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Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 78, 13 August 1873, Page 2

Henare Matua.—The seclusion in which this seditious aboriginal has passed his time since his arrival in Gisborne, has, it appears, been passed in concocting various schemes for setting at naught all law and authority; and inciting his followers, and the native resident here, to a contumacious expression of disregard for our institutions. Prominent amongst other questions, has been the one of upsetting the Commission, and preventing the Commissioners from adjudicating on any business which might have been brought before them ; and to such a state of excitement had the matter been worked up that a determination was come to, to forcibly seize the maps and plans, and destroy all the records that they could lay hands on. Of course this would have been the signal for an immense row, which would, doubtless, have led to serious consequences and was, possibly, prevented only by the belief that as they refused to attend the Court, the Commissioners were afraid to go on with . the business. However, they may have opportunities yet, as, we learn, the Commissioners fully intend to carry out the purposes of the Commission, as far as they possibly can, and take a firm stand, irrespective of the idle boastings with which they are assailed. Of course drunken orgies have been the rule, and the generally quiet town of Gisborne has been literally in the hands of these blackguards for the last week. Major Pitt has strengthened the police by the accession of a few members of the Armed Constabulary Force, and they have had to make examples of some of the wont characters. Recently two natives were, after much fighting, placed in the Blockhouse, and each find pretty heavily. Added to this one Oteoe Pomace against whan a judgment for debt

had been given before he went South, was incarcerated on his return for default. Henare Matua hearing of thia, pretended to believe Otene's imprisonment was imposed by the R.M. as a penalty for going to meet him (Henare) at the Mahia, and for joining in the present demonstrations. At any rate, Henare gave positive orders for atttack on the Blockhouse, in order to release the debtor, and which we are informed on the best authority would have been carried into effect, but for the influence of Ihaka Waanga. This good old chief, at the last moment, threw himself into the breach, and sobered down the excitementsufficiently to prevent the rash act being committed. Rash it would have been, and serious to boot, for the A.C. were well armed and a stout defence would have been made. The principal cause for congratulation is that the natives have no weapons, as it is the belief of those who know them well, that had they possessed arms they would not have been so easily appeased. Herein is much food for reflection "both for the Government and others who have set this mighty engine agoing, the end of whose journey we cannot yet see. Resignation.—We learn that the Secretary to the Road Board—Mr. Lysnar —has resigned his office.

Masonic. —We are informed that Mr. Buchanan, who is shortly expected to arrive in Gisborne from Auckland, will be the bearer of the warrant and necessary paraphernalia for opening the new Lodge. Highway Boards. — The intense ignorance exhibited by some of the Road Boards throughout the country, at their annual meetings, is noteworthy. We hear that several have permitted the levying of an ” acreage ” rate. Of course the business done in such an illegal way is a waste of time, as other meetings have had to be called and the ground re-trodden. Excelsior Variety Troupe.—Another capital performance which was well attended, was given by this Troupe at the Music Hall on Saturday evening last. There was an almost entire change of programme, Ned Mason introducing new songs, dances, &c. Mdlle. Laura also assisted Mr. Muir and the other members effectively in causing much wonderment in the minds of the natives who were evidently interested in the acrobatic of the entertainment. They were to have played again on Monday evening but the weather was too boisterous and wet. Mdlle. Laura takes her benefit to-night at a reduced price of admission; and in return for the kindness he has received here, Mr. Muir proposes giving a benefit to the “ Gisborne Band Fund ” (at which the members of the Band will play a selection of operatic airs) on Thursday evening next, we hope a full house will respond to this last invitation.