HAWERA.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3980, 30 September 1881, Page 2

HAWERA.

This day. The ploughing difficulty near Otakehu has been satisfactorily settled.- Mr Adam Hunter, owner of the land, yesterday interviewed the Native Minister, and asked what he should do. He was informed that if he desired the natives to be removed or arrested that should be done, but if he preferred make arrangement with them, Government would not interfere, it was entirely in his (Hunter's) hands. Hunter thought under the circumstances he could hardly be expected to bring his wife and family to live on the deferred payment land. The -Native Minister declined to mix up the question of residence with that of trespass. If Huuter wanted the Maoris removed, he had only to say so, and it would be done. Of course it was possible that the Maoris might make further trouble. It was pointed out by Captain Wilson that the Maoris were willing to give a share of the crops, and said they had no other ground to cultivate. Alter some delay Hunter agreed to accept one*third of the crop as rent of the land. Captain Wilson and Hunter then proceeded to Otakito, and saw the Maoris, who had not ploughed since the previous day. Tairua Keua, a returned prisouer, objected, but ultimately gave way, and consented with the rest of the Maoris (about half a doaeu) to pay this rent in kind. Hunter still declines! to ttikt vis rule aud fctuily ou to

the land, and consented to the arrangement partly to avoid the responsibility of being the first to bring possible trouble on the plains, and partly so as not to incur personal odium from the natives.