HAWERA.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 438, 25 June 1879, Page 2

HAWERA.

(from ODll OWN COllUEtf I’ONOICNT.) Sunday, Juno 22. Affairs have taken a serious turn either for better or for worse. I have no doubt that that will be proved very soon. On Saturday Mr James Livingstone came into town and informed ns that the natives had gone to his property and commenced ploughing on the most valueable piece of it, viz., his lawn, Mr Livingstone hao gone to some expense in laying it down, and then to see it cut up in the manner in which the natives did it (ploughing one furrow and then leaving one) was most aggravating. They wore not content wii!h only ploughing, but they made use of the garden produce for their meals. The inspection of cavalry and infantry was held on Saturday, and in the absence of Major Noake and Captain Marshall, Captain Wilson inspected. In the mean time Captain Wilson had forwarded the following telegram to Sir George Grey—“ Fifteen natives from Kaupokonui ploughing Mr Livingstone’s land, half-a-mile this side of the Waingongoro Bridge, Settlers excited, and wish to force the n off. Please telegraph instructions what action to take.—(Signed) P. G. Wilson, Captain N. Z. M.”

Sir George Grey’s answer was a direct insult to Captain Wilson. All the settlers were unanimous as to that. However the public can draw their own conclusions from it. It ran thus—•“ Captain Wilson, Hawera. Major Brown has been telegraphed to. He is at Patea, but will go on at once to Hawera and report fully.—G. Grey.” The telegram evidently meant that Captain Wilson’s word was not to be depended upon, and so the settlers took it, and were justly indignant. When the inspection was over, the men met in the field, and unanimously resolved to go in the morning and cart the natives back again. Mr Livingstone thanked them for their assistance.

In the evening a meeting was held to talk over matters. Mr White was voted to the chair. Major Brown was asked by the public to be present, and he came, but said that the only thing be could do was to get the warrants that were out against several of the! natives for past offences (and who were ploughing) put in force, but he could not advise the settlers to turn them off. Still if they did so they would be acting according to the law. Several gentlemen spoke, and all but one or two pooh poohed the Government as unwilling to cope with the present difficulty. Mr Moore Hunter proposed the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr G. McLean, and carried unanimously, “ In the face of the telegram sent to Captain Wilson, plainly applying doubt as to the truth pf his report^we telegraph to the Governor informing him of the state of affairs that exist, and aiso

that the settlers intend taking action in the matter forthwith.” Mr Armstrong proposed, and Mr Riddiford seconded, “ That Mr George McLean be appointed leader to organise matters for to-morrow.” The number that agreed in the proposition,- and promised assistance, were large, and everybody prepared for the morrow.

In the morning people were astir early, and horses were in great demand, numbers going on foot. At about a quarter to ten a.m., the number opposite Mr Livingstone’s house was about forty, the time arranged for turning off was to be twelve o’clock, but the patience of those present was exhausted, and one took the lead, and they went for the ploughs. The natives resisted a good deal, but to no purpose ;' their ploughs were put into the drays, and they were quietly taken down to the bridge and put over. The number that was present at this time was between 200 and 300. The Maoris’ names were taken by Mr W. Williams before they were allowed to leave the bridge, and they were told that if they returned again they would be sent back, and their drays and ploughs thrown into the river. They evidently did not like that, so they held a consultation, the result of which Was they did not come back. The whole of the people stayed for some time at Mr Livingstone’s, but when the natives showed no sign of returning, the greater part went away.

A meeting was held in the Town Hall the same evening (Sunday). Mr Moore Hunter being proposed, took the chair. The most important matter that was to be brought before the public was the advisability of electing a sort of vigilance committee to manage affairs, and keep up a correspondence with the Government. However that discussion did not come on until the last, and several gentlemen spoke at some length on the state of affairs-.

The Ist proposition was by Mr Siggs, seconded by Mr Cockburn, “ That this meeting is of opinion that in the present alarming state of native and believing that settlers will have to take a prominent part in the defence of their homes, it is desirable that a Defence Committee be at once formed, to watch, the course of events, and to advise the settlors thereon as occasion requires, and to act in conjunction with similar committees throughout the County.” That, as I have before stated, Was left to the finish of the meeting to be discussed.

2nd proposition was by Mr W. M. Thomson, seconded by Mr P. G. Cheat, “ That in the event of the Maoris returning to Mr Livingstone’s property,- or going on to any settlers land for any lawless purpose, this meeting pledges itself to immediately remove them.” The unanimous manner in which this was carried, was enough to show the feelings of those present. 3rd proposition by Mr Bate, secondedby Mr liiddiford, “ That in the event of war actually taking place, the Government be requested to remove the whole of the friendly natives to Wanganui, or some more remote place, as from- past experience the settlers know that thei'e will be no sense of security whilst they are allowed to remain amongst them.” This motion was also carried without a single dissent. Mr Bate then said that the following resolution would be necessary to carry out the other. He would propose, and Mr Lloyd seconded, “ That in order to give effect to the foregoing resolution, the Government be advised to give the friendly natives residing in tho County of Patea, notice to come in by a certain time, and place themselves under the protection of the Government, and upon the expiry of the time stated the district be proclaimed free of friendly natives.” Carried.

sth proposition was by Mr White, seconded by Mr W. M. Thomson, “ That this meeting have been informed that Captain Finnerty has offered his services with 100 men, to form a Bush-ranging Company. The meeting considering that the services of such a corps would be invaluable, would urge upon the Government to accept of its services at once.” The motion was carried with cheers for Captain Finnerty. 6th proposition by Mr Siggs, seconded by Mr McGuire, “ That through nearly all work being suspended, largo numbers of men are now out of employment who will bo compelled to leave the district unless work can be found for them, this meeting would therefore urge the Government to put them on pay, and employ them, when not engaged in military duty, to build redoubts and blockhouses.” This was also carried unanimously, and a voice from the crowd observed, “ That he had only had two meals this three days, and was only waiting for the chance.” (Laughter). Mr. Sherwood then made a few remarks. The common sense that he put before them was duly appreciated by the meeting; lie not only ridiculed the Government, but he hit somebody else very hard with his dry sarcasm. If the person was present whom he alluded to, I don’t envy him his feelings! After he had finished his remarks he proposed the following resolution, seconded by Mr W. M., Thomson, “ That this meeting hears with surprise and regret of the removal of Major Noake, and that the Government be requested to retain him in the district.” After this resolution was carried, several gentlemen got. np and were bitter in their remarks about the Government for sending him into the district to organise Volunteers, and then to reprimand him for exceeding his duty in giving out arms. What the Government meant by that it is difficult to solve. Perhaps they thought that the settlers could subdue the Maoris With fists, or probably hay forks, and other such implements; it so, they ought to be reminded that they are not at the head of a -lot of barbarians, hut pimple (some of them) that are endowed a

certain amount «f common sense, a good* many of whom,, I have no doubt, have more of that commodity than those at the head of New Zealand affairs.

The next and last proposition put before the public was by Mr W. M. Thomson, and seconded by Mr Siggs, “ That this meeting tenders to Major Noake a hearty vote of thanks for his prompt action in organising the Volunteers, and for his general efforts to restore confidence iu the district.” This motion was carried with cheers, the people expressing great indignation at the Government removing him from the district. The discussion then commenced about the Committee. It was resolved that seven should be the number of the Committee, exclusive of the officers of the Volunteers, who should be members ex officio. Thirteen persons were nominated, because (being led by two or three persons whose energy carried them far beyond their common sense) the public would have them elected singly, the consequence was that utmost.confusion ensued, and nobody was elected. After the meeting, a few gentlemen waited on Major Noake to inform him of the resolutions passed at the meeting. In answer Major Noake said he thanked them very sincerely for this vote of thanks, and that he had done what be considered to be right, and he was glad the settlers thought so.

Monday, June 23. A strong patrol party was about on Sunday night, but nothing was seen of the Maoris until the morning, when about 15 or 20 arrived with bullock drays and ploughs, and commenced ploughing. In the meantime the cavalry had been sent for, and arrived fully armed. They were taken doWn to the paddock by the hoitse and ordered to dismount,and tie their horses up, and then marched over to the opposite side of the road and opened ont into skirmishing order. Captain Finnerty having charge of another party of skirmishers- on the house side. The Maoris were then ordered off, and they went very quietly. When they had got about half way dovVir to the river, the skirmishers were ordered to load with ball cartrige and followed the party until they got to the top of tire hill overlooking the river. They waited until the drays were gone some distance on to the Plains, and then returned to Mr Livingstone’s,were they were ordered to horse,- and started for home. In tlie meantime Mr Williams had taken into custody four of the natives for whom warrants were out,and who were also known to be the ringleaders in turning the surveyors off- the Plains, when Captain Wilson,- with the troop, caught Mr Williams’ party Up, he (Captain' Wilson} ordered them to stop, and said they were not to take the Maoris into town until he had seen Major Brown. This- order caused a' good deal of grumbling, but it was to no purpose; so they had to wait until Captain Wilsop arrived, when he did; he said that Major Brown advised that the prisoners should be released, and asked who'would make one to escort them back. This did not cail forth many volunteers, and those ‘who - did, appeared to think' that it was hardly worth while taking prisoners arid' then releasing them, and also having to escort them back. However the Natives went.

It was reported'here that Major Noake had been ordered back to' take the command in this district, and it is now confirmed, so that the resolution- at the meeting last night has evidently had some effect.

Another public'meeting washeld in-the' Hall on Monday, being an adjournment of the one held last evening. I believe it was called for the purpose of trying to elect a Committee, but Major Noake having been- sent back to the district, it would seem 1 unnecessary that they should* be elected.

Mr Hunter resumed the' chair, arid read the following telegram'received from' Sir George Grey:—M.- Hunter, Esq'., Hawera. —I have stopped Major Noake' on his way. Did not know until just now that he had been removed. He will return immediately. First detachment of reinforcements will sail for Wanganni this evening—G. Guey. The Chairman then said that he had" seen Major Noake, and he would advise the public to elect two or three gentlemen to organise a party to stop the natives ploughing, but it would be better not to use violence.

Mr Bate thought that the Committee was not required. He proposed that the resolution for forming a Committee be now rescinded, which was carried. Mr. Livingstone was elected Captain of the Ejectment Committee. [By Telegraph.] June 24. The following telegram was received by Mr Livingstone:—“ I congratulate the people of Hawera for their taking the bull by the horns, and showing New Zealand that they are unanimous in their determination not to submit to be slaves to the natives, and will defend their properties, notwithstanding Sir G. Grey’s and his Ministers’ advice to the contrary.” [Our Correspondent omitted to send the signature of the sender.] Nothing of importance occurred this morning.

It was reported that the , natives intended ploughing Mokoia to-day. They have not started yet.