OUTBREAK IN THIS WAIKATO.

West Coast Times, Issue 137, 26 February 1866, Page 3

OUTBREAK IN THIS WAIKATO.

THREATENED FIGHT AMONGST THE MAORIES AT ItANGIRIRI,

The Egmont has put us in possession of Auckland papers to the I7th, from which we have extracted the following :—

" The result of the - great meeting of the Ngatinaho and Ngatitipo tribes to dispute the right to Lake Whangape is not yet known. Reports are very contradictory. It appears that the Ngatitipas (Kukutai's tribe), finding that the place could not be taken by noise alone, have at length adopted active measures to secure, if possible, possession. During

last raonlh tho Ngaliniihos received news to the effect that Ngatitipas wero making preparations on a large scale to invade Whano-ape, for the purpose of possessing themselves of the land, by driving the Ngatinahos beyond the ranges. " In olden times tbo chief fishermen at Lake Whangape, through want of skill iv Maori warfare, wero unable to repel the frequent invasions of their neighbours, and accordingly, a runanga was hold in Waikato to appoint an agent to negotiate in their behalf, and to make needful representations of their wants, which resulted in the choice of a powerful chief called Whangape being appointed by them as leader, and from whom the lake derives its name. Since then the Ngatitipas have kept in tho background until now. On the morning of the 7th February a large number of armed, canoes passed the Bluff, en route for Whangape, headed by Kukutahi, who wore a cocked hat and sword, and was armed to the teeth. Beforo leaving Waikato Heads it appears that Kukutahi beat up for volunteers for the contemplated expedition against the Ngatinahos ; and some Maoris, ever anxious for mischief, volunteered to the number of about eighty. Many loiterers, becoming dissatisfied with the plans of Kukutahi, refused* to follow in the wild goose chase. Active preparations have been made by the Ngatinahoa for the dofeifce of their so-ciilled mana to Whangape. W. N. Serancke, Esq., R. M. at Ngaeuawahia, proceeded on Wednesday last to meet the natives, and no doubt ho will use his influence to bring about a peaceable understanding betwon tho two tribes. It is a difficult matter to judge how tho dispute may end, in caso Kukutahi should attempt to carry his plans into execution. It is that Te Wheoro's party wish to have the matter investigated and settled by law, but Kututai's tribe refused to listen. Tho lake in question, namely Whangape, with tho adjoining land, is all within the lines of the confiscated block, consequently Maoris can have no just claim, unless by authority of Govern ment. Maori Chiefs who have been .dubbed Kniwhuknwas appear to have been just as much in the dark no\y as they were long beforo the pakehas came to New Zealand. Law (wakawa) is only a name with them, and is seldom followed up with justice.