THE PLOUGHING TO BE RESUMED.

Evening Post, Volume XVII, Issue 546, 26 June 1879, Page 2

THE PLOUGHING TO BE RESUMED.

Patea, This Day, 1 p.m. Te Whiti has given instructions to the Maoris to proceed with the ploughing. Kereopa is threatening the settlers in the Momahaki block. THE SCENE AT THE EJECTION OF THE MAORIS. (FROM OUR OWN CORIR6POHDBKT.) Patba, 22nd June. At last the settlers at Hawera hare taken decided steps to remove the 'uninvited Maori ploughmen from off their land. On Saturday some fifteen Maoris assembled this side of the Waingongoro bridge, and commenced ploughing Mr Livingstone's lawn, in front of his residence, with the most consummate impudence imaginable. A meeting was hastily called, and an ultimatum sent to the Government giving them until twelve noon on Sunday to remove these marauders. No action having been taken on the part of the (Government, at an early hour this morning a great number ot people assembled to witness the ploughing, bu: their indignation got the better ol tuum. The team was stopped, two bullocks were put in each dray, and the two ploughs put on the drays. The Maoris— some six er seven in number— interrupted, pushed, and vvrestled, but they were pushed off without any blows being given. One ntflve was very obstreperous wheu one of the prominent settlers, thoroughly roused, laid strong hands on him and ru> bed his nose in the furrow made by the plough. A Maori woman began throwing gravel, but this was Very soon put a stop to, and off Jttnt the drays. The Maoris rushed and jumpla, aud tried to prevent the -moving of the ploughs, but they were soon pushed aside, and the diays siarttd When the natives had nearly reached jfhe bridge, Commissioner Williams maje his appearance, and wanted to detain the trespassers, but the cry was, ''Let them go," and go tluy did. When just near the bridge, one Maori stepped in front of Williams and said that he was " Jesus Christ," and that Williams must bow to him. The latter, not seeing the argument, immediately clutched the Maori by the bsard and replied, " 1 will Dot bow to you, but you sba'l to me," and immediately pulled him down by the beard to that position. Just after this auother contingent of natives arrived and were for rushing back with the ploughs at all hazards, but Williams met them aid warned thsm that the settlers were in earnest and would not be played with, to they dispersed. „», • A guard of 60 men will be placed at Livingstone's to-night there is great excitement throughout the whola pi&ce, and it is assumed that if the natives return again that there will be bloodshed. There are several of the Carlyle Volunteers at Hawera ready to assist in any way, who on the first intimation of the settlers resolution rode In full haste to tbe s -ene of the then not improbable skirmish, but they were disappointed. Ihore Is news that the ploughmen, are now at work at Ncrinanby, and it is hoped tliat the same decided method will be adopted to-morrow. Mr. .beamish and his family will be brought in to Hawera from tieo to-morrow, the natives having warned h m off. If the natives return in force tomorrow to Livingstone's, which is not improbable, the settlers have determined to take tbe matter in their own hands, and act according to the responsibility tJey take. There nave been meetings held, and they are firm ia their resolutions, it is felt that now is the best time lor the Government to act, and with as little delay as possible, as this action thit has been taken by the settlers will decidedly briDg matters to a climax, and the Uorernmeut had better strike whist the iron is hot. 23rd June. The excitement in Hawera yesterday was teriiole. At the meetings held there it was impossible to do anything; everyone was speak ng and no oLe listening, lat night at the Town Hall, «t a meeting held to arrange same course of action on the part of the settlers at 7 p m., those present were so disorderly, no doubt under the excitement ot the turn affairs had taken, thit the meeting had to be adjourned until this evening Luring the night a rumour was current, that a tire Lad taken place and that the Maoris were the perpetrators, consequently everyone turned ou> to behold — nothing, as no *uca fire had taken place or was likely to occur. 1 his morning early, the news anived that the natives hau again returned to Mr. Livingstone's property and ware resuming th:ir ploughing, a great rush was made, tue bugle -ouudtd, and the Cavalry were called together, but ouly seme fourteen assembled ia answer to tLe call, tho uiajority beixg some d. stance off. several volunteers we.c immediately prepared to go to the scend of ploughing. On arming there they found two Maoris with the calm unconcern as to consequences which is ouly found in

the most besotted fanatics, were working very mechanically and taking no notice whatever of those a«semb.ed near them. A guard, of several settlers, was placed over the reserve natives and after searehiag them and finding they were not aimed, they were taken prisoners The que^ioa then arose— what was to be done with them ? Some were for letting them go, others for horsewhipping them, and others for taking them into bwaera, but no decision was arrived at. During this time rumours were circulating that the natives, in great force, were assembling on the other side of the Wsingongoro It was ultimately d< elded to take seme cf the ringleaders prisoners and c»rt the remainder over tie other side of the bridge. The cavalry were sent in front in skirmishing order, and It was evidently the opinion that thpy expected some retaliation from the natives, but as other Maoris appeared when near the bridge, Captain Wilson made his appearance in command of some cavalry, and in a very peremptory manner, ordered the prisoners to be delivered over to his charge immediately. At first the settlers decidedly refused, but afcer some consultation tbey ultimately handed them over under protest. Commissioner Williams rode to Hawera to consult Ma] or Brown on the matter, and they then came to the determination that under the circumstances it would be much better to allow them to go, as by keeping them prisoners no good would be obtained. Considering that Beamish and his family were then on the Plains, it was thought that by detaining the natives prisoners, their lives might be eudange cd. So they were allowed to depart, but they still persist, and say they will return again to-morrow. I have heard, on the best authority, that Te Whiti has said that there will be no bloodshed, and that if an aimy assemble around Parihaka, the women will receive them and cry, " Welcome, welcome-" Te Whiti says that for years he has tried for justice, but has got nothing. This is the excuse he makes for his ploughing operations. He asserts that confiscation is illegal ; that he is a spirit from heaven sent to see justice done, aud that the Maoris will have all the confiscated a&d other lanos given them back again. He says they have but little powder, as their store, containing a considerable amount of powder, was burned down some time since, and that he shall still continue to plough land throughout the whole district. Great indignation was felt at the recall of Major Noake, in whom the settlers have unbounded confidence, but satisfaction was given all over tbe district on the cancelling of the orders, and the fresh instructions to Major JVoake to return and take command of the district. Patea is very quiet, with the exception of numerous canards floating about, all is well.