THIS DAY.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3394, 7 November 1879, Page 2

THIS DAY.

(Before H. Kenrick, Esq., 8.M.)

DUBXKBNNESS. One person was puuished for tliis offence. The Native Interference at I^ikutaia. Taniati Pnetai, Heta (men), and Kangiora and Malu Paetai (wornon),* were charged with using threatening languugo towards Henry Alley, wherefore the complainant prayed tbat defendants bo bound over to keep the peace. Mr Miller appeared for the defendants, and denied the using of the language complained of. Mr Brassey for the plaintiffs stated the ease ns given in the cridenoe below. He called

Henry Alley, who, on bciug sworn, deposed—.l reside at Hikulaia. I recollect the Ist of November. Mr Long and I wero surveying on the County road. This is near were the defendants reside. I-saw the defendants on that day. When surveying near a j;ate-way. across the road near the K akaramea block the native women caught hold of the chain. I did not see Tamati then. I argued with the women to give up the chain, and then asked where Tamati was. Tamati came out from behind the bushes, and I asked him why he interfered with the survey. I did not properly understand what he said, but he said something about taking possession of the land. I said the land waa mine, and I would go on with the survey no matter what were the consequences. I told them to take home the women and let the men come and take the chain. If they did he would hit them a slap on the teeth. Tamati used some words about trenting we like the Ngatihako did the survey party if I brought 40 jneu, Long: understood the language used.

By Mr Miller---i\lr Long is a surveyor, am! w,!3 I hero to surrey I lie Knkanmiea block. There is a settlement oil tho bock. I believe Tamati was instigated by Europeans. They did not ask me wbal land 1 uas going to have surveyed. Tho disturbance 'commenced when wo got on the other sido of the gate. I believe if I had not gone on the Kaknramca.block the disturbance would not have taken plnco. The natives have never disputed my title to this portion of the block. I cannot say what the nativo women said when they took hold of the chain. I took no notice of what they said, but alter a little wrangling I asked for Tamati. By Mr Brassey—Tho word " Ngatihaico" was used in connection with tho word " pukuni." I fear if the natives are not restrained I will bo in danger. I mean to go on with the surveying at all hazards. lam not afraid of the natives. I drained the land in dispute G years ago. My crown grant covers the land on which they are settl d. • Rowland C. Long, sworn, deposed—l am a surveyor. On November Ist I was at Hikutaia surveying for Mr Alley and Home persons who had bought a portion of the Kttkavamea block. Witness then gave corroborative evidence re the demonstrations of the natives, and the language made use of.

At this stage Mr Miller submitted that there was no evidence against Heta, and MataPaetni.

Tamati Paetai, sworn, deposed—l am one of the defendants. I recollect the octasion referred to by Alley and Long at Hikutaia. We heard of the survey party coming along to survey Kakaramea, and I sent Heta, Kangiora, and others to sit near tho gate on the road. They came to the gate and tried to stop ths survey. The two women caught hold of the chain. Alley said he was going to survey Kakaramea. I arrived on the scene aud told him to stop and wait till Government had settled the dispute. Alley put up his hand and said "Bruddy Kawana" (bloody Government). He said he would send up men aud I said I would send the ten women to stop them, and if they killed the women I wouid at once go to law.

By Mr Miller—Neither I. or any of the others made use of thr< ats towards Alley and Long. I only mentioned the Ngatihako once. I said I had been to Sheehan about the dispute, but he said that he was too busy over the Ngatihako affair. My father disputed the land before me, and I also dispute it. By Mr Brassey—l made a unsuccessful claim to the block in the Native Lauds Court. I havo firearms in my house. If thoy go on with the survey to-morrow I will send the women to stop them. I will always prevent them surveying the land till the dispute is settled. I have not brought any *uns from the uppiir settlement, neither have my people. No one spoke about the Ngatihako but me. Eangiora, a woman also gave evidence for the defence, but no fresh point was elicited.

His Worship said he would bind over Tatnati to keep the peace, and the others would be discharged. He warned Alley not to use for<s« in pushing on the survey. Tamati was ordered to pay the costs. A case of assault was on the list between the sariie "parties, but this was withdrawn by Mr Brassey, who agreed to pay the costs.