ALEXANDRA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2465, 28 April 1888, Page 2

ALEXANDRA.

A Maohi Domestic Qi;akhe'..—There has been quite an excitement of an unusual nature at Wliatiwhatihue these last few days, caused by a quarrel between two native women (sisters), which culminated in a iierce struggle between them, as one of them, the elder, had the other down, and was doing her best in her rage to choke her opponent. Two men interfered and dragged her off, and in doing so, it is said, dislocated her arm at the elbow joint. The woman, Mere Tiki, suit to Tβ Awamutu for Cmstable Jones, who came down, and on her information arrested Waru, one of the men. The natives, however, asserted their right to try him by their own committee, as it was a matter entirely concerning themselves, and should not come under any pakeha jurisdiction. This view was taken by the whole of the women of the settlement, who would not allow the constable to take his prisoner, and marched him off vi et armis in triumph. The other native accused left for Kawhia, and the police getting wind of this on Tuesday sent by wire to Constable Forbes to arrest him there, which was done. Wanmd by the experience of Constable Jones, he timed his arrival at Whatiwhatihoe (which he had to pass through with his prisoner Taraunahi) at about 10 o'clock, when the natives there are usually fast asleep. On this occasion, however, they must have had a wire of their own, apprising them of the travellers, for on neariug the bridge at the settlement, a line of Maori women, on each side of the road, swarmed on the prisoner, and in spito of the constable's endeavours, took him away with them, telling Constable Forbes to go to Alexandra. The above is learned from the natives, as well as the cause of the quarrel between tho two women, which, however, would not look well in print, but in a native point of view is nothing extraordinary. What the police intend to do is not knnwn as they are of course reticent in the matter. But as the whole affair is of no concern to anyone but themselves, and the rescue, done by women alone, it would perhaps be as well if no further notice were, taken of