THE RECENT NATIVE TROUBLE.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10042, 21 May 1898, Page 7

THE RECENT NATIVE TROUBLE.

In the Melbourne "Argus" of May Bth appears, over the signature of "Hauraki H. Miming," a near relative of the celebrated pakeha-Maori judge who is famous as the author of the well-known work, "Old New Zealand," a letter relating to the recent Waima disturbance. Mr Maniug wishes to correct a few erroneous impressions as to the personality and character of the people involved in the trouble. Hβ proceeds:—"We are not, and have no sympathy with, Hau Huns. The distinct wnere the disturbance took place lies along the Hokianga river, Rawene, or Herd's Point, whence the troops marched, being about fourteen miles from the entrance. This district is occupied by the Waimamaku near the coast, the Hikitu at Whirinaki, the Ngatihau at Omanai, the M&hurehuro at Waima, and allied tribes, all of whom have ever been on the most friendly terms with the British Government. Hau Hauism has ever been unknown in our country except by rumour as affecting fardistant districts, and I am grieved to ■•.hink that ardent friendlies should be identifted with these mistaken fanatics. So utroug vas the attachment of my people to th<.>. Ciovm that in 1846, when Hove Heke raised the tiag of rebellion at Bay of Islands, my uncle Hauraki, then head chief of the Hikutu and allied tribes, took the field against his own relatives with several hundreds of his followers, and, in fact, died from wounds received in one of the engagements at the Waikare (Bay of Islands). Twenty years later my relatives of these tribes freely furnished soldiers to the native contingent and Forest Rangers to fight for the British flag against their countrymen." "The bravery of the Maoris," adds Mr Maning, "has always been acknowledged, and, since for the last half century the people of the HokiJngt. have consistently supported British rule in council and in the field, it is a pity to class them with the Hau Haus, through the mistaken action of a few hotheaded, impulsive young fellows, smarting under the exactions'and annoyances of petty officials."-