Our Neighbors—the Natives.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3956, 2 September 1881, Page 2

Our Neighbors—the Natives.

Paeboa, Yesterday. The people of Paeroa are somewhat concerned about the doings of some of the members of the Ngatihabo tribe, the same meu who shot young McWilliams. Within the last few days these scoundrels have shot a number of cattle belonging to settlers on the river, and in one instance destroyed a bullock belonging to a settler named Brown; cut off the animal's head and placed it on a pole, afterwards directing the owner's attention to the spectacle. They then ordered the man off the land, and threatened to shoot him. We understand the authorities are taking steps to punish the miscreants.' In the case of old Kumera, who was shot by his son, nothing further is to be done, as the old man, who has lost a tos or two, refuses to prosecute bis son, and so the police cannot investigate the' matter.

Unless an example is made, and that at once, of the Ngatihako men, there is little doubt but an outrage will be committed upon some European. The native who shot Me Williams is said to be parading about the settlement boasting of what he has done, and what he intends to do. The authorities should lose no time about the matter, for prevention is better than cure.