NATIVE TROUBLE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 254, 2 November 1897, Page 2

NATIVE TROUBLE.

PLOUGHING IN TARANAKI.

NINETY-ONE MAORIS BEFORE THE

COURT.

SENT "TO PRISON FOR TWO MONTHS.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

NEW PLYMOUTH, Monday.

Seventy-three Maoris, headed by four playing iifes, marched to the Courthouse this morning in charge of Sergeant Stagpoole. On reaching the Courthouse they danced a haka outside, arid were joined by nineteen others,, who had been accommodated for the night in the building, and who danced a haka of sympathy and welcome. "While waiting for the opening of the Court their fifes continued to play lively airs, which were continued as the prisoners were taken in batches before the Magistrate, Mr Stanford. Mr Ben Edwards, A&sessor of the Native Land Court, interpreted. . The first case was against four Maoris for trespassing on Mr Cole's property at

Waihi. . Mr Cole gave evidence that he acquired the1 lease from the Public Trustee, from whom he obtained proper deeds of possession. He had been undisturbed for years till a few days ago, when accused began ploughing the land. In reply to the Court, accused had nothing to say. but pointed to their white feathers, Te Whiti's badge. Accused were sentenced to two months' imprisonment, and to find one surety of £25 to keep the peace for 12 months. It has been commonly supposed that Te Whiti instigated the ploughing operations, but on Saturday the prophet's sons came to town with the object of attending the Waitara races, and he then learnt for the first time of what has been going on. They assured Mr James Buttenvorth, who enjoys the confidence of the prophet, that Te Whiti was in complete ignorance of the ploughing operations. He had, however, prophesied some time ago that the land would all go back into the possession of the Maoris.

Altogether 91 natives Avere convicted for trespassing on land occupied by Europeans, and were sentenced to two months' imprisonment. They were also ordered to find a surety of £25 each to keep the peace for 12 months. As each batch left the Court they set up a defiant haka.