THE NORTHERN MAORIES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 177, 29 July 1898, Page 5

THE NORTHERN MAORIES.

THE DOG TAN QUESTION,

FIFTY-SIX SUMMONSES ISSUED.

FURTHER TROUBLE FEARED.

According to news to hand to-day from Hokianga the Ngapuhi Maoris Avho are disaffected over the question of the dog tax, but avlio Aye re recently said to hare'become 'good and loyal subjects again, have not yet decided to calmly acquiesce to the European law taking its due course. A correspondent writing- from the Hokianga district states that the. natives at Waima and elsewhere made promises to pay taxes and to send their children back to the schools again, to the Rev. Mr Hammond, Wesleyan minister,who j recently Aisited them,but it is nevertheless'believed that this will not be done, but that the majority of the natives at Tautoro and elseAvhere (Hone Toia's old folloAvers) will not pay taxes. Marriages according to European law. are being deferred, and the native children are not being sent to school. 'The Hauturu natives may yield to Hone Heke's persuasive powers,' writes our correspondent, 'but the Tautoro people are not likely to yield; they wish to goto gaol and see their chiefs. Not only does g'ping- to gaol save the dog tax amounts, which come to £3 or £4, but the natives get good dry quarters, food Avithout much Avork, and the three months pass away quickly. They get a trip to town, and come back in' spring, received by their friends as martyrs Avith joy and much feasting.' A big- Maori meting is to be held at Waima .'.within the coming week, beginning to-morrow, whenthese questiions'Avill be discussed. Chiefs from all over, the North are invited to attend. On August 3 there is expected to be much excitement, as on that day the dog tax eases are set doAvn to be heard at the RaAvene Court-house. Fifty-six summonses for non-payment of the dog tax have been served. 'If theAr come and pay up,' says our correspondent, 'well and good, but, as I fear, many will not come near, and then the fun will begin. The police will have to start arresting, and at Tautoro (xMangakahia Block) it is stated, ~ the natives threaten to shoot the first policeman who attempts to arrest any of their people. Whether they v/ill do so or not remains to be seen.'