MORE NATIVE OBSTRUCTION

Temuka Leader, Issue 1087, 27 March 1883, Page 1

MORE NATIVE OBSTRUCTION

Auckland, March 21. IVews arrived at Alexandria last night by a messenger sent by Wahanni, informing Mr Wilkinson that Mr C. W. Hursthouse, who was engaged to report on a railway line to with his companion, Mr JNewsham, had been again stopped by the nt«tiv's of the settlement of Tewira, between Ota'ohunga and Tekuti, and are now prisoners. The natives who molested them are principally To Wliiti's late followers at Parihaka, the lender being a man named Makuku. Mi Hursthouse vas b'ing escorted by Wetere and 25 natives, and as the obstructionists were far more numerous, and having been previously warned, Wetere placed the pakehas in the centre of his party. Makuku, on coming forward, spoke to the effect that God had come here that day to protect the land, and then called to his party to fetch the pakehas. The mob immediately rushed on Mr Hursthousrf and his escort, who closed round him, and for some considerable time they successfully kept the obstructors off, Numbers, however, prevailed, the Europeans being roughly handled between the contending parties. Wetere was fearful of Hursthouse or Newsham being injured, blood having already been shed, Te there, one of Wetere's men, having received blows on the lips and eye. Te Wetere called out, ' Kati (let this cease.) We will submit ; we will accompany you to the settlement and talk over affairs.' The whole then proceeded to Te Wira's settlement and Wetere at once des- j patched a messenger to Wahanui at Tekopuru, to acquaint that chbf of their being prisoners. Wahanui exp'esed great concern at the news, exclaiming ' This will be the death of us all.' He immediately 6ent information to the native agent, Mr Wilkinson, at Alexandra late last night. Mr Wilkinson proceeded to Tekopura this morning to interview Wahanui. Ths stoppage of Mr Hursthouse was not entirely a surprise ; in fact it was expected by those acquainted with the native feeli'ig, the natives thinking that Mr Bryce is endeavoring to force his policy on them in the absence of Tawhiao. Some peorde think that no apprehension need be felt as to the perfect safety of Messrs Hursthouse and Newol.am. Te Wetere has gone down from Kopuru to see Wahanui. Tha latter ha? expressed his determine:] to overcome the obstruction and see the matter through. March 23. A party of 6ixty men, despatched by Wahanui, accompanied by Mr Wilkinson, Native Agent, to release Mr Hursthouse and party, found on their arrival at Otorhanga that a large number of natives had assembled there, who in formed them that Wetere's brother Kangituka, with Te Kooti, Tehana, and seventy natuefl forcibly released Mr Hurfthouse, Mr !\ewsham and Tehaere from the natives who had them in custody. Thev found the prisoners stripped and chained up. Temahakino and party were seized in turn and tied up by the rescuers, who marched them

to iVktiiti. Kahu, Wahanni's brother was the fir<t to break open ihe h«i:sa where the prisoners wcr- chain d. Wahanni did not accompany the party, having gone to Pari to send a number of natives from there. The natives at lehirn are excessively angry at tlie rescue of the prisoners, and are said to have erected a sallow* to hang Mr Bryee if he comes there. Te Kooti took Mr Hursthouse's party safely to Tekuiti, supplying: them with, clothes and boots, of which they had been stripped when captured. Wahanui has gone to Kihikihi to confer with R.-»wi. March 24. Mr Hursthouse and his companions whpn rescued by Te Kooli were very weak, and their arms mid leg-! bruised a;id swollen by the brutal way they had been fastened. They were locked up for 48 hours without food. Makuku, the chief obstructionist, says he will give no fi rther trouble, and the unanimous cry of the natives assembled at Tekuiti is that the land must be opened

A telegram from Mr Wilkinson, the Native Agent, to Mr Bnce, states that. Makuku is now in a state f the utmost dejection and fear, and promises to givi? up his goods and give, up prophesying if he is let go. Te Wetere is anxious that he should he sent to Alexandra, to be punished by law. Te Kooti takes little part in this discu-ssion, an I is quite content to let Wahanui and the Ngjtimaniopotoa decide the mutter. The bullock chain and padlocks with which he was fastened have been giv-n to Mr Hurstl.ousd as a souvenir. The whole of the property taken from the party have been lecovt-red. March 25. Two hundred nativs assembled at Te Kooti's place, Tekuiti, and a meeting was held, but nothing was done but talk. Makuku said he was willing to return to l'uira or to meet the Government, officials at A'exandra. Some of the Ngatimaniopoto chiefs are opposed to Mr Hursthouse proceeding further, as involving danger, and siy that he should return by the way he came ; also, that Makuku should proceed with the Ngatimaniapotos to Punui to meet Rewi, and Wahanui, and there leave Makuku to discuss and settle the m»ttei if possible. Mr Wilkinson has rend to the principal Ngatimaniopoto chiefs a telegram from Mr Bryce, thanking Uun for their conduct in rescuing Mr Hurstand stating that he never intended to leave thf question so entirely in tli hands of Wahanui that the law suouh* not be vindicated. The barbarous treat ment of Mr Hursthouse and his rart. had been so gross, that it was impossibl it could be nased over, The ringleader should he arrested, and if they (Weter and Wahanui) could not do this, he (ft! JBryce) would take procee tings himsc'i with that object. The natives convene a meeting later on to consider and dicuss Mr Bryce's telegram. It is the natives will not agree that Makuh should be handed over to the Govern ment.

Private telegrams recived in Auckland from Ohinemutu state that th Constabulary in that district are unci < orders to march.