TROUBLE BREWING ON THE WEST COAST.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2189, 20 July 1886, Page 2

TROUBLE BREWING ON THE WEST COAST.

♦— [BY TELKGUAPH.— PKESS ASSOCIATION.] Hawkka, Sund.vy. Thk Maoris, this morning, proceeded to Mr Hasiie's propeity at Manaia and commenced to build a whare, the lrimber being about 500. Sergeant Anderson and four constables attempted to prevent them, but were unable to cope with the natives. The Maoris came from all parts of the coasts, there being present some from Wangauui, Hawera, Waitotara, Otakekn, Paiihaka, and elsewhere. Many were recognised as natives who had formerly been in gaol. Ngahina and Ticokowaru and other local chiefs came somewhat late. A native named Raugiaeta, who was a leading man at Mokoi;v at the entry on Lysaght's land seemed to be a leading man. The trespassers bi ought dtays loaded with provisions, nnd a largo number of noises, which were turned loose in Hasties paddock. Tents were pitched in the paddock, and piep.irations made by the Maoris for a prolonged stay. At times it appeared as if a serious distutbance would be the result, and bloodshed was feared, but neveral Justices of the Peace who were present counnelled moderation. Those Maoris who were asked what they came for, said that it waa a dispute about tho laud that brought them. It wa» noted that many native*, who were never previously mixed up in such matters, were now most active among them. Ngahina, Ngatai, and other local friendly petty chiefs and Europeans who were mustering strongly, made attempts to impound the native horses nnd cattle. On the women raising a scream there was great excitement, and several of the elder natives seized axes, which they had brought for cutting the firewood. Things began to look serious, and Sergeant Anderson openly expressed a fear that bloodshed would result. Later on a number of horses were impounded. This afternoon the Europeans present outnumbered the natives, and thirty specials constables being sworn in, the ringleaders of the disturbance were arrested. So far an known, the names of the natives token are Ngahina, Titoko Waru, Komaka, Tv Rahoe, and three others. Certainly the leading men in the morning's disturbance were all taken. Several expressed a wis.li that Kereopa, who was present, and whose record is a bad one, aa he ii said to have committed murders in tho past, hhould be arrested, but the police said they were hatched. The remaining Maoris, after b<*iiig warned, left Ha-tieV property, and the European* at once pulled down the whare which had been constructed. It is reported that the natives propose entering the land at Aokura and Pungarehu, but Inspector Pirdy has been instructed to resent it with a firm hand. The constabulary in Wellington were urder orders to leave for the disturbed di^tiict to-night by the Stella, but the order has since been countarm \nded.

[BY TKLKGRAFH. — OWN OOUKKSPONDEr.I Auckland, Monday Night. The Star's Wellington reporter wires that the Government attribute the Manaia disturbance to religious fanaticism, and the fact that natives are discontented at the non-payment of their rents. In many cases the natives, acting under Te Whiti, ha\e refund te accept the rents tendered, some holding that these are too small. Te Whiti himself also never acknowledged the right of Parliament to to deal with hi& lands. The disturbance was not unexpected, several native* who arrived here from Wanganui last week being awaie of what was going on. Instructions have been given for Te Whiti's arrest, and if ploughing is proceeded with at Okura as anticipated, fuithur arrests will be made. Special legislation is not required for punishing the offenders, who can be dealt with under our criminal laws for trespass, riotous assembling and wilful damage to property. Te Whiti and Titokowaru will probably be arraigned on charges for which, if convicted , they will be subject to imprisonment with hard labour. The Native Minister assured me that there was no cause for alaim. He wub fully aware that the natives intended to commence ploughing, and had taken measures accordingly. Ho is awaie that Te Whiti had given instructions to commence ploughing all over the district, and expects they will make a start at Okura. to-day, airl other points later on. He ha> taken all the necessary piecautions, and by swearing in special constables he considers he has an ample force to cany out law. In every instance natives will be arrested when ploughing commences. If the police force is insufficient (Jovernment will call out the cavalry volunteers in the diiliict, as they would be more useful than unmounted armed constabulary, who might have been sent up from Wellington. He does not contemplate sending the Stella, and believes the trouble will very speedily subside.