The Native Interference at Pirongia.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2512, 24 January 1877, Page 3

The Native Interference at Pirongia.

An. influential settler in Waikato sends us (Herald) the following respecting the late stoppage of survey near Alexandra, and the relations between the Government and the natives s—

"OnTuesday, the 16th inst at noon, while Mr Stubbing and his cbainman were surveying the boundaries of a block of land in Pirongia, lately purchased by Mr Smith, a wealthy settler from Otago, they were interrupted by Te Ngakau, who told them to leave the ground, as no pakeha would be allowed to occupy that land. Te Ngakau is well known as the accredited agent of Tawhiao, and was sent expressly by his orders to stop the survey. Mr Stubbing remonstrated, pointing out to Te Ngakau that this land was inside the confiscated boundary, and that Tawhiao had no authority to :nterfere in the matter. Te Ngakau replied that the late Native Minister, when in Waikato in May last, had promised to return the whole of Pirongia to the King natives, and added, pointing significantly to where Todd was killed, 1 You had better leave the ground at once, and do not return.' This warning was not to be disregarded, so the surveyors packeduptheir traps and left for Cambridge yesterday. The representatives of the Government here were the town constable and the clerk of the Court; This is the effective strength of our garrison at present. This land is situated on the eastern slope of Pirongia, and is within rifle-shot of the township. So far the natives have gained a signal triumph. Until an official inquiry has been instituted it is premature to speculate on what action will be taken by the Government. The traditional policy of the Native Department of compromise and conciliation has been'stretched beyond the limit of forbearance. The time has arrived when security to life and property must be something more than a name/ On the whole, the administration of the late lamented Defence Minister was popular with the Waikato settlers ; but should the present Ministry ratify his alleged promise of a cession of land to the natives, they will meet with the most bitter and determined opposition. This question is of vital importance to the Waikato settlers, and should be set at rest at once and for ever. That the peaceful occupation of the country should be interrupted—that industry should be paralysed —and that even the lives of lawabiding people .should be placed in jeopardy, is simply intolerable."