THREATENED FIGHT AMONGST THE MAORIS AT RANGIRIRI.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2676, 13 February 1866, Page 4

THREATENED FIGHT AMONGST THE MAORIS AT RANGIRIRI.

A well-inf .emed correspondent in the Waikato scuds us the following, respecting what might prove a serious affair between two Maori tribes at Whangape, the one party beiug led by Te Wheoro and the other by Te Kukutai. We understand that Mr. Mackay has left Auckland for Waikato, and it is probable that he has gone to attempt to settle the question peaceably. Our correspondent writes : — "The result of the great meeting of the Ngatinaho and Ngatitipa tribes to dispute the right' to Lake vv u<i,uga, IM, 1 M, ,„ »«t ypt known. Keports are very contradictory. It appears that the iTgatdbi^o.o (E.« kutai's tribe), finding that the place could not be taken by noise alone, have at length adopted active measures to secure, if possible, possession, During last month the Ngatinahos received news to the effect that JSTgatitipas were makiug preparations on a large scale to iuvade Whangape, for the purpose of possessing themselves of the land, by driving the Ngatinahos beyond the ranges. "In olden times the chief fishermen at Lake Whangape, through want of skill in Maori warfare, were unable to repel the frequent invasions oE their neighbouis, and, accordingly, a runanga was held in Waikato, to appoiut an agent to negotiate in their behalf, and make needful representations of their wants, which resulted in the choice of a powerful chief called Whangape being appointed by them as leader ; and from whom the lake derives its name. Since then the JN'gatitipas have kept in the background, until now. On the morning of the 7th February a large number of armed canoes passed the Bluff, en route for Whan^ape, headed by Kukutai, who wore a cocked-hat and sword, and was armed to the teeth. Before leaving Waikato Heads it appears that Kukutai beat up for volunteers ior the contemplated expedition against the Ngatinahos; and some Maoris, ever anxious for mischief, volunteered to the uumber of about 80. Many loiterers, becoming dissatisfied witli the plans of Kukutai, refused to follow in the wild goose chase Active preparations have been made by the Ngatinahos for the defence of their socalled mana to Whangape. W. N. Searancke, Esq., E.M. at Ngaruawahia, proceeded on Wednesday last to meet the natives, aud no doubt he will use his influence to bring about a peaceable understanding betw een the two tribes. It is a difficult matter to judge how the dispute may end, in case Kukutai should attempt to carry his plans into execution. It is said that le Wheoro's party wish to have the matter investigated and settled by law, but Kututai's tribe refuse to listen. The lake in question, namely Whangape, with the adjoining land, is all within the lines of the confiscated block ; consequently Maoris can have no just claim, unless by authority of Government. Maori chiefs who have been dubbed Kaiwhakawas appear to be just as much in the dark now as they were long before the pakehas came to New Zealand. Law (whakawa) is only a name with them, aud is seldom followed up with justice."