DISTURBANCE AT POVERTY BAY.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 205, 19 January 1866, Page 3

DISTURBANCE AT POVERTY BAY.

The news from Poverty Bay is calculated to create some uneasiness. Several squabbles had occurred between the friendly natives and Colonial Defence Force men, which nearly ended in an appeal to arms. The Hawke's ABay Times says: — i£ We have intelligence from this district up to Thursday, the 28th uit. Some disturbance occurred on Christmas Day between some men of the Colonial Defence Force and a party of "friendly" natives. It would appear that on the day in question a number of these men, of both races, were in company together, drinking and bouting, when — as is usual in such cases — a " row ' ; commenced, which very soon became seriouo and in which our dusky brethren seemed to come off best ; but, seeing the tide of battle turning against them, they rushed for their arms. However, and fortunately an officer with a few armed troopers, appeared on the scene at this stage, when our allies took leg bail for it. The same night and the next day a deal of talking took place on the subject, the natives being particularly bouncible, but all ended peaceably. On the 20th (Boxing Day), another scene occurred a little distance inland, where some races were coming off. As on the previous occasion, the combatants were men of the Defence Corps and " friendly " natives. Here, as in the township, the gallant Maori band were defeated, — again resorted to their arms — .and again scampered off' upon the appearance of armed men. We are assured that, had the latter not fortunately been close at hand at the time, bloodshed would certainly have followed.