THE NATIVE DISTURBANCE.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10032, 10 May 1898, Page 5

THE NATIVE DISTURBANCE.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) RAWENE, May 9. Colonel Newali's field column ana In* speotor Hiokaon's police force arrived here at 4 p.m. from Waima after a weary march over the wet roads. The force woe accompanied by Mr Hone Heke, M.H.R., and a large crowd of natives on horseback. Eleven more Waima Maoris were arrested at Raniera, Wharehou's place, Upper Waima, this morning* before the force left, making sixteen prisoners in all. Hohepa Tawhai, one of those arrested, is a son of the late Mr Honemohe Tawhai, formerly M.H. R. for the northern Maori district. On Sunday three more rifles were brought in, consisting of one fine Winchester repeater and two Spencer rifles. The Winchester, a splendid weapon, was brought in by a European, who had sold it to a Maori, bat the purohaser not having paid for it took ii> back after the force reached Waima. So far t>

twenty-five guns have been surrendered in all, including two Winchesters. It is not likely any more will be brought in. They are either concealed or sent away to other districts. Some settlers here consider there will be danger in the future, aa many arms are still in the possession of Maoris, who have large quantities of powder stowed away somewhere. A number of dangerous Maoris are still at large. _ On Sunday a large party of the leading chiefs from Whangaroa and elsewhere rode into Waima, having been summoned by Hone Heke to hold a conference to strengthen his hand in giving a pledge for the future behaviour of the Waima people. The korero waa held last night at Raneira, Wharereu's meeting house, about 300 being present. The meeting lasted all night. The chiefb wish the Government to be content with the guns already given in, and agree to co-operate with Hone Heke in preserving order at Waima.

Before the force left Waitna Colonel Newall addressed the Maoris present through Mr Brown, interpreter, and thanked Mr Hone Heke and all those of the Ngapubi who had brought this matter to a conclusion, and prevented him from using hie guns. There is no doubt that it was only Heke'a telegram to Toia that prevented the Maori ambuscade from firing on the troops in the bush. Had the message arrived ten minutes later there would have been a fight. The Maori prisoners will be charged tomorrow at the local court house before Mr Clendon with unlawful assembly under arms. .