MAORI DISTURBANCE AT HAWERA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7693, 19 July 1886, Page 5

MAORI DISTURBANCE AT HAWERA.

THREATENING ATTITUDE OF THE NATIVES. Tbt telegraph.— ASSOCIATION.] Hawkra, Sunday. The Maoris, this morning, proceeded to Mr. Hastie's property at Manaia, and commenc to build a whare, the number being about 500. Sergeant Anderson and four constables attempted to prevent the m, but were unable to cope with the natives. The Maoris came from all parts of the coast, there being present Bome from Wanganui, Hawera, Waitotara, Otakeko, Parihaka, and elsewhere. Many were recognised as natives who had formerly been in gaol. Ngahina and Titokowaru and other local chiefs came somewhat late. A native named Rangiaeta, who was a leading man at Mokoia at the entry on Lysaght's land, seemed to be a leading man. The trespassers brought drays loaded with provisions, and a large number of horses, which were turned loose in Hastie's paddock. Tents were pitched in the paddock, and preparations made by the Maoris for a prolonged stay. At times it appeared as if a serious disturbance would be the result, and bloodshed was feared, but several Justices of the Peace who were present counselled moderation. Those Maoris who were asked what they came for, said that it was a dispute about the land that brought them. It was noted that many natives, who were never previously mixed up in such matters, were now most active among them. Ngahina, Ngatai, and other local friendly petty chiefs and Europeans who were mustering strongly, made attempts to impound the native horses and cattle. On the women raising a scream there was great excitement, and several of the elder natives seized axes, which they had brought for cutting the firewood. Things began to look serious, and Sergeant Anderson openly expressed a fear that bloodshed would result. Later on a number of horses were impounded. This afternoon the Europeans present outnumbered the natives, and thirty special constables being sworn in, the ringleaders of the disturbance were arrested. So far as known, the names of the natives taken are Ngahina, Titokowaru, Komaka, Tu Rahoe, and three others. Certainly the leading men in the morning's disturbance were all taken. Several expressed a wish that Kereopa, who was present, and whose record is a bad one, as he is said to have committed murders in the past, should be arrested, but the police said they were satisfied. The remaining Maoris, after being warned, left Hastie's property, and the Europeans at once pulled down the whare which had been constructed. It is reported that the natives propose entering the land at Aokura and Pungarehu, but Inspector Pardy has been instructed to resent it with a firm hand. The constabulary in Wellington were under orders to leave for the disturbed district to-night by the Stella, but the order has since been countermanded.