HAUHAUISM IN THE NORTH.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1602, 2 July 1887, Page 3

HAUHAUISM IN THE NORTH.

The Eawakawa correspondent of the New Zealand Herald writes on the B‘h June Of the Hauhuus of the Wuihou Valley, Hokiat ga, some time ago I wrote respecting the very extraordinary proceedings of 'he Maoii sect, and of their burning their dead, >o prevent, as it was : said, any police investigation. It appears that although from the action taken by the majority <f Native settlers in other parts of the country,, and since the death of the Maori prophetess, Maria, who some twelve months ago started strange orgies, incantations,. and prophecies, some have taken their deparhre. still her followers in the Waiho Valley, on the borders of Hokianga and Bay of Islands counties, and by the new formed road through this. Valley to Victoria Villey, keep up some of their rites and incantations to the great annoyance of their

European neighbors. It appears that the : fanatics; number about fifty, who are divided into relays or watches, to use a naval or military term, who relieve each other in their antics, making the night as well as the day hideous and frightful by their constant howls. Sometimes they extend their orgies io processional form, partially covered with white bands of linen, to the no small alarm of the.neighboring settlors. At other times they tie up a supposed victim for sacrifice ; and on one occasion, having kidnapped a native boy from another sett'ement, they yrere proceeding io like manner as with th*' fictitious one. The lad about pixteen or seventeen years old, and moat fortunately the abduction was discovered, and, with the police and a large party of NativeS. tho fanatics were attacked, and ' "none too soon, as they evidently intended mischief. However, iheii intended victim W»n'released, and very soon on regaining : his liberty made'tracks for some relatives in a more distant part of the country. This last act has had the effect of arouse ing more energetically the action of the leading chiefs of the Native population in the counties of Hokianga and Bay of Islands; and it is to be hoped their more , prompt and decisive action now will cause , the fanatics to change their mode of life and live more quietly and orderly in their settlement. -