A Maori Disturbance

Bruce Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 2957, 3 May 1898, Page 2

A Maori Disturbance

WOMEN AND CHILDREN SEEKING

I-SEFUGE,

A number of Maories at R^wene, near Kawaka, have been holding noisy meet Inge and displaying a threatening attitude towards settlers during the last few dayr. Aa a consequence settlers in the vicinity seat away their wives aod children from the distriot. At first it was thought by the authorities that the affair was a trival one, due to tha natives obj-jct-ing to tho payment of dog tax. For a day or two the scare Beetned to have subiided and the wives and children returned to their homes, but ou Saturday the Govern, ment had further advices, and as a result 100 Permanent Artilltry with Nordenfeldt guns were dispatched by the Hr-emoa on Sunday night for Hokianga. It appears that tbe Government was advised by Inspector Hickson tbat the Natives were still displaying a threatening attitude, and Hone Toia, the fanatical leader, had, in reply to a Government mesa 'go Bent on the 29th ult., said : " Will play or otherwise fight; thus, too, at Kawene. Will come with all my guue, aud will fight to-morrow.''

Inspector Hick-jon hus svo t a reconnoitring party, as he haa b eu inf. ruled au attempt would be m.-td-j to eoson-ioas*-* llaweue. The police, were warned on Saturday night at Taheke that pickets would be posted along the road. At present it is believed the fanatic leader has only a following of 50 men, but Is gainli)g adherents. Friendly Natives are moro numerous, but it will take time to assemble them. Inspector Hiokson and tho justice** of the peace with whom he consulted are of opinion tbat those causing the disturbance are fanatics aud fearless of death. They recommended that a force of 100 men be sent with a field battery at once Riweno ia practically deserted, aud most of the refugees sought shelter on the steamer Glenclg. Colonel Noakes's house, too, is full of refugees.

The Key. Gittos ha-i seen the Natives and advised them to petition Parliament, re dog. taxi He saw 50 armed Natives but was informed that there were 200. Tlie Natives d^olarod they would not interfere with women or ohildren, but deal only with the Government representatives and men. Yesterday a contingent of police and artillery men, under Inspector Hickson, and Ciptain Coylo, loft for the scene of the dibturbanco by ihe Gairlock.