Native Ploughing, this Day.

Patea Mail, 28 September 1881, Page 3

Native Ploughing, this Day.

A body ot> natives commenced ploughing this .morning, on a section behind Otakeho village, purchased by Mr grosser and sold lately to Mr Adam Hunter, of Canterbury. Mr. Rolleston, Minister for Native Affairs, bad beard of their intention, and was on the spot this morning. He found the natives claimed the land as an old cultivation. He said they mast not plough without the consent of the owner,. They said they wanted to take a crop this year, and were willing to arrange with the owner to have part of the crop. The owner being absent, Mr , Rolleston said he would communicate with Mr Hunter, and if he chose to let them plough they might do so, but if he were not willing,. they would not. be allowed to plough. Mr Rolleston telegraphed to Captain - Wray at Paten, asking him to find Mr Mr Hunter, then visiting Whenuakurn, and inform him of the position and hurry him up to Otakeho.' Captain Wray had seen Mr Hunter fifteen * minutes before receiving the telegram, and took steps to find Mr Hunter, who is now on the way back i- ■ Mr Rolleston adds, in his telegram, that the natives are very friendly. Captain Wray has kindly furnished part of the above information for public use, in the hope that it may correct any alarmist reportsi of the simple facts. ;