G.-9.

Sess. 11.—1879. NEW ZEALAND.

NATIVE DISTURBANCE AT OTAUA, HOKIANGA (PAPERS RELATING TO A).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by command of His Excellency.

No. 1. Mr. Vickees to the Under Secretart, Native Department. (Telegram.) Auckland, 4th September, 1879. Have received telegram from Mr. Kemp, who is at Bay of Islands, relative to an affray between Natives at a place called Otaua, near Hokianga. Dispute was about a survey. Mr. Kemp says, this morning : " Further particulars connected with Native affair. There are two killed and two wounded on one side, and one killed and two wounded on the other. It is purely a Native question." Yon Stunner, R.M., in whose district this has occurred, has just arrived by steamer from Sydney, and is on his way over. Marsh Brown aud Hone Mohi will report direct to Native Minister. It has no political significance. T. W. Lewis, Esq., Under Secretary, S. C. E. Vickers, Native Department, Wellington. Chief Clerk.

No. 2. Mr. S. yon Stunner to the Under Secretart, Native Department. (Telegram.) Russell, 4th September, 1879. Just returned. Shall be in Hokianga to-morrow. Under Secretary, Native Office, • Spencer yon Stubmeb. Government Buildings, Wellington.

No. 3. Mr. Webster to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sic, — Hokianga, 4th September, 1879. In reference to my telegram of 2nd instaut, re Native disturbance at Otaua, I have the honor to inform you that I proceeded there yesterday, and, on inquiry, was informed that Wi Pou, a Native chief of Otaua, and his party had gone to cut lines in a block of land lying between Otaua and Mataraua, with the intention, on completing the lines, to have it surveyed. The Natives at Mataraua were asked to join in clearing the lines, that their boundaries might be settled. They objected altogether to have the land surveyed. On the Ist instant Wi Pou and his party proceeded to clear the lines, and while resting to cook food about noon they were fired upon by a party from Mataraua, killing two of their party and wounding two (ono dangerously). The remainder ran away for guns they had in the bush and returned the fire, killing tw 7o of the Mataraua party and wounding one slightly. Each party dispersed, and next day some friendly Natives brought the dead to the settlement. lam assured by Wi Pou and party that they have no intention of renewing the conflict, as they acted in self-defence; they also promise that they will not proceed to clear the lines again until the matter is investigated. While at Otaua a deputation of friendly Natives arrived from the Mataraua party, and assured me that there will be no renewal of the conflict; so the disturbance will end for the present. No doubt that Wi Pou and party had a good claim to the land they were clearing, and the other party had also a claim for an adjoining block. Te Huehue was shared between both parties at last Native Land Court. There has been a very bad feeling between both tribes for many years on land disputes. I have, &c, William Webster, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. District Officer.