ARREST OF TE WHITI.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5554, 23 July 1886, Page 4

ARREST OF TE WHITI.

THE MAOPI TROUBLE,

[united press association.] Wellington, July 20. To Wliiti was arrested at daylight this morning and sent to Opunake. He offered no resistance. Hawera, July 20. Everything is quiet. The Natives concerned in Hastie's affair gathered at Titokowarn's kainga to talk over the matter. The Natives for the most part were very"nouri" and sulky. They said, "The white men have taken our land, they may as well keep our cattle and horses." The impouuding of these animals is with them a very sore point. Some of them go further, and say, "As you have arrested so many you may take the rest," and that they think other whare' building and trespass on land in European occupation will be made, but of. this they seem to be doubtful. At present the land occupied by tenants of the so-called Maori leaseholds are now almost exclusively managed by the Native Trustee, and the Europeans' rent was some time ago reduced by one-half for a term of three years, the balance of the deferred rent to be paid up at the end of three years. This privilege being extended to many of these tenants is one of the Maori grievances. The participation of certain chiefs in the affair is regarded as a sign that the forced collection of their rents and the official deductions made for collecting has caused these Natives to take the steps they did. Damages for trespass of horses and cattle were assessed at la a head. About ten acres of grass were destroyed, and perhaps 20s 'damage to fences. The settlers have no fear of any serious disturbance. Manaia, July 20. Nearly all the cattle and horses have been relensed. The police and a few of the settlers have been on guard all day. A steneial feeling of security is gradually being restored by the prompt arrest of the ringleaders. Later. The Natives are now releasing their bullocks and horses in small lots. Tuk«, an old Native who has got a considerable interest in leased land, says "No more plough now that Te Whiti and Titokawaru are arrested. The excifement has quite cooled down."