WELLINGTON.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3227, 23 June 1879, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

: Sunday night. The Premier on the Situation i l'-:"\ ,at Hairera. Major Brown F-ecommends Ap- ; prehoasioa of Offendors. Return of the Natives Anticipated.

The following telegrams relating to the Maori ploughing at Hawera hare been supplied by Sir George Grey:—■

" Hawera, 21st—To the Premier, Wellington.—The settlers are very much excited, and talk of turning the Maoris off to-morrow. The settlers met here at 10 a.m. Please hare wire kept open: For the committee.—Thomas Middleman, Chairman; of Committee." ' >

" Hawera, Jane 21st;-—To the Premier, Wellington.—Asked to attend public meeting. The.settlers are very excited, antl determined to take some action.- r I think they will either oppose the'natives entering on the lands of settlers or cart the ploughmen or their ploughs across the Waingongora. There were 16 men and 2 ploughs at work on Livingstone's land today. Some of the natives there hare warrants out against them for theft and other offences.' I recommend that these 1 warrants be executed. There are reports that the native*) threaten to plough near Hawera aiid Mdkbkoi.--C. Bndwii:"

V Wellington,"""' 22nd.—Major Brown, Hawera.—Thank Mr Middlemas for telegram to me.' Am sorry to hear settlers are excited. V This is unnecessary,, for I understand there are men of singular courage and determination amongst them. Anything done under excitement in times of disturbance is badly done; and something takes place , which always leaves reason for lasting regret. I believe, also, there, is such strength at Waiwera that the place can protect itself against any immediate, danger without difficulty. Had I have been able to travel I would ati once have gone up there. From ignorance of the circumstances, I cannot now pretend to give complete direction to those on the spot. Much responsibility muse, therefore, rest upon the authorities there ; but the best interpretation shall be put upon all they do. . I understand there are warrants out against some of the natives for theft and other offences. It must rest with .the authorities on the spot to determine whether their strength at Hawera, and other circumstances, render it prudent to execute these warrants, and whether it is ' I most advisable to do that or simply prevent the natives from going on the land, or to warn them off the: land, and '' if they do not go to move them and their ploughs without insult, and quietly from the land. I have no doubt that your own judgment will, with the 'full 1 knowledge you have of all the circumstances, point out what is the best course for you to take. But you should let the settlers understand that the great thing is to bring on no unnecessary disturbances ; but measures will be taken to secure the permanent peace of the country. That if this can be done without bloodshed, and the evils which follow from an unnecessary war, all we can desire will be gained. Some of the natives represent that what tbey are doing is only to call attention to wrongs which they state they have for years Buffered in reference to lands promised to them as compensation; others, undoubtedly, are doing it under the orders of a fanatic, and there is no tolling to what length fanaticism ; will •proceed. This is no new thing; nearly similar circumstances took place in the County of Kent in my youth, and resulted in much less of life. You should let them understand tkere are no negotia*

tions whatever going on with Te Whiti, and that we are quite free to take any course we think necessary. That they may rely on everything possible to be done to secure their safety, and that I feel sure they will act with calmness, with a view to their own pleasure, and to the good of the Colony generally. Tlio wire will bo kept open all day so that the act tiers may keep me advised as to matters —G. Geet."

" Hawera, 22nd June, 10.30 a.m.—To the Premier, Wellington.—The settlers have removed the ploughmen, teams, and carts from Livingstone to the other side of tho Waingongoro, with only a slight tussle with one of them. The natives say they will return.-—C. Brown."

, " Hawera, June 22nd, 2.ls.—The Premier, Wellington.—The report is incorrect that the natives were ploughing at Normanby. The ploughmen, carts, and teams that were moved across the Waingongoro were increased in number to about 50, and dispersed. The settlers used no more force than was necessary for their removal. The warrants, I think, had better not be executed yet against the ploughmen guilty of theft etc.—C. Bbown." This day.

: The Stella took 50 constabulary to Taranaki yesterday. They go overland to Hawera. .

A. M. Smith has been appointed Secretary to the Hon. Mr Ballanoe.

: The Wanaka had a terrific ran from Napier, from where'she out and run; she was 41 hours coming to the Castle Point. The cabins were flooded, the canvass covers washed from the bridge, and the chocks from under the life boats. The seas broke over the bridge. The officers say it was heaviest gale ever felt on the coast.

Stored at New Plymouth at the present time are one hundred and forty thousand rounds of Snider, and one hundred thousand rounds of Enfield ammunition.

Some insurance companies decline further risks in populous parts of the city. One insurance agent refused to renew a policy, saying he had stringent orders not to take any insurance in the city for some to come.