INVASION BY MAORI PRISONERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 258, 31 October 1925, Page 28

INVASION BY MAORI PRISONERS.

PORT ALBERT ON QUI VIVE. REBELS RETIRE DISCONCERTED. ORUAWHARO NATIVES' LOYALTY, (Edited by HENRY BRETT.). Continuing his account of the scare caused by the incursion of the party of Maori War prisoners who escaped from Kawau Island, Mr. C. J. Halfpenny says:—• t" The news of the rebels' arrival was soon carried to the Port Albert township, and so alarmed the settlers that at night they took turns at watching against a possible attack. The bugle calls and other warlike sounds across the river cpuld be plainly heard. One of the settlers who was journeying down the river boat, past Port Albert, was hailed by Solomon, an Oruawharo native, who warned him not to visit or go near the Maori camp, as he considered it would be unsafe. The Rev. Wm. Gittos, the missionary to the Kaipara Maoris, who had been absent from the settlement at the time of the visitors' arrival, had now returned, and he went about among the Maoris a 9 usual. He was thus able to learn their plans, and find out the feelings of the local natives towards the rebels. The Oruawharo Maoris had always exhibited a very friendly spirit towards tlie Albertlanders. largely owing to the efforts and influence of Mr. Gittos, who had been doing missionary work among them since 1856. His advice and word were law among the Oruawharo Maoris. In spite of all the arguments and entreaties of the rebel Maoris tho Oruawharo natives stood firm and refused to join them." v In spite of all arguments and entreaties put before them by the insurgents, the Oruawharo natives stood firm. Nothing now jfemained to the rebels but to return to Puatahi. One of them, describing this visit to the Ngatiwhatuas, to sound their feelings, flays: — " They listened and turned away their faces. They gave us food and bade us go in peace. " After the departure of the Maoris to Te Aho, further cause for uneasiness Was occasioned to the Whfirehine settlers, by the aggressive action of a few stragglers who passed through soon after

the infiin party. One of titem, seeing Mr. E. S. Brookes nest the beach, pointed his rifle at him. Mr. Brookes at once slipped behind a high bank and decamped under its cover. " In consequence of the hostility shown by these Maoris to * the Bettlers, a public meeting wast held in Wharehine, and the question of the best way of ensuring the safety of theif families find belongings was discussed. To illustrate the seriousness of their ; position, some of those present related how persistent the Maoris ! were in their efforts to secure arms. A few weeks previously, ' several Maoris, evidently acting for the rebels, had visited the j district, even offering up to £18 for a double-barrelled gun, this price I being refused by the owner. Another settler when approached by ; them refused to sell, and buttoning up his gun inside his coat, stood i thus for several hours, while they argued and tried to browbeat \ him. It was clear that some warlike scheme was afoot. A rumour • had also circulated that 4000 of the Bay of Island Maoris Were I marching south to join the Waikatos, and this still more increased > the settlers' fears. '•'" " A proposal was made that tbe settlers should build a block- : house on an old Maori pa, but this was decided against, as they ' had no arms or ammunition to defend it, and not enough stores to ' stand a siege. Mr. Gittos advised them that their best plan waa to 1 remain unconcerned, and On no account incense the rebels by war* 1 like preparations. They therefore followed this advice, which later \ proved to be the wisest course. $14.1 . "ALL IS WELL." f " In a short time the rebels returned disappointed by the route they had come. The testing of the Ngatiwhatuas was over, they had i remained true to their promises to the pakehas, and there was now ' ■ no doubt of their loyalty. "As Mr. Gitto's wished to save the pakehas from any further ! alarm, he dispatched a friendly Maori ahead of the rebels, to carry ! a message to Te Wheau. The gist of this message was as follows: ', 'All is well. The insurgents are returning to Fuatahi. Do not be afraid. Be firm, but do nothing to offend them.' / " Soon the rebel band arrived, but now they were very quiet and depressed; a great contrast to the wild excitement which was so evident a few days previously. As the tide did not suit for them ' to embark for some time, they made their way to Mr. Marcroft's : whare. A close inspection of each room and all the contents took place, after which they began offering to buy various articles. ; "Mr. Marcroft was wearing tt new pair of working trousers, ; and these took the fancy of the rebel leader. Mr. Marcroft had no desire to part with them, and refused his offer, but Mrs. Marcroft urged him to give in to the Maori, or he might be angry and cause : trouble. ' " 'No!' said Mr. Marcroft, 'They shan't have my pants,* and there the matter ended. About half-a-mile around the bank of the creek stood the store ami dwelling of Mr. Jas. Cocks, and on the sandy beach below were ww?°r! which the Maoris had left when the y went over to Oruanieh«nli+iT a BvO M MB beach that the Maoris came next, and as it was • imairinea§Bl e& and camped round them. As can be ii* the lISfTV c - Bidents had v< *y little elee P that night, but i. had left. g ' t0 theur ««»* reli ef, they found that the Maoris "Tt _ • ' ' Waikato via B ManukL fr w I l uatahi ' tne rebels returned to the •plishedj history i s S, „ °™ way.jri which this was accom- ( escape from Kawau. At tv!-. r , adl . ctory as kis in to their | general anf^W^Sf xon Maori war there was n [ citizens, and th eir; m became law-abiding _ sex© soon, almost forgotten,"-