The Star. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1880. SETTLEMENT ON THE PLAINS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 61, 10 November 1880, Page 2

The Star. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1880. SETTLEMENT ON THE PLAINS.

It is an old saying -that in the country neighbors can never afford to quarrel ; nevertheless, they often do so. It is sincerely to be hoped that the first settlers on the Plains will avoid provoking any breach of good fellowship, either with their white or their Maori neighbors. We hear that a mob of about 600 cattle are on their way from Taranaki to the Plains. There can be no doubt that the placing of European cattle on the Waimate, where they are at liberty to run at large, will be apt to foster difficulties. The best grassed part of the Plains is undoubtedly that which lies on the Maori reserves near the bush, and the chances are that the cattle which have been turned out tograz i will, unless very carefully herded, speedily their way on to the befit grass on these reserves, where the

nntive owners have a perfect right to object to their presence. The settlers on this side of the river complain that the cattle already on the Plains are allowed to wander at large, and entice their stock across the "Waingongoro. Some of the

settlers threaten a war of extermination against the pigs and Maori horses. If they act rashly in the matter, it is to be feared that mischief will result. Nonresident settlers would do well to avoid placing T stock on their land until they are in a position to keep them within bounds, either by fencing or herding. All those who are able to ilo so, should fence in their land, and fence out the Maori pigs and cattle before stocking tbeir farms, and should endeavor to display such a spirit of forbearance towards their Maori neighbors as right-minded men always stend to a conquered but not unworthy foe. Even those who fail to appreciate an appeal to their generosity, will surely perceive that it is greatly to their interest to secure a peacetul occupation and settlement of the laud, and that the accomplishment of this end depends in a great measure upon themselves. The Maoris are not in a position either to fence in tbeiv stock, or to fence out that of the Europeans. If the white men openly slay the Maori pigs — some of which have been hand-fed, and are quiet — the Maoris might think themselves justified in killing the stray pakeha cattle and horses, and thus a collision be brought about.