HOHEPA'S FINE.

New Zealander, Volume XXI, Issue 2296, 9 December 1864, Page 5

HOHEPA'S FINE.

To the Editor of the New-Zealandbr Sir, —I am glad to see the question of the payment of the fine—l cannot say inflicted on, but accepted from—Hohepa, of Matouri, for an attempted rape on the daughter of a settler at Waihoa, has again been raised. The informations of the girl and her mother were sworn before me, being the nearest magistrate, and by me forwarded to the Colonial Secretary. I am not aware if any steps were taken by the Colonial Secretary in the matter, as no reply was vouchsafed to my communication. An enquiry was made by Edward M. Williams; Esq., Resident Magistrate of the district, which resulted in some kind of compromise. The Natives daring the Magistrate to take ulterior proceedings, but offering to pay £SO as compensation. The girl and her family refused to accept any compensation, and the Resident Magistrate, after remaining some two or three days at the Maori settlement at Matouri, agreed to accept tho proposed payment of £SO. Daring the enquiry the Maoris pre-arranged a series of questions, personally insulting to the magistrate respecting his wife's family, which they, at the time, and on several occasions since, boasted of having forced him to answer. I made it my business to wait personally on Mr. Fox in his office in Auekland, on this subject, about a year ago. I had the advantage on that visit of meeting Mr. Whitaker the then AttorneyGeneral. Both gentlemen regretted that the Magistrate had allowed the matter to be settled as he had done, and Mr. Whitaker then said though he regretted the decision now that the decision had been made there was nothing for it but to submit to it. Living in the bush at that time, in the vicinity of where the outrage had been perpetrated and haviug a family of daughters who might also be insulted, I asked on what protection I could reckon from the Government. Both gentlemen shrugged their shoulders, said they were now engaged and wished me good morning. The result of this interview went a long way in decidiug me to abandon my land, and in convincing me of the prudence of bringing my family to Auckland, which I have since done. I did not, however, anticipate the possibility or the probability that the fine accepted from Hohepa would not be paid by his tribe. Though I know there was considerable difficulty in collecting the amount. It appears to me strange that Mr. Carleton, the brother-in-law of the magistrate who accepted the proposed payment, should think it necessary to ask the question, Did the Government pay the fine ? and it appears still more strange that Mr. Weld at the head of the present Government could not give a decided answer, yes or no, in reply. From reports I have heard, I have very grave doubts it this Hohepa or his people have ever paid one sixpence of the money. The answer that it has been paid through the Resident Magistrate is not to my mind satisfactory. Begging you will insert this letter in the hope that tome further information may be elicited. I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, Thomas A. Kidd, J.P.