THE MAORI TRESPASS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 7926, 31 July 1886, Page 6

THE MAORI TRESPASS.

[PIB PbKSS ASBOCIATION.J AUCKLAND, July 30. Yesterday some excitement was caused in the Matigere, Otahuhu, and Papatoitoi districts, by the report that the Maoris had started ploughing on the farm of Andrew Anderson, at Pukaki, near Mangere. The land in question, it is said, was formerly occupied by the Maoris, but was -taken possession of during the Waikato war. A portion of it is now the mission endowment, while Anderson is owner of the rest. Anderson did not observe anything till breakfast time, when, to his surprise, he noticed three Maoris at work with a single-furrow plough and two horses." He went down to them and told them he would send for the police if they did not desist. They refused to leave, as they said they were going to plant potatoes and oats. He accordingly sat on the plough, and -resolutely refused to permit them to continue. The Maoris had started atidayHgafe and told bim they should go

on with the job as soon as he got off the plough. Anderson sent for his man and writing paper, and wrote a letter on the plough. This letter he ultimately delivered himself to Constable Walker at Otahuhu., Constable Walker at once went to the spot, and finding three Maoris reclining in Anderson's paddock, He asked : " What is this you are up to?" The leader said : " We have been ploughing, as we want to put in our potatoes and oats." Constable Walker said : "You had better stop it, or proceedings will be taken against you; take your horses and go away home." The oldest Maori, Parahi Marsh, started up at once, and ordered his two companions to harness the horses, and commenced to break up the ground, which was done in the constable's presence. Constable Walker. expostulated with the Maoris, and finally told Anderson to take the horses' heads and drive them out of the paddock. Anderson did this, the Natives standing sullenly. The whole team was put out of the paddock, and the plough was lifted on to a sledge, which had been brought in by Anderson, and it wai driven away to the public pound. The Natives followed, looking as gloomy as if in a funeral procession. The constable advised Anderson to padlock his gate, to stop the Maoris, but the old Native said, " To-morrow we bring spade to dig up post; must put crops in." The Natives, though sullen, did not appear at all inclined to resist, but they showed great determination in adhering to their resolves. They appeared rather anxious to be arrested, " all the same Te Whiti," buttihe constable decided, before taking this step, to ask for instructions from Superintendent Thomson. This morning they returned, and asked if the police were coming. Anderson asked them what they wanted to plough his land for, as the Natives had lots of land of their own. They answered, " Never mind; we are doing Te Whiti's business." < ■'.■ Inspector Thomson, Sergeant Pratt, and a detaohment of police arrived at noon, when the following parleying took place:— Superintendent Thomson: "What i 3 your reason for ploughing this ground ?" Parahi: "I am man of Tohu and Te Whiti." Superintendent Thomson: "Are you doing this by Te Whiti's orders ?" Parahi: " I have nothing to say except that we are sheep of Te Whiti. You are dogß." Superintendent Thomson: "Are you going to do any more ?" Parahi: " I have done with ploughing j the dogs are now going to eat sheep of Te Whiti." Superintendent Thomson : "If you enter the property again or plough you will be arrested, and not sent to Wellington, but put in Mount Eden and tried there." Parahi: " I will break down fence and plough again." Superintendent Thomson, Sergeant Pratt, and Mr Anderson paid an official visit to Pukaki settlement. Parahi Tairua, the chief of the settlement, told the men who were ploughing that he did not like it, and he had nothing to do with what had been done. Parahi has been a disciple of Te Whiti for some time, paying periodical visits to Parihaka, and becoming thoroughly imbued with "his doctrines. Service was neld regularly by him on Te Whiti's meeting day, the 7th of the month. Superintendent Thomson's prompt action will effectually deter other Natives from assembling around Parahi's standard. One young fellow showed extreme nervousness when questioned by Superintendent Thomson, and disowned complicity with the aggressive action of Parahi. The latter was insolent and defiant throughout. He threatens to commence ploughing tomorrow. Superintendent Thomson has shown great judgment in dealing with the case, and thoroughly impressed.the Natives with the fact that to take part in ploughing demonstrations will land them in the stockade. The land in dispute, originally the property of Tikihini Wilson, a Native chief, who left it to his son, was confiscated, but afterwards restored, the chief not having participated in the rebellion. It subsequently came into the hands of Bishop Selwyn. There are only six acres in dispute. Superintendent Thomson and his men returned to town this afternoon. Two men are left in charge to watch the affair, as the Natives appear sulky, and threaten what they will do. The owner of the land is willing to look over the offence providing that it is not repeated. In the event of the Natives doing so, he will come to town and lay an information, when arrests will be made.