THE SACKING OF MR. MEIKLEJOHN'S HOUSE BY SEVENTEEN ARMED MAORIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume II, Issue 355, 31 December 1864, Page 5

THE SACKING OF MR. MEIKLEJOHN'S HOUSE BY SEVENTEEN ARMED MAORIES.

We are now in possession of fuller particulars respecting the outrage at Matakana, which m reported in yesterdaj r 's 11 euai.ij. It appears tliat tlie occurrence did not happen, as wo natural!}' supposed it did, on Christmas JJay, hut actually on Thursday last, and was reported to 3lis Excellency at the Ivawau at once. Jlo took no steps, it seems, in the matter untd the ' Wonga Y\ onga' happened lo cumc to the island where Tie spends his time in looking after the safety and welfare of the Queen s subjects amongst the beau.tie 9 of the Kawau.

Seventeen natives armed to the tccth—not one of them being cscaped recbl prisoners from Kawau, but Northern Natives—came to Mr. Mcildejohn's'house, in open daylight, and presenting their arms at the inmates, and threatening them with instant death if they resisted, commenced the work of plunder. At this time Captaiu Meiklejohn came across to his son s house, of course unarmed, not thinking that anything of this kind was going on, and remonstrated with the Natives, but in vain They then proceeded with the work of plunder, and father and son retired for assistance, and having armed themselves and a few other Europeans, returned with the laudable purpose of retaking their property by force of arms. They returned, however, too late.