THE POROTI AFFRAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9124, 4 August 1888, Page 5

THE POROTI AFFRAY

[BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington', Friday. The Native Minister has received a full report of the native disturbance at Poroti from Mr. Clendon, Resident Magistrate, and it was laid on the table of the House to-day. It narrates the circumstances which led up to the fighting and the affray itself, all of which, however, have been anticipated by the accounts that have already appeared in the Herald. Mr. Clendon then goes on to say :—" From the aspect of Taurau's actions I feel certain that the Northern chiefs are in accord with him, and sympathise in his movements. The real cause of this dispute has arisen from the ambitious projects and desire for aggrandisement of Era Hiri, whose mother is acknowledged by the Uriroroi people to have a small claim on all these lands, and whoso counsels have had great weight with Manuera, and assist his own views. All through this matter Manuera and Eru Hiri have exhibited a vacillating and repudiative policy, one day consenting and the next refusing. I may add that Taurau has caused me the greatest anxiety. Since the commencement of the dispute I have endeavoured in every possible way to prevent his exercising force, but his dignity as a chief has been set at naught, and so much disturbed by the rebellion of some of his immediate relatives and friends that he has lately become more obstinate and unmanageable than usual." The Native Minister has been advised that the native who was the cause of the recent outbreak near Whangarei has been banished to the Hokianga district. An immediate and peaceful solution of the whole difficulty is expected.