Native Affairs.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 387, 12 July 1879, Page 21

Native Affairs.

THE MAORI PRISONERS. There are now 59 Maori prisoners in the Armed Constabulary Barracks, including those brought early on Monday morning in the steamer Patea, from Carlile ; but there will soon be another addition, as the Patea left again on Monday afternoon, and will probably bring on her next trip about 30 more, who were to be formally tried on Monday on a charge of riot, trespass, and for maliciously destroying property. Large numbers of people have gone to the Armed Constabulary Barracks, expecting to see the prisoners ; but only those who have special permits are allowed to go in. In the day time all the prisoners are allowed together, and with their blankets around them, take up positions right round the room—some laying on stretchers and forms, and others on the floor. Those who have tobacco are allowed to take advantage of the " soothing weed," and nearly all the prisoners appear to make themselves pretty comfortable under the circumstances, and chat pretty freely together. There are,' however, a few exceptions, and one venerabledooking old chief from Taranaki, who is tatooed to a very great extent, appeared very downcast, and spoke but little. Some of the countrymen and countrywomen of the prisoners visited them during Monday, having obtained special permits from the Native Minister. The women were very much grieved, and gave way at times to loud sobs and lamentations. As will be seen by a reference to the Chief Justice's charge, which we print in another column, the trespassers will not have much standing in a Court of law. Some people, who pretended to know all about Te Whiti and his plans, asserted that he had the advice of Mr. Higinbotham, in Victoria, and Mr. Dalley, in Sydney, before giving his orders for the ploughing of the settlers' lands. His Honor the Chief Justice, it will be easily believed, has not gone out of his way to deliver such an important charge to the Grand Jury without having fully satisfied himself of the facts of the case, and thoroughly and impartially looked into all its bearings. We are inclined to think that all the boasting indulged in about the alleged legality of the ploughing is on a par with the supernatural power which the poor deluded followers of Te Whiti believe him to be possessed of. The steamer Patea arrived on Thursday morning, bringing another batch of forty Maori prisoners from the Patea district. THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY. G OVERNMENT T ELEGR AMS. The Hon. the Native Minister received during Friday a sheaf of telegrams relating to the ploughing proceedings of fanatical Maoris from Waihi, Hawera, Patea, New Plymouth, Waitara, and other places ; but the information conveyed is little more than what is embodied in the Press telegrams. Twenty prisoners were taken at Hawera on Friday— 6 in the morning and 14 in the afternoon, amongst them being Kokori and Te Manu, the native who was rescued out of the coach while on his way to New Plymouth, to be committed on the charge of biting Mrs. Bartlett's finger. There are other Maoris amongst them whose names have not been

obtained. Of the Maoris arrested at Waihi on Friday six of them were sent at once to Wanganui. All the Maoris arrested, with the exception of those to be tried at the District Court, will be brought on to Wellington for trial ; and in order that there may be no doubt as to their being afforded a fair trial the Government will give them eve r y facility to defend themselves, and will even provide couusel for them, should they fail to do it themselves, and witnesses will be bound over in the ordinary way to attend the trial. It is understood, however, that the native prisoners will retain Dr. Buller, and it is very probable that he «vill secure the assistance of Mr. Travers. Subscriptions are being raised amongst the Wellington natives towards the costs of the trial. Sixty men have enrolled themselves as a Volunteer corps at Wanganui, and offered their services to the Government. Thirty-four o r '-.he White Cliffs ploughmen were formally cot ;ted on Friday. The Maunganui natives t- ted ploughing Kingdon's land on Friday, but on V>«ing warned as to the consequences of trespassing they desisted. Although they are all stuanch believers and supporters in Te Whiti, they are seriously alarmed at the decided action of the Government, and the only settler left amongst the natives now expresses no fear whatever. Amongst those to be brought to Wellington for trial is Ngamare, a most important personage amongst the natives. Two nephews of Titokowaru are also prisoners. The Hon. the Native Minister on Saturday received several telegrams. One was to the effect that the party of Maoris, nine in number, who commenced ploughing at Hawera that morning, had been arrested, their two ploughs and six bullocks also being seized. A second telegram reports that fifteen Maoris had started fencing some land near Opunake, and orders had been sent to arrest- them immediately, and if possible in time for ; hem to be put on board the Hinemoa. The total number of Maoris now under arre3t is 93, exclusive of the two boys who were released from custody.

The Hon. the Native Minister received the following intelligence from the West Coast districts on Sunday last :—Mr. Commissioner Williams telegraphs that the batch of fourteen political ploughers who were arrested on Saturday near Waihi, have been committed for trial, and were put on board the steamer Patea for Wellington, where they were expected to arrive some time on Sunday night. Major Brown also forwarded a telegram containing the important information that there is abundant evidence that the natives generally are losing that faith which they have so long and implicitly reposed in Te Whiti. So many of the ploughers have been arrested and taken away from their homes, without any Divine interposition being manifested in their behalf, that the natives are beginning to doubt the truth of the predictions of the so-called prophet, and feel very much as if they had been duped. The Hon. the Native Minister received a telegram on Tuesday to the effect that a meeting of the followers of Te Motu (a rival prophet of Te Whiti) had been held, 150 being present, when all emphatically declared themselves on the side of the Government. The Native Minister has received a telegram informing him that Te Manu, a wellknown Maori desperado and brawler, and who is generally promoting mischief, has been convicted for stealing bullocks. As most of the natives who were arrested near Waihi while ploughing were stripped for work when run in they were badly off for clothes, and likely to suffer from cold. The Government therefore supplied them with blankets to protect them from the cold while they were being transported to the Wellington goal.

(PER PRESS AGENCY). Hawera, July 4. The Maoris have begun ploughing on Tinkster's land, next Finlayson's. They will be dealt with in the same way as yesterday. New Plymouth, July 4. The White Cliffs ploughmen will be brought before the Police Court this afternoon. The families of the Oakura ploughmen treated the apprehension of their husbands and brothers lightly at first, thinking they would be speedily liberated. There are now great lamentations. The gaol is inconveniently filled with prisoners. Waverley, July 4. The Maoris who were captured at Normanby yesterday will be escorted to Wanganui to-day by the Wairoa Light Horse Voluntaers. New Plymouth, July 5. Thirty - four White Cliffs ploughmen were brought before the Police Court yesterday afternoon, and committed to Wellington Gaol uatil delivered by due course of law. Roiri, the chief, said, " We are the arms ; it is the body that works. We work as the body directs. Te Whiti sent us, and I agreed with my people to obey." The Hinemoa arrived from Wellington this morning, and is now returning with 34 of the White Cliffs ploughmen, who were committed to the Wellington Gaol yesterday. She brought a guard of Armed Constables, who returned with the prisoners. The next movement will be in the direction of Parihaka, which will complete the business. Hawera, July 5.

Six natives commenced ploughing Finlayson's land yesterday morning. They were arrested the same day. After dinner another batch of 14 commenced, amongst whom was Te Manu, for whom there is a warrant out. They were all arrested and forwarded to Hawera, whence they will be sent to Patea this morning. There are seven ploughs, fourteen bullocks, and two drays at Waihi. All the Maoris captured are fine men, and some are renowned warriors.

It is reported that Titokowaru will come over with the last of the ten parties. It is thought he is too wise, however, to show himself over the river.

The volunteers are grumbling at the constant work and no pay. The settlers would like to

see some proofs of bona fides as to the Government promises re the railway. The Maoris commenced ploughing at two o'clock this morning. Nine were arrested. The Maoris say they will come again. The settlers are getting weary of this perpetual harassing without getting any nearer the end. They consider the Government should order the forces to advance on Parihaka at once, and also take the Waimate Plains. Patea, July 5. There is strong disposition to hold meetings to urge Government to at once seize Te Whiti and Hiroki. It is believed their capture, in the present temper of the natives, could be effected without a shot being fired; but further trifling by Government may cause a change, and the natives may show fight. Considerable dissatisfaction exists regarding Mr. Mackay's appointment. July 6. Eleven Maori ploughmen were tried at nine o'clock last night, and sent by steamer to Wellington. Another batch, who arrived on Saturday night, will be tried on Monday morning. The Volunteers were relieved this morning by a strong body of Constabulary from Hawera. Hawbra, July 7. Titokowaru has sent a letter to Major Brown implying that no more ploughing will bo done by his men. Most of his young meu have been taken, and he had finished the piece of work allotted to him. He should see what steps Te Whiti would take at the meeting to be held on the 17th or 18th. He concluded by asking for two bottles of rum. Eleven prisoners were committed for trial on Saturday, charged with riot, forcible entry, and malicious injury to property. They were sent to Wellington yesterday. Forty-one prisoners have been taken here, fifteen at Opunake, and forty-eight at New Plymouth.

Major Brown sent a meesenger to the Maoris that they could have the drays, ploughs, and bullocks by applying at Waihi, but Titokawaru replied that they must take the same fate as the owners.

At a public meeting held on Saturday night, the following resolution was carried unanimously : —" That this meeting tenders the hearty thanks of the settlers of Hawera to the public and Press of New Zealand for the approval and moral support received during the late action against the native aggressors." New Plymouth, July 8.

The power Te Whiti has over the natives is very great. One of them, on being questioned the other day, said that he would not only plough and make havoc with the settlers' property, according to Te Whiti's orders, but if Te Whiti gave the orders to kill the settlers the natives must obey. The native added, that he would be sorry to kill anyone, but he must do it if Te Whiti commanded. They were just like soldiers, they had to do whatever was told them. If, therefore, Te Whiti is not dealt with, and the power he possesses taken from him, the safety of the district will never be secure. This only shows the necessity there exists for the Government keeping the natives sent away from returniug to this district again, at least for several years to come.

The Herald says if great care is not taken in dealing with the Maoris now in custody, the Government will be nonplussed, and the native difficulty drift into a more unsatisfactory state than it was before. Patea, July 8. Twenty natives have now been committed to take their trial at the Supreme Court, Wellington. Six were committed on three charges —lst, trespass; 2nd, riot ; 3rd, forcible entry. The other fourteen were committed only on the two first charges, the third charge having been withdrawn by the Crown Prosecutor on account of the damage done exceeding £5. A native named Whaka Wiria was very bounceable, and treated the Court with contempt, for which he was incarcerated in the lock-up for three or four hours. He spoke in the Court of Tohu being his lord, and said that he (Tohu\ would see he was all right. The only way to settle the business was te sweep his ." lord's " blanket clean of the pakehas. Tohu, he said, was the king of all the ploughing. Te Whiti's name was little referred to, but it was explained afterwards that Tohu and Te Whiti are considered as one. Te Whiti is represented as the vine, and the natives as the branches.

Nine more natives will have a hearing before the Resident Magistrate's Court to-day. New Plymouth, July 9.

All hostile ploughing has ceased here. It is reported that the wives of the imprisoned ploughmen have been to Te Whiti to inquire what should be done to ♦ffect the deliverance of their husbands, and that ha haß recommended them to procure horns, and proceed with their friends to Wellington and encompass the prison, blowing their horns, when the walls will fall, and their husbands be delivered. Three hundred persons will proceed to Wellington on this errand. Te Mutu, a chief residing at Ponui, a rival of Te Whiti in the prophetic office, held a meeting of natives at Stoney River yesterday, the result of which was very satisfactory to the Europeans. Heniki, a Maori, wa3 charged at the Police Court this morning, on the information of a Parihaka native, with stealing a horse from Parihaka, the j)roperty of Romata. The case was remanded till Saturday, for the arrival of witnesses, the rivers being high. TAWHIAO AND REWI DECLARE FOR # PEACE. Auckland, July 4. An important meeting of Kingites was held at Te Kopua yesterday. Tawhiao sent a special messenger to Auckland to communicate the proceedings to the Press Agents, in order that they may be published in the newspapers throughout the colony. The meeting was held at Alex. Thompson's house, at Te Kopua, where the Government party stayed at the

late meeting. Tawhiao, Patuko Whetu, Manuhiri, Te Wahanui, Whitiora, Tipene, and about forty others were present, but Europeans were not permitted. The meeting was held at 8 o'clock last night. Tawhiao commenced the discussion. He said : What is the cause of this trouble at Taranaki between Te Whiti and Grey ? Why are men being arrested by the Europeans? My heart is very dark in consequence of this work, lest it should be said I am the, cause of it.

Te Potohi was the next speaker. He said: I do not understand the cause of this work. Te Whiti must be responsible for it. It is a work of confusion. It does not emanate from Tawhiao. If Te Whiti and the Government desire to continue this work they must confine it to their own place. They must not complicate Waikato. Let there be no trouble here. It is for Sheehan and Te Whiti to settle it between them.

Wahanui (Ngatimaniopoto) said : I have nothing to say about this work at Taranaki. It is for Te Whiti t» settle this. He alone is responsible. It is no affair of mine. Pukukokahutu said: I have no word to say. It is for Tawhiao and Te Wahanui to speak with reference to this trouble. lam not the man to trouble with this work.

Whitiora said : I am not responsible for Te Whiti's work. Te Whiti is one and Sheehan is another. It is for Grey and Sheehan to stop that work. Honono Te Waiho said : I don't approve of the action of Te Whiti. All I have to do is to adhere to what was said at the Te Kopua meeting, when Tawhiao laid down his word that there must be no fighting in this Island. That war must be put outside. Tawhiao said : I have been looking into the cause of the trouble at Taranaki, and the imprisoning of the men. I have seen the news in newspapers. What is the cause ? I want to ask Mr. Sheehan whence are the people who are now causing this trouble ? Are they from Waikato ? Whence are they ? We are here in our places adhering to what I said at the last meeting—that there should be no war—no war—no war ! I will ask Sheehan this question—Whence are these people ? Let them not complicate Waikato—let them not involve my people. This ended the discussion. It is understood that Tawhiao and Pewi will telegraph to Mr. Sheehan. Pewi is at his settlement at Puniu; but he wrote a letter to Tawhiao, which was read at the meeting, and was to the following effect :—" Ido not understand the meaning of arresting these men. You had better ask Sheehan and Grey what is the cause of this trouble." The messenger says that the Hauhaus are in a great state of alarm at affairs in Taranaki, lest war should spread to Waikato. They feel that Sir George Grey went away from Te Kopua angry, and has resolved to make war. Many of the Hauhaus said yesterday, " Where have we any guns or powder to resist the pakehas ? If they attack us, we can only lie quiet and let them kill us without resistance. Tawhiao and his people are also intensely afraid that the prisoners will be sent to some distant island, in the same manner as prisoners during the war were sent to the Chathams. The messenger describes their fear as "te wehi kawa " (great alarm). Some mischievous pakeha-Maoris have been inciting natives by using bouneeable talk, but their influence is disregarded. Tawhiao was so anxious to represent his irresponsibility for the present troubles in Taranaki, that he wanted a messenger to go direct to Wellington to state his views to the Government. The Hauhaus are in such a state of alarm that very few of them will venture across the confiscated boundary. This information is thoroughly reliable, and is published at Tawhiao's urgent request. The messenger left Alexandra this morning, and made all haste to town.

PEWI AND THE KINGITES

Auckland, July 8. An important meeting was held at Hikurangi on Monday, after the meeting at Te Kopua,. with the object of considering the policy of Pewi in connection with his recent visit to Auckland. The meeting was attended by Tawhiao, Te Ngakau Manuhiri, Te Wahanui, and others. A lengthy discussion took place, in which Pewi's action was strongly condemned. Ultimately a deputation was appointed to wait on Pewi at Kihikihi, and urge him to act in concert with the Kingites. The deputation accordingly waited on the chief, and had a prolonged interview with him. They endeavored to bring pressure to bear on Pewi, who, however, was very firm, and declined to act with Tawhiao. He said he had taken the management of affairs in the interest of. both races, and he would not alter his policy. The deputation returned disappointed.

A BOGUS NATIVE MEETING. '(from ©ur own correspondent.) Alexandra, July 8. The Auckland Star has an account of an important meeting at Kopua on Thursday. No such meeting took place. Wahanui is at Upper Wanganui, and most of the other chiefs named are at Kawhia. The Kopua people are highly indignant at the impudent fiction. THE NATIVE MEETING AT TE KOPUA. Auckland, July 9. A loafing pakeha-Maori at Alexandra, whose endeavors to encourage the Kingites to support Te Whiti have been reported to the Government, has circulated a statement that the meeting anions the Kingites, re Taranaki affairs, was not held. This is false. " The meeting was held, and the report, which was published on the authority of a special messenger from Tawhiao, was absolutely true. On inquiry to-day it was learned that the Government agent at Waikato was aware of the meeting, and telegraphed an official report to the Go'fcrumeut

THE OAKURA BLOCK. The Oakura block, on which some of the ploughmen were arrested, was confiscated on the 30th January, 1865. It belonged to the Ngamahanga people, and contained some 27,500 acres. It was known at the time of the confiscation that a section of the hapu had remained loyal, and fought on the European side during the war. Consequently a commission was appointed to decide who were loyal among the hapu and who had been rebellious. The Court consisted of Messrs. Fenton, Pogan and Munro, and sat in New Plymouth from June Ito July 12, 1866. They found from the evidence of experts that 8000 acres of the block was valueless, reducing the land fit for occupation to 19,500 acres. There were 285 resident claimants, of which number the Court found 115 loyal. According to a proclamation issued by Sir George Grey in 1864, all loyal natives should have their lands secured to them. All those who remained quiet were promised that no further attack should be made upon them, and such as thenceforth remained quiet were assured the full benefit and peaceful enjoyment of their land. For purposes of adjustment, the Court regarded all adults as having claims to an equal acreage, and by an easy computation found that the loyal natives were entitled to 7400 acres, of the available land. Having made this tentative award the Court, according to memorandum of F. D. Fenton, found only 2500 acres of available land were left that had not been either given to military settlers or made Government reserves, or open for sale. Under clause 11. of the New Zealand Settlement Amendment Act 1865 power is given to the Compensation Court to give compensation to natives in land instead of in money, and the Court doubtless desired to do so. It found it had no power to eject military settlers or deal with Government reserves, or land advertised for sale. One of the judges, Mr. Pogan, was then sent to Wellington to confer with the Native Minister, Colonel Pussell, as to what course should be adopted. Colonel Pus3ell came to New Plymouth, and instructed the Crown Agent, Mr. W. S. Atkinson, to offer the natives in final compensation of their claims the 2500 acres unalienated, all the Government reserves, and the whole of the land not allotted to military settlers. This was done, and Mr. Atkinson informed Mr. Parris that the offer had been accepted. Mr. Parris, in a letter dated June 29th, 1866, informed the Government that this offer had been accepted, and estimated the land accepted by the natives in lieu of their claims at about 10,000 acres. The Oakura natives were promised Crown grants for what land was arranged to be given them, but such grants have, not been issued to the present day. There have been no confiscations under the New Zealand Settlements Act since 1865, but in Appendix c, 1871, a return of the land confiscated to the General Government was published, and included in this return the quantity of the land given or agreed to be given or reserved for natives whether friendly or not is published under the heading Taranaki. The following reserves are given : "Oakura, 12,338 acres; Waitara South, 10,673 acres ; Ngatiawa Coast, 55,044 acres ; Ngatiruanui Coast, 47,954 acres ; Patea, 21,233 acres.—(Signed), G. S. COOPER. September 9, 1871." According to a recent return, all the male Maoris over 15 years of age living in the Taranaki district from Mokau to Waitotara only number 1335 ; if, therefore, they received these reserves, they would be amply provided for.