NATIVE ROAD DISPUTE AT WHANGAREI.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume III, Issue 371, 15 December 1882, Page 2

NATIVE ROAD DISPUTE AT WHANGAREI.

THREATS TO BURN THE TOWN.

The Wuangarei correspondent of the Auckland Star telegraphed on Monday as follows '.—Nearly three hundred armed natives have annouuced their iutention of advancing on "Whimgarei and burning it to-night or Tuesday at the farthest, in revenge for the attempt to make the road through their property. Three men and three women in one whare, and six men

in another, have been busily engaged makiug bullets and cartriges, of which, with powder aud rifles, they are well supplied. The Poroti Natives are joined by some from Mangakapia. They have ordered the families away. The Graces aud part of the Rawnsley's have already arrived. Unless Government send help at once it will be too late. Kitoe and others of the disaffected natives have employed the native clergyman all through the week in procuring change for the cheques which they have received for the cattlo sold by them, aud he endeavored to get gold principally. It is much wondered that the Resident Magistrate takes it so quietly, as the above statement is verified by more than one. A native, who pretended to be asleep iv the whare during tho closed meeting (to which even the well-kuown half-caste Mr. C. Waetford, was refused admission), warned Mr. Grace's family. The above is verified by Mrs. Grace iv person. Mr. Grace is schoolmaster at Poroti, aud much respected by the natives. They threaten to murder the people and burn the houses as they proceed to "Whangarei. Paroti is only seven miles from Whangarei.

A friendly chief warned Mr. Rawnsley a fortnight ago that mischief was brewing, nnd told him he would iuforni him wheu to leave, and that wheu the message did come he was to go at once. The man advised his leaving ou Sunday. Dick, one of the delinquents, was escorted to Mangakawhia by seventy armed men on Tuesday last. The Government should send help at once. The natives are well prepared, while Whangarei is almost defenceless, though surrouuded by natives.

[We should say this startling telegram must be taken with a grain of salt ; otherwise more would have been heard of the matter before this. — Ed. Star. |