HAU HAUISM.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 12, Issue 880, 1 October 1867, Page 2

HAU HAUISM.

The present aspect of affairs amongst the Hau Haus forebodes much future trouble to the colony if their spirit of undying enmity to the pakeha, as evinced by their ruthless hostility to those of their OAvn race who are suspected of European proclivities, may be taken as a criterion. Whilst we have been flattering ourselves that a day of restored peace and tranquillity Avas about to dawn upon -our suffering and all but exhausted country, the Hau Haus have been unremitting in tbeir efforts to reorganise their scattered forces, and to unite the tribes into a common bond of

unity against the pakeha. Every available means have been used, and every possible influence exerted, to induce the people to hold themselves aloof from the ' pakeha and all Avho favor him. Emissaries from the King are continually traversing the country, and a system of espionage upon the movements of both the pakeha and the loyal tribes is kept up, by which the King and his adherents are much better informed than we are apt to suppose of our means of opposing or assailing them. The whole body throughout the country is arrayed in divisions, (called " twelves," from the twelve Apostles of Scripture) to each of which are assigned certain posts and duties; and proclamations and orders are regularly issued to them from" the headquarters of the King. It seems evident that they anticipate a time when they will again come into collision with the settlers. And that time may not be far distant —a command from the King and his advisers would be. sufficient to plunge us again into all the horrors of intestine warfare. And if that command be withheld for the present, it is not from any favorable feeling towards the pakeha — doubtless they " bide their time." Not long since we noticed that a chief named Karamoa had been shot, by order of the King, for having abandoned their cause; and latterly it has come to our knowledge that a manifesto has been issued, by the authority of the King, and circulated amongst the tribes, justifying that act, and declaring that no mercy should be extended to traitors—that death should everywhere be the punishment of desertion* from the cause. All true Hau Haus were called upon to look upon the execution of Karamoa as an example for their guidance in like cases. The document in question was dated from Kohaonui, near Hangatiki, in the Waikato district, and signed by Tamati Manuhiri, better known as Tamati Ngapora, a younger brother of the King, Wherowhero Potatau. It declares that Karamoa and his friend Netepi had been executed at a place called Wharepapa, for treason; and that the executions were to be looked upon • as a " Ture" or law for the people. This document was carried round amongst the tribes by a King's messenger. On its being exhibited at an inland settlement of the Hau Haus at Tauranga, it was taken possession of by Te Moananui te Manako, a loyal cbief of .Ngatimaru, (a tribe of Hauraki, Thames) and sent by him to Mr. Clarke, the Civil Commissioner at Tauranga, by whom it was given to the Arawa tribe. It was subsequently taken to Taupo from Maketu by a native named Hoani Heretaunga, and by him given to Paora Matenga, of Oruanui, Avho brought it to Napier, where it was handed to the Editor of the " Waka Maori," with a request that it might be published, so that friendly natives might be upon their guard. The unfortunate man Karamoa was a Waikato chief, formerly of the Hau Hau party. He was in the engagement at Orakau, where the Hau Haus suffered so severely. Subsequently he joined the Queen party, and came to Napier on a visit to Karaitiana. On his return to Waikato, he and his friend Netipi were shot by a party of the " twelves,", headed by one Mohi, for disloyalty to the King, as has been stated. Paora Matenga is how in town, and we are informed that he and his party are desirous of getting. B§pae Mjhs ajid ammunition from the Government for self-defence. We do not know what the result may be ; but it is an important question whether an effort should not be made to assist these people against the common enemy. If loyal natives are left alone to oppose the ' foe, the effect will be a tendency to alienation from the European, and a weakening of their faith in his will or power to assist them. Possibly, indeed, they might be driven to join the Hau Haus in selfdefence. The position is a serious one — requiring all the care and attention the Government can bestow upon it.