THE WARLIKE EXPEDITION TO THE LITTLE BARRIER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10032, 20 January 1896, Page 5

THE WARLIKE EXPEDITION TO THE LITTLE BARRIER.

In Saturday's issue we stated that it was contemplated to send an expedition to the Little Barrier Island to enforce the judgment of the Magistrate's Court by which Tenetahi wag to ovacuato the island by the 10th December last, It became known through the s.a. Hinemoa calling at the Little Barrier lately that Tenetahi was still In possession, and had not obeyed the magisterial order. Accordingly the Crown Lands Department decided to take action to secure absolute possession of the island, evicting the natives. Messrs. Tole and McAlister acting at the request) of the Department, chartered the steamer Nautilus, and plans were laid to start on Sunday forenoon at tsn o'clock. l"he expedition consisted of six gunners, five torpedo men, Bombardier Reid, of the Permanent Force, Under Lieutenant Hume : Constable Luke MoDonnell, to identify the natives, and Mr. Menzies, bailiff, and some assistants. Mr. McAlister was to accompany the expedition. When the appointed time for sailing arrived yesterday forenoon the wind and sea was so high that it was found useless to proceed, especially as no landing could be effected on the Island. It is understood that the intention is to sail at daybreak this morning if the weather is settled. The police authorities appear to be out of the business this time, and all that they have been requested to do is to furnish a constable, who can identify the natives, the Permanout Force undertaking to offer " a moral support" to the bailiffs. Whether they will also act as a Crowbar Brigade or emergency men remains to be seen. Some parties in town, who wore approached as to going on the expedition, when they found it was an eviction business were nob at all anxious to interview Tenetahi, as they had seen that sort of thing beforo. Tenetahi was in town last week, and appears to beon the qui we, and evidently anticipating a water picnic or somothing of that sort, which it will bo his duty to see to. The expedition is expected back to-morrow or Wednesday.