THE SURVEY IN THE UREWERA COUNTRY.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 2, Issue 127, 10 July 1895, Page 2

THE SURVEY IN THE UREWERA COUNTRY.

[llV A VISITIX(i JOUKXAMST.] It was quite a pleasure to me, lounging here in search of renewal of health, to meet Mr Inrpcetor Emerson on Sunday evening, on his return from the scene of tho fcroublo with the surveyors in tin? Urcwerii country. Tho Inspector as to his habiliments did not look "every inch an Inspector." lint rather a ganger of navvies, for he lias been living in a tent for j about two months and subsisting on the i boiled mutton and damper of tradition, but his iron frame and determined visage have been very much strengthened by exposure and simplicity of diet; and it was quite a treat to grasp his hand once again. Tho Inspector has had no sinecure at Galatea. The entire force of Permanent Artillery. Torpedo-men and constables nuud>crk;g sixty in all was under his command, Lieut. Hume having charge of the Permanent Artillery. The choice of the Defence Department was a wise one for Mr Emerson's long experience and well-known determination fully entitled him to the responsible position of leader of a movement which demanded as much caution as firmness, as much moderation as boldness. The Inspector is now en route for .Napier, (his police district) where important police business demands | his presence, but it is highly probable j that he will be again despatched to Galatea. In response to my questions Mr Emerson said he bad no'doubt whatever that the prompt action of the Government and the skilful mediation of the Hon. James Carroll averted serious trouble. The natives had not. objected to tho road-mak-ing. It was to the trig survey that they objected. A surveyor who has also just returned from the scene, tells me the stoppage was effected by the natives in a very foxy manner. "Women were employed to interrupt the survey. It was certain that had the men come forward to stop tho surveyors, the latter would have retorted in British fashion and a melee would have been precipitated. The women were protected by their sex and the interruption was made by them. The same observer remarks that were the Ureweras determined to make mischief, they could easily pick off the armed men from their ambuscades. So far no collision has occurred and undoubtedly tho presence of the troops with their anus of precision, and the discretion with which things have been carried out, have had a great effect in preventing bloodshed. The Hon. Mr Carroll's visit to theUrewera country has undoubtedly done much to prevent a collision. The Inspector says tho Minister met the representatives of the Ureweras inadigniiied manner and told them in terms at. once precise and emphatic of the determination of the Government. At length the chiefs consented to the survey being proceeded with. Many of the natives however still exhibit sullenness, and it is not considered yet desirable to withdraw the forces. While the surveyors have l>een proceeding with their work under protection, the laborers numbering about eighty have been working vigorously at road-making. (The men were sent up from the South and they have well justified the selection. The occasion, the bracing air, and the presence of the forces all tended to stimulate and brace their energies and they made the roads from Galatea in fine style. They also volunteered to serve against the natives in the event of a collision. The Inspector in command was therefore well supported. With him there came down to llotoraa on Sunday a Sergeant of the Torpedo Coips and the Inspector's orderly the smart and genial Cavanagh, whom also it was quite a pleasure to meet. Tho Inspector goes on to Napier this week and I am pleased to learn from outside sources that the Government have signi- j tied their entire appreciation of the service he has rendered to the Colony. Lieut. Hume is left in command of the forces.