further opposition was shown help should be sent for. As no assistance has been asked for further, it may he presumed that no opposition has been offered, and that virtually opposition has ceased. After the above was in typo, yesterday there was a rumour in Carlyle that some further opposition had been attempted, and that the meddlers had been taken charge of. Up to four o’clock no official communication had been received from the surveyor.