FROM TO-DAY'S "THAMES ADVERTISER."

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 2927, 1 September 1879, Page 3

FROM TO-DAY'S "THAMES ADVERTISER."

Tlifi narrative of the outrage by Maoris at Ohinemuri, and the escape of surveyors Bay Id on and Crump, was real, with feelings of astonishment and disgust by the people of the Thames on Saturday morning, and a fervent hope was generally expressed that the .Native Minister would make an example of the guilty parties, regardless of fear, favour, or affection. Under these circumstances, satisfaction was expressed wlieu it was Known that Mr Sheehan intended to proceed direct 1o the Native settlement on the Waihoa River occupied by the tribe who had been guilty of the tribe. As soon as the s.s. llotomahaua came in from Auckland, the little s.s. Vivid was chartered by the Native Department to go into the stream and await the arrival of the hon. gentleman in order to convey him up the river at once. Mr Sheehan showed great energy and promptitude in the whole matter, and residents will not soon forget the fact. There was no resort to red tape or circumlocution. The hou. gentleman received a bare narrationof thecircumstancea attending the occurrence and he came promptly to our rescue. Hedidnotstopforthe decision of a Cabinet Council, but took in the situation at a glance, and did not hesitate to act decisively and wisely. We ("Thames Advertiser") do not countenance impetuosity or impulsiveness under such circumstances, but we do applaud prompt action where crimes of this nature and the peace and safety of a district are concerned. On arrival at Grahanistown, the Native Minister was met by Major Murray and Colonel Frassr and taken to a general parade of Thames Volunteers, where he witnessed an inspection by Major Withers. After inspection, the Native Minister, accompanied by Major Withers, Superintendent Thomson, Mr Pui-key, Mr Wilkinson (interpreter), theCouuty Chairman, and Eugiueer, left the Thames for Ohinemuri in the Vivid to interview the Maoris re the outrage, and to remonstrate with Tukakino in reference to his objection of roads, railways, and telegraph lines. Major Withers accompauied to hold an inspection of No. 3 ConipaHy, T.S.V., at Paeora, but on arrival it was found too late for that purpose; the men were doing piquet service. An inspection was held next morning in Paeroa Hall. There was a good muster. After the meeting with Tukukiuo people, the steamer was despatched to the settlement with Messrs Puckey, Wilkinson (interpreter), Tiui Poaka, and a few others, in order to ascertain what the views of the natives were upon the offence.' It was thought the whole settlement would be deserted.' but information was given that such was not the case. It was at tirsf intended to send a force of Volunteers up in the steamer to land at the settlement and capture the men, and the Volunteers in arms were in readiness to proceed, but the Native Minister thought it more prudent to send Native agents first. VISIT TO THE SETTLEMENT. Oa arrival at the settlement Messrs Puckey and Wilkinson were confronted by the tribe, who appeared cool and indifferent. Pakara, the leading chief, admitted he was the first to fire. Bis weapon was loaded with small shot. They crept stealthily up to the surveyors, and as he tired he uttered the words, " Pakeha, die." The other shot fired at the same young man was by Epiba, and was a bullet. I hey thought they had killed the person, and Pakara cut away some of his hair to exhibit to the tribe as proof of the shooting. The natives say they would not be taken, and would not be tried by European lows unless they were first tried by the Hauraki tribes. If the latter ordered they should be so tried they might consent, but not othorwise. So far the mission was unsuccessful, but it was arranged that another party should be sent up by daylight to capture them, and Superintendent Thomson, Sub - Inspector Kenny, and a number of the A.C. force were entrusted with the task.

Mr Sbeehan and party left for Grahamstown soon after the return of Mr Puckey and Mr Wilkinson, and the latter remained behind to await the issue of the police raid on the settlement. The Hon. Mr Sheehan was to have proceeded thr6ugh to Auckland, the Anne Milbank having been chartered to convey the party to town, but owing to this detention beyond the time arranged, the steamer was sent on without him. This was unfortunate, a3 it was low water when the Vivid returned and the party would be unable to land.