MR HUGH M'LEAN" AND THE NATIVES.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 6073, 16 September 1881, Page 3

MR HUGH M'LEAN" AND THE NATIVES.

Sib, — I desire to Hay a few words in reference to a paragraph that appeared in your columns a few days ago concerning the matter between myself and the native owners of land leased by me at Onopo, Te Aute. As you had no knowledge of the facts your statement -was naturally brief, and I now wish to supply yoii with fiill information on the subject. The late chief Itapuku got a certain block named Otarata surveyed, add leased the same for 21 years— the block being a continuation of dnppo Wedt and Qnopo East. Some time after a claim was iaid to the Otarata block by another tribe or hapu, and by getting a re-hearing in the Native Land Court no less than twenty-five grantees, wefe put intd the block; During Hapuku's lifetime the matter went on smoothly, and the rental was paid to him ; but, taking advantage of his death, the other hapu commenced settling on this block. Watane (the late Hapuku's son) called for the annual rental when due, but I objected to pay him in full as others had settled on the land his father had leaßed who could show a just claim, and I told him (Watane) to define his hapu's share and I would pay him accordingly. This the young chieftain seemed to think below his dignity to submit to. Lately I went into figures with the natives and reckoned up matters to date. A few of the owners from both sides accepted their due share and agreed to give a renewal of lease for the unexpired term of the original lease, I agreeing to give a higher rental. Some malcontents] however adduced arguments and seemed disaffected, and they lately advertised in your columns their intention of taking possession of my house and property. On Sunday last two of the ringleaders came about the house and seemed rather sorry for their rash advertisement, and declared their intention of hating a dispute with their co-grantees for making use of their names, and that, too, in their absence. However, about 6 o'clock on Monday morning, when the door of my house was opened three desperadoes were instantly inside, and about ten more were following them up j but the keys were turned upon the leaders, the windows battened down, and those that were inside considered themselves confined within the premises, while those outside could not get in. The seige lasted for 24 hours, and between the howling wind during the night, and the strong guard outside waiting the arrival of the police there was little slumber inside. The helpless family were taken away in the morning, but before issuing an adviser from the outside whispered at the window, and immediately the hostages declared that if I attempted to put my children through the window they would be barricaded from the outside, but if they went out by the door they would have a free pass. This was agreed to, which says a great deal for native intelligence, and for their ability and power to commit a raid at pleasure without the Government daring to interfere — and this, too, within sound of the whistle of the locomotive engine. I may add that I forwarded an urgent telegram to the Minister of Justice at Wellington on the previous Saturday, asking for protection, but up to present date I have had no reply. The Government must have a small opinion of Hawke'a Bay when the police here cannot exercise their authority without appealing to Wellington, particularly seeing that such a delay might be the cause of great trouble. — I am, &c, Hugh M'Lean. September 15th, 1881.