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New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5493, 25 June 1879, Page 4

Hawera, and indeed the whole extent of the coast between that place and New Plymouth, ie still a prey to rumoura and alarms. No work is beiug done, and owing to this a number of labouring men will have to leave the district. The season for certain kinds of farming work is passing away, and unless the settlers are relieved from the disturbance of Maori visits and protected by the Government, their interests will be very seriously affected. They seem to have assumed the whole conduct of the operations for sending the treepassing aoris about their business. Mr. Livingttone is president of the Hawera Republic, and has declared himself in favour of a policy of peace with honour. The "ejection committee," selected by the president, and composed of " cool-headed" men, carry out their functions systematically, conveying the Maori ploughmen quietly off ihe premises, while the "light horse " cover the operations, so as to prevent surprise. The Maoris must either be very courageous or very fanatical to persist with these ploughing proceedings, in situations where they are completely at the mercy of the settlers. Apparently those at Hawera have retired from the position at present, and have referred to Te Whiti at head-quarters for further orders. No prepaalion seems to have been made by the Maoris for war, and it would appear that they are very badly armed. The chances are, therefore, that they really mean to try and avoid fighting, although, of course, there i 9 always the danger of some sudden outrage. It will be seen from our telegrams that Mr. Mackay has utterly failed in his attempt to open up negotiations with Te Whiti, who, indeed, wanted him to apologise for interfering. The prophet told Mr. Mackay that he would not give up Hiroki, as he was a refugee, and under his protection. Probably, Te Whiti will have to give up thi3 point, as well as his claim Oα the coniiscated land, before long.