OUTRAGE OF THE NATIVES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume I, Issue 15, 10 November 1852, Page 3

OUTRAGE OF THE NATIVES.

Sometime since Mr. Wm, Bayly memorialised the Governor as to a Native Reserve adjoining his land, and received for answer that he (Mr. Bayly) must fence against their cattle. While this fence was pieparing, from 20 to 30 head of cattle belonging to the natives trespassed upon, and damaged a crop of wheat belonging to Mr. Bayly. Upon which he complained to the Magistrates for protection/pointing out, that by sending their Native Assessors to the tribe, the annoyance might be discontinued. The Native Assessors were not sent and the trespass continued. Meanwhile, Mr. Bayly continued with his fence, and almost every night had his visitors. But after being repeatedly driven out, the natives observing one animal bruised, immediately blamed Mr. Bayly, or his servants, and a demand for utu was agreed on. And on Tuesday at 10 a. m., while Mr. Bayly was absent, a band of natives visited his house, and in the presence of Mrs. Bayly carried off blankets, quilts, saddle, &c, &c , to tho amount of £18. On Wednesday morning Mix. Bayly applied for, warrants against the offenders — but no promise was made that the offenders would he brought to justice. Two hours afterwards Mr. Bayly was called in, and the Resident Magistrate said — " we have considered your case, and are of opinion that your gjods will be restored ;" upon which Mr. Bayly enquired " are the often-

tiers to bo brought to justice V and to this remark Mr. Geo. Cooper, Police Inspector, observed, "Is any one permitted to address the Resident Magistrate so ?" — Upon which Mr. Flight said, " Certainly not." Mr. Bayly then retired, remarking, " that if justice were not administered, he would cany proceedings to the iiighest authorities." We learn that Mr. Bayly's fences have been several times broken down since the above occurrence, and the cattle still come in upon his land to his serious damage. On repeating his complaint to the Magistrate, he was told that compensation would be uwarded if the damnge was properly vouched by valuers; which, being done, another difficulty arose — viz., the ownership of the entile, whi: h could only be ascertained by detaining the cattle until claimed ; and this he v/oa informed be wuuld not be justified in doing.