The Native Obstructionists.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4460, 21 April 1883, Page 1 (Supplement)

The Native Obstructionists.

Auckland, March 26. At the native meeting at Te Kuiti on Saturday Mahuki made, an outrageous speech. He taunted the Ngatimaniapoto with having been bounced by Bryce, whom he compared to a pig, and said if he could get his hand on his bead he would kick it; the natives will not agree to the arrest of Mahuki, but he has agreed to proceed to Alexandra. Wilkinson telegraphed to Bryoe yesterday that if Mahuki goes to Alexandra he will be accompanied by 60 followers. Mahuki urged his followers to re«arrest Hursthouse and Newsham, and arrest Wilkinson, but owing to the presence of a large body of the Ngatimaniapoto his wish was not carried out. While of opinion that Mahuki will not carry out his threat to visit Alexandra, Bryce deemed it advisable to prepare for emergencies. There arejit .present stationed at Alexandra 47 of the A.C. Force; this company will be strengthened by the Te Awamutu Cavalry, numbering 50. It is stated that Mahuki's men were catching their horses to come on to Alexandra when Wilkinson and Hursthouse left Te Kuiti. The Cavalry Troop are to reach Alexandra before ten o'clock on Sunday morning. . Wilkinson, Hursthouse, and Newsham arrived at Alexandra yesterday. The Constabulary at Ohinemutu are under orders to march. Wellington, March 27. A proclamation was signed, by his Excellency the Governor at an early hour this morning, calling out the Te Awamutu Cavalry, and the Hineinoa was ordered to be in readiness^to take up 160 men from Opunake to-morrow morning. Armed with the Proclamation, Mr Bryce this morning called out the Te, Awamutu Cavalry, which duly mustered on the spot. This morning the news was wired that the Maori rioters, numbering about 20, wera then crossing the Whatiwhatihoe bridge on their way to Alexandra,.;where they duly arrived shortly before rioon. They were met by the European ■'>force, and summoned to surrender. Mabapuki replied with defiance, going to the front of his men and calling on God andTe Whiti to aid him and destroy his opponents. There was no [supernatural response, however, and in a tew minutes the whole 20, including Mahapuki, were arrested, firmly secured, and marched off as pri^ (toners to the Alexandra barracks, whence they will be in due course removed for trial. On the satisfactory intelligence 4 being received-of this favourable termination of the affair, the orders for the sailing of the Hinemoa were countermanded, and all is now expected to go on quietly as before. Auckland, March 27. This morning the obstructionists, numbering 40, rode on horseback into Alexandra, Mahuki leading the way, shouting 'like a lunatic, and calling upon his God to save him and,destroy the Europeans. Coming up the road leading from Whatiwhatihoe bridge into the township they encountered Mr Aubin, the well-known storekeeper, immediately seized and bound him, and pitched him into the fern ike a pig. Another European, Mr Benge, the schoolmaster at Alexandra, seeing them advance, made tracks, and got safely away. Directly afterwards they were met by the Te Awamutu Cavalry and constabulary, who made very short work of them, the whole party-being quickly apprehended and lodged in the redoubt to await the course of justice. Messrs Wilkinson and Hursthouse are now at Alexandra, the latter having come in to confer with Mr Bryce. ' •••.■■> The Premier has been closeted with Mr Bryce all day on native affairs. Arrangements had been made for calling out the Waikato and Waiuku Cavalry, and orders. had been sent to Wellington for the Hinemoa to bring up the A.C. force at Opunake. The capture of the obstructionists renders these jsteps unnecessary. Mahuki, the ringleader, and 23 of his followers will be brought down by special train to-night under escort, and will be met shortly after midnight at Newmarket railway station by Inspector Thomson and a detachment of Auckland police, and escorted to Mount Eden gaol.

March 27. The Native Minister had an interview with TeKooti to-night at Alexandra, the latter having come down to the township. The nature of the interview has .not transpired. Mr Bryc» leaves for Kopua to morrow to see Wahanui. The visit is said to be only of a friendly character. TeKooti goes back to Te Kuiti. Wana nui's brother, Kahua, has come to Auckland in connection with the prosecution of Mahuki and his followers. ■ • March 28. At the Police Court to-day Mahuki and 22 of his followers were charged with as■aulton Messrs HursthouseaiidNewsham and also robbery. Mr Earl, instructed by Mr Sheehan, defended, and Crown Prose cutor, Mr Williamson, prosecuted. Mr Hurathouse had not concluded giving his evidence at the one o'clock adjournment.