NATIVE AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 751, 23 July 1886, Page 29

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

FURTHER MAORI TROUBLE.

SERIOUS ACTS OF AGGRESSION. Jg

(UNITED PBESS ASSOCIATION.) Haweba, July 15

The Natives express a fixed determination to start ploughing shortly on land in European occupation. They say they have clear instructions from Te Whiti to do so. There is keen dissatisfaction among them concerning the management of their reserves. Hawbba, Ju’y 18.

News was received this morning that some Maoris were likely to enter land near Manaia, and four constables, under Sergeant Anderson, proceeded to the plains. The constables went to Mr T. Bayly’s, bat after being there a few minutes it was noticed that the Natives were collecting at Hastie’s gate, about two miles from Manaia. The police at once rode up, and young Haatie gave them the key. At this time (about 10 o’clock) two of the Maoris had asked Hastie, jun., a young man about 21 years, for the key of the gate. He refused, and several Natives got over the gate into the paddock. The police opened the gate with the object of turning out the intruders. They anticipated no resistance, but on taking hold of Rangiaeta, the Native who took the lead at Lysaght’s lately, the other Maoris, who were collecting in considerable numbers, flocked round the constables and closed the gate. Here the Natives resisted and obstructed the police, and after some rough tusselingthe'prisoners were torn from the hands of the police, Constable Mclvor getting a nasty squeeze in the gate. The white men who were present, some half-dozan, assisted tho police, but as the numbers of the Maoris increased they saw that resistance was useless, and allowed the gate to be forced open, warning the Maoris that the intruders, or at least the leadere, would be arrested. Resistance then ceased, except that an attempt was made to prevent one Maori from breaking the ground with a spade. However, in five minntes, there were half a dozen Natives with spades and shovels at work. At this time (about half-past 10) there were no horsemen inside the paddock, which 13 alongside the main South-road. A mounted Native now forced his way in spite of another sharp tussel. 200 Maoris or more were now on the ground, and they could be seen approaching from all directions with carts laden with potatoes and food of all kinds. A number of Maori women and children began to enter the ground, and drays were also allowed through the gate. About 11 o’clock Titokowaru came on to the ground. By this time there were a number of tents erected, and on the site where the digging first began a large wbare bad been marked off, the ground pared and levelled, and the fern tree slabs of the walls of a house measuring perhaps 20ft by 40ft, were already standing. Poles and timber were driven in, and when obstruction was offered the poles, supplejacks, &c., were handed over the gate. By 11 o’clock there were believed to te fully 500 Natives from all parts of the coast present ; some from Wanganni, Hawera, Waitotara, Otakeho, Parihaka, and elsewhere. Many were recognised as Natives who had formerly been in gaol. Ngabara and Titokowara and other local chiefs came somewhat late. Tne Native, Rangiaeta, who was the leading man at Mokoia at the entry on Mr Lyßagbt’s land, seemed, up till eleveD o’clock, to be a leading man and presided at the gate. There was no serious rioting after the commencement, and by half-past eleven o clock the Maori womon were preparing food for a meal, and the Maoris’ working bullocks, hacks, dray horses, buggies, and drays, were scattered all over ten acre paddocks. By this hour the Maoris ceased to stream in, and the Europeans present began to talk of impounding the horses and cattle, or having a try to arreßt certain ringleaders, and turn them off. By a careful count now made there were 150 horses belonging to the Maoris on the ground, and as probably at least three times as many Natives came in on foot, in drays or buggies, the estimate of 500 above given is probably within the mark. By a quarter to 12 the frame of the whare was nearly up, only the roof being unfinished. The Maori, were told by one of the settlers that the horses would be impounded if they were left in the paddock, and some of them removed their animals. As the number of white men increased there was some talk of forcing them off. The more cool-headed among the white people, however, pointed out that if any kind of rough and tumble took place, and the Maoris became excited, with their tools, spades, axes, adzes, &c., they could make very awkward resistance. At this time there were eighteen tents on the ground, and the women and children carried in firewood on their backs, lit fires, and set to cooking the dinner. Many of the Maoris appeared friendly, and shook hands with the white men whom they knew. About half-past 12 the police received news from Mr Dawson, the telegraphist at Manaia, that Inspector Pardy had received word of forcible resistance being offered to the police, be being then at Pungarehu. The message reached him by accident. About midday things were more quiet, many Europeans going away for dinner. The Justices on the ground at this time were Messrs Livingston, Yorke, and Budge, and whenever any disturbance was threatened they counselled moderation. The Natives altogether outnumbered the white men, and seemed Jikely to do so daring the day. Inspector Pardy was expected to arrive daring the afternoon, and might possibly bring Uolonel Roberts with him. The Maaaia telegraphist said he could not communicate with Wellington until 5 o’clock, as all the offices were closed. About 1 o’clock a slight disturbance occurred at the gate. A number of Europeans were congregated there when a Maori dray with firewood came np. Messrs Hastie, jnn., and J. D. Mitchell were on horse-back at the gateway which constitutes the only fair way into the paddock which is surrounded by a high boxthorn hedge. A Maori entering with a bundle of thatch found a horseman in his way, and-hit the horse on the hindquarters. Mr John Muir, with a light switch, hit the Maori. Mr J, D. Mitchell rode in and made a blow with his riding whip at the Maori. There seemed every prospect of a row, but the Europeans were persuaded to draw back, and the dray entered without opposition. Many of the Maoris theD sat down to dinner,

leaving the roof of the new meeting bouse open. They iuvited some of the white men to dinner, and pressed Constable Franklin to join them, bat he and most of the white men declined. At two o’clock they resumed work at the roof of the whare. By thi3 time the whites from Hawera began to roll np in more force, and they seemed likely soon to be almost equal in number to' the Natives. Inspector Pardy was expected to appear about 3 o’clock, and it was generally hoped that there would be no disturbance until he or Colonel Roberts came to the scene. 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 np In such matters were now the moat active among them, Ngahina Ngatai, and other local friendly petty chiefs. At 3 o’clock a lot of youDg men settlers and settlers’ sons, of whom perhaps, Messrs J. W. Mitchell and R. O. Hendy were the most conspicuous, agreed that they could no longer Bnbmit to the trespass being continued. They therefore arranged a party of some twenty white horsemen to drive the Natives’ cattle and horses to the nearest pound. They proceeded to do bo, somewhat against the wishes of the more cool-headed among those present. On the Maoris seeing what was being done, they rnehed in force to the gate leading on to the main South-road and drove the cattle and horses back with long poles which had been brought apparently for the whare’s roof. The Natives succeeded in keeping the horses and cattle back, but one or two blows fell on the Natire3 themselves. On the women raising a scream there was great excitement, and I noticed several of the elder Natives seizing 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. On the impounding party being baulked at the outer gate, some genius suggfsted a round-about way through the paddocks by which the mob could be impounded. The horses and cattle were driven . off their land, and there was every appearance of a serious row. Mrs Hastie and children and several neighbors’ wives ran out of Mr Hastie’s house in a state of great alarm, Mr Livingston and Serge tut Anderson promising to do what they could to prevent bloodshed. .. As the cattle were being driven through the back gate the Maoris, with their poles, attempted to prevent them, and several nasty blows were exchanged. Some settlers used their stockwhips both on the Natives and on the cattle, and many of the mounted men . plied their clubs freely. The Natives were worsted in the struggle, and it was clear that their blood was becoming roused. They then all collected near the new building—two or three of them with their heads severely cut and bleeding. The Justices present again interposed and pointed out that there were many defenceless women and children ia the district whose homes might be fired and families butchered if the savage blood was once heated by actual bloodshed. The intervention was successful, and the Natives all sat down in a cluster at the whare, which now proceeded very slowly. One of Titokowaru’s Natives then made a speech, in which he appeared to treat the affair as a joke, Mr J. Muir having explained to them that their horses would only be impounded. The purport of the speech was not translated, as there was no competent interpreter on the ground. At 3 o’clock some 20 cattle and horses to the number of 65 were driven past the ground to the pound under a strong guard of horsemen, some few of the horses escaping aDd travelling past Hawe r a. At about half-past 3 it was clear that the able-bodied Europeans on the ground greatly outnumbered the Natives, and* it was determined to swear in 20 or 30 special constables, who should go in and arrest those who in the morning bad taken the most active part in the affair. The names of the special constables so far as could be learned were—Messrs Hughes, Cux, Alfred Reed, Patterson, Coad, Briggs, Walter, Young, Robert?, Briggs, McGovan, Knox, Deacon, Boyle, Frederick Balyey, O’Hinedy. George and Frederick Horner, JohnsoD, Duncan, Sutherland, and R. Campbell. Under the leadership of the fonr conBtabli I these men marched in a compact body up to where some 20 of the Natives were sitting or standing. They had been ordered to leave all clubs behind, and they went straight for the men pointed out by the police. For a few minutes the result seemed a little doubtful, and it was with the utmost difficulty that the bystanders could be restrained from assisting their friends vi et armis. Suddenly the constables were seen to be dragging one Native oat of the crowd, the yells of the Natives being Joud and continu d. No sooner was this Maori out of the rack than the crowd of whites closed round, him, and he was bound and handcuffed. So far as known the names of the Natives taken are Ngahina, Titokowaru, Komaka,Tußahoe, Rangaeta 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. Sergeant Anderson, accompanied by Messrs Badge and York, then informed the Maoris through Mr John Muir, that if they dispersed quickly they would be allowed to go to their homes and taketheir tents and potatoes with them. It may be stated that the special constables behaved excellently. There was an occasional straightforward blow from the shoulder given with good will, but no blood was drawn, and it is believed that very little harm was done. After four or five had been taken prisoners the others, including the Maori who made the speech—whose name is said to be Kepi—made but little resistance. A strong ring was formed by the white men ronnd the prisoners, and Titokowaru and others were given some more clothing, as theirs had suffered in the struggle. The white men had steadily increased in numbers by this time, and as their spirits ro3e, the spirits of the Maoris visibly fell. The women began packing np their tents and eatables, and those whose horses had been tethered and had not been driven to the pound with the main mob were seen packing eatables and baggage of all sorts upon them. Some of the white’s Beemed inclined to impound all the buggies, carts, tents, &c.; but, ultimately, a better spirit prevailed, and they were allowed to drag their buggies and drajß outslie, and take all away with them except the firewood and the whare. S asoou as the last Maori was off the ground, a cry arose, “ dawn with the new whare,” and in ten minutes all hands were

hard at work, and in another five minutes the whare, which had taken four hours to erect, was levelled to the ground. Inspector Pardy did not appear, and it was currently rumored that the Natives north of Otakeho were entering upon other lands there and making a like disturbance. It was thought (bat this might have hindered him from attending. In' consequence of Titokowaru being in a very bad state of health, he was taken away in a buggy. The rest marched off strongly escorted to the Manaia lock-up. Seeing that the bad plight in which some of the Maoris were likely to be for want of horses to take food to the nearest kainga. one or two of the settlers offered to subscribe a pound or two to help them to release some of them. ‘ The Natives, however, said they would take no money until they had talked over the affair. The night will be cold, and many of them will probably be exposed all night with little shelter or clothing. It must be admitted that they took their discomfortnre in good part. When they were marched out of the paddock the Europeans made a line, and some strong expressions were used by those who were still smarting from blows received, but many of the Natives laughed and joked with the Europeans whom they knew, and even the young men among them who were most anxions for a free fight kept silence. Upon the whole it will be generally admitted when the heat of the struggle has gone by, that the two races showed considerable self-control. At 5 o’clock the settlers rode away home. There was some discussion on the probability of the Natives entering upon other land in a like manner elsewhere. It is currently reported that they propose doing so near Oakaru. The white settlers will not long continue to act with such moderation if forcible entry is again attempted. Some to-day openly objected to being called on to do police work. Your reporter rode Beven miles in under half an hour with the object of getting this message away in time for the telegraph. On proceeding to Manaia, Sergeant Anderson met Inspector Pardy with some constables, and the latter took charge of the prisoners. He informed Sergeant Anderson that he heard that ploughing was to be done by the Maoris at Pungarehu to-morrow, but that thelnspector had received a telegram from the Native Minister to the effect that the disturbance was to be put down with a high hand. Manaia, July 19.

Everything is quiet here to-day. The Natives have not released the 52 horses and 20 bullocks impounded from Hastie’s yesterday. Rumors are afloat, but are not confirmed, that the Natives intend to rescue the cattle and horses from the pound, but there is an Armed Constabulary guard on duty day and Dight.

New Plymouth, July 19.

Thirty Natives under Te Whetu are camped at Oakura, and are ordered by Te Whiti to plough on Mr Morris’ land to-morrow. In an interview with a reporter of the News, Te Whetu stated that the whole of the agitation was caused by Te Whiti, who hopes to get all the confiscated land back. The trouble is not through non-payment of rents by Government. The state that they have been instructed by an English lawyer that they must assert their rights to the confiscated land every three years, or they will loose their titles to it. Acting under this impression, therefore, they are now formally asserting their ownership of the land. New Plymouth, July 20.

The people here think little of the disturbance. With the arrests that have been made and those that are to be made, the whole affair will be quickly over. The Natives are making no show of resistance. At this side of Parihaka they say they will plough the land of Europeans if Te Whiti tell them to.

Haweba, July 20.

Everything yesterday was quiet here. Some interest was shown in the expected arrest of Te Whiti, and many questions were asked during the day about the Maori doings on the Plains. They were somewhat unimportant. All the Natives concerned in Hastie’s affair gathered at Titokowaru’B kainga to talk over the matter. A friend of theirs, who is a good Maori scholar, but no Pakeha-Maori, and a man whose word can thoroughly be relied on, visited them yesterday, and saw some of them in the evening after their eviction from Hastie’s land. They were then for the most part very " ponri ” and sulky, and the women said hard things to him because, though he had taken their part when clubs were being used, he had also caken a leading part in the impounding, which was a sore point with- them. They said, “ The white men have taken our land, they may as well keep our cattle and horses ; they are nothing compared to land ” They also left their carts and traps outside Hastie’s gate. Some of them go further, and say, “ As you have arrested so many you may take the rest,” and add that they think that other whare-building and trespasses on land in European occupation will be made ; but of this they seem to be doubtful at present. Yesterday one native came into Hawera, and asked a storekeeper to lend him enough money to release his bullocks, which bad been impounded on Sunday, but he never presented himself at the Manaia pound, nor did he get the money he asked for. Among those who on Sunday subscribed towards the release of the Maori cattle and horses from the pound was one of the Europeans who had been most active in the row a few hours before, and who is a tenant of one of the so called Maori leaseholds which are now almost exclusively managed by the Native Trustee. The Europeans’ rent was some time ago reduced by half for a term of three years, the balance of the deferred rent to be paid up at the end of three years. This privilege has been extended to many of these tenants, and is one of the Maori grievances. The fact that Rangihaeta, the Mokia Native, took a leading part in the affair is regarded as a sign that it is the enforced collection of their rents, and the delay in payment of rent for another lot of old leases near Hawera, and the official deductions for the cost of collecting such rents, which caused these Natives to take a leading part. For years the Natives have shown themselves fully able to collect their own rents, and divide them to their own satisfaction. The Maoris like to manage their own affairs in their own way, and their tenants admit this. Yesterday several white men adjourned to Hastie’a to clear up the ground which had been littered with poles, &c., by the Maoris. They carted three loads of Maori firewood to

Hastie’a house, also seven bags of potatoes. The damages for the trespass of the horses and cattle were assessed by Mr Hastie, jun., at one shilling a head, which was certainly not excessive. The damage done was the destruction of, say, ten acres of grass, and, perhaps, 20s worth of injury to fences, not to mention a few cuts anil braises to the impounding party, who gave as good as they got. Mrs Hastie Bays she feels no alarm, and, generally speaking, no fear of a large outbreak is felt. On the other hand, it is thought that it is very unlikely that the Natives will cease from troubling, as they say they wish to have the confiscation question inquired into before the High Court of the Queen. Then they will get justice, not before. That is their firm belief. They cannot manage it yet, bat they mean to keep on trying. The white men feel that they are strong enough to cope with any simple trespass and obstruction, and unless more serious resistance be offered at some future date, no fear is felt of a serious outbreak. There is some talk of organising a Vigilance Committee of Special Constables to take the lead if any similar trespass Bhould recur in their neighbourhood. I have made arrangements to learn what goes on on Titokowarn’s part, and will report further if anything important is done. Manaia, July 20.

The Natives are now releasing their bullocks and horses in small lots. Tuke, an old Native, who has considerable interest in the leased lands, says— *• No more plough now that Te Whiti and Titokowaru are arrested.” The excitement has quite cooled down. Nearly all the cattle and horses have been released. The police and a few Armed Constabulary have been on guard all day. A general feeling of security is gradually being restored by the prompt arrest of the ringleaders.

Auckland, Jnly 20.

Sergt. Steele and several members of the A.C. force, stationed at North Head batteries, yesterday embarked in the Hinemoa for Taranaki, to assist in suppressing the Maori disturbances at Hawera.

Haweea, July 21

A visit was made to Kapuni, near meeting house, yesterday, where the Maoris all congregated after the arrests had been made on Sunday. The Natives, especially the older men, were very sulky, and one of them ordered a friendly European to go away home, probably because he hrd taken an active part in the Impounding, The Natives from a distance talk of going home to-day, and have now released nearly all their cattle and horses from the pound, probably with that object. Nothing more is said now about ploughing. On hearing of Te Whiti’s arrest a Maori made a speech and said—“ Now they have arrested Te Whiti let them arrest the Governor too, and both go Home and be tried before the Queen.” His proposal was generally approved. They deny that Kereopa, who was concerned in the Momahaki murder, ever lifted a stick in the row at Hastie’s. Te Hiti, in his speech immediately after the row, said—- “ Even if the white men bit yon with their sticks, you are not to resist.” Te Hiti was arrested. Many of the Natives heard Kereopa’s name mentioned at the time of the arrests ; he was nevertheless not taken, and they became impressed with the notion that the pakebas were afraid to take him, and yesterday several Natives were rather boasting about this, saying—“ You wanted to take Kereopa, bnt you were afraid.” Referring to the proceedings on Sunday, they said if all the white men had behaved like one or two who used their sticks very freely there would have been serious trouble. The white man the Maoris most approved of during Sunday was Mr Fred. P. Costobadie, who just before the special constables were sworn in, in a short speech, said he entirely objected to the settlers being called upon lo do police work for Government. Although the Maoris were sulky yesterday, food was given to some of tbe party. The last of the drays have been taken from Hastie’s gate to-day.

THE RINGLEADERS IN COURT.

Cpunake, July 21

Titokowaru, Ngahune, Kohu, Rangiheuta, Akeake, Kuku, and Iki, were charged this afternoon before Colonel Roberts, F.M., that on the 18th day of July, 1886, they did unlawfully and wilfully commit damage and injury to and upon certain real and personal property belonging to one Andrew Hastie, to the amount of £2O, being an indictable offence. There was a large attendance of Europeans in court. Mr R. S. Thompson was sworn in as interpreter. Inspector Pardy appeared for the police, and in opening the case stated what had occurred on Sunday last. He would bring forward such evidence as would conclusively prove that the prisoners should be committed to a higher court.

James Anderson being sworn said—l am a Sergeant of Police in charge of the Hawera sub-district. I remember Sunday last, the 18th instant. I was present at Inaha early under instructions. Constables FrankliD, Tapp, and Mclvor were with me. We were on land near Mr Hastie’s. I had reason to believe that the Natives were about to enter on some land in the vicinity. The men were scattered on the road watching them, Constable Franklin being nearest Mr Hastie’s land. We saw a large number of Maoris coming from different directions, all verging to Mr Hastie’s land. When they halted at Hastie’a, I started in that direction, and while going we saw a number of Natives getting over the fence into the paddock. I rode into the paddock on horsebaok. There were about 20 Maoris at this time in the paddock. I saw Kohu, Akeake, Iki, Kuku, and Rangiheuta. The MaoiL were still arriving. Rangiheuta appeared to be the leader. They were then doing nothing. Kuku had a spade in his hand. Mr Hastie, junr., was present. He is the son of the owner of the land. Spoke to Mr Hastie, and he told them to leave the land, but addressed himself more particularly to Rangiheuta. They took no notice of what was said, and Rangiheuta turned his back on us. They did not leave there, and I told them if they did not leave they would be arrested. I Epoke in a loud tone so that all could hear, but no attention was paid by them to what I said. There were no more coming into the paddock at that time. I then arrested Rangiheutu, and Constable Mclvor arrested Kuku. I could not identify them. As soon a 3 I arrested Racgiheuta he called out something in Maori, when those in the paddock and others outside

came in and crushed and jostled me. We got the prisoners as far as the gate, but the Natives prevented our farther passage. No violence was used, bat we were overwhelmed by numbers, and the prisoners got away. At this time there was only one European io the paddock besides Mr Hastie” and* the police, Maori drays were lhe# coming np loaded with building rrt.s *4! and other things. I and my men did aU we could to pre vent them entering the paddock. We kept them out for a time whilst the Natives were passing material over the feuce. Finally they succeded in forcing the gate, and drays came in. There was then a general rush for the paddock. When we were at the gate Kuku and Akeake commenced digging up grass laud. Mr Hastie and one constable tiied to prevent them, without success, being overpowered. I and my men stood by for a time. The Maoris now, joined by others, continued digging and erecting a whare and tents, digging drains round the teats, lighting fires, &c., ia the paddock. A large whare was nearly finished, the ground being dug out. They injured the fence, which is of box thorn, with wire, aad part timber. Ten horses and bullocks were turned loose in the paddock about an hour after the first struggle. Titokowaru arrived about 11 o’clock in a buggy, and drove into the paddock. He got out of the buggy and went to where the Natives were then working. He appeared to be giving instructions a 3 to .the building of the whare. Tbe Natives appeared to be carrying out his instructions. Titokowaru was leader after his arrival. Rangiheuta was leader before. Ngahune appeared to be ia charge of the erection of the whare. The whole of the other prisoners were taking a very active part ic the proceedings. They were arrested as being the most prominent men. The whole took part in doing the injury stated in the information. The work continued until cew 3 o’clock from 10 in the morning. I consulted with Messrs. Livingstone, York, and Budge, J.P.’s, who were present, and Mr Livingstone and I swore in about twenty special constables, and they were then placed under my command. A large number of Europeans were assembled at this time. The specials were armed with sticks, but were told to lay them aside. With their assistance the police arrested the whole of the prisoners before the Court. They.were not then working, as Mr Hastie and a number of Bettlers were driving their cattle to the pound, which they succeeded in doing after strong resistance from the Maoris. Both parties were very much excited. They were round the whare, and a number of settlers rode up to them, and there seemed to be every probability of a serious breach of the peace. Mr Livingstone aad I got -between the two parties, and-with several old settlers endeavored to stop the parties. Mr Livingstone remonstrated with the Europeans, and ultimately succeeded in preventing any further demonstration against the Maoris. But for Mr Livingstone there would have been bloodshed. The Maoris had their axes and the settlers were excited. Alter this Iki made a long Bpeech to the Natives. It seemed to quiet them. It was the time the special constables were sworn in. The prisoners were then arrested one after the other. They all resisted except Titokowaru, Ngahune resisting the most. I took them to Manaia, and they were afterwards removed to Opunake. The other Natives endeavored to assist all the prisoners except Titokowaru, before taking them from the ground. I and Messrs Yorke and Bridge went back to where the Natives were, and told them if they did not Lave the ground, that on my return from Manaia I would take them all prisoners, and they finally cleared away. I had a casual look at the damage dona. The grass had been trampled and dug up, and fires had been lighted in the paddock, which was well laid down and in capital condition. I am of opinion that the damage would not be covered by £2O. Cross-examined by Ngahune : The Maoris damaged the fences where they got over. I saw trouble with Europeans there. I saw a Maori with blood flowing over his eves from blows from the sticks of the Europeans. By Kuku : I did not see Kuku breaking the fence. I saw him digging the ground, (The prisoner acknowledged this.) By Akeake : I did not see Akeake get over or break down the fence. He was in the paddock when I arrived. To Kuku : The land belongs to Mr Hastie, purchased from Government. I believe it was confiscated. I did not see you beating the Europeans. You were not beaten by the Europeans by my sanction. By Titokowaru : I did not hear your voice when you arrived j telling the Natives to beat the Europeans. By Rangiheuta : I did not see you beaten, I heard what you said at Mokoia. You said 11 Go and have talk with Te Whiti. I am obeying his orders.” I heard you say something in Maori at Mokoia which I could not understand. Re-ex-amined by Inspector Pardy : Rangiheuta at Mokoia told me to have a talk with Te Whiti, as it was by his orders he was on Mr Lysaght’s land. He repeated the same thing at the Pah. Rangiheuta stated that what witness said waa correct. By Ngahune : I did not see the Europeans subscribing silver to purchase liquor to take on to land.

John Mclvor, police constable at Normanby, stated that Kuku commenced clearing the ground for the whare, the timber being all laid down ready for erection. Tents were pitched aad fires made. Considerable damage was done to the fences. Many rails were broken, and a portion of the live fence was broken down. The prisoners were arrested a second time by aid of special constables. By Ngahune : I knew it was Sunday when the work waa done. It is unlawful to work on Sunday. I saw blood running over the faces of both Maoris and Europeans. I did not see Europeans bring grog on to the land to make trouble. The fence at the back of the paddock was broken down by the Europeans in the endeavor to pound tbe cattle. By Akeake : I 3aw a number oE Maorie going over tbe fence and damaging it, but not Akeake. Akeake stated he claimed the fence as Ms own. By Iki : I did not see Iki breaking the fence. I did not hear him say that no European wa3 to be there that day. By Kuku : The land is Mr Hastie’a, but Ido not know how he obtained it. By Titokowaru : Titokarwu arrived II o’clock. Ido not know what time he arrived at Waimate. By Rangiheuta : Ido not know who first beat the Europeans. I do not know who struck the first blow. X did not see any blow struck at the gate.

Andrew John Hastie said : I am son of Andrew Hastie, and reside with my father, owner of the section. It is fenced with a fonr wire fence and boxthorn, with a gate. , The land is laid down in English grass, and well grassed. I recollect Sunday morning last,- My father was away, and has not yet I was left in charge of the place. I saw prisoner KukuabontlO o’clockcomingup to the house. He demanded the key of thq gate, which was locked. I understand Maori fairly, and know what he said. I declined in Maori to give him the key. He did not oay what he wanted it for. lie did not say who sent him. I then got my borse and went to the front gate. Tbe Maori went there also. Constable Franklyn then came up, and there were 20 or 30 Natives inside the paddock sitting down. I gave Constable Franklyn the key of the gate, as he wanted to get in. The Natives still kept coming over the gate and over the fences near the gate. Sergeant Anderson and other police then came up, and I asked the Maoris what they were doing. They replied that they had come to make awhare. I was away at Manaia about an hour, and when I returned I wanted to impound the Maoris’ stock, and requested Mr Muir to tell tb* Maoris I was going to do sc, and he told them. I was advised not to

impound them. About four hours afterwards . I did impound them, with the assistance of the f sis tiers. There was great resistance made by the Maoris to tbe impounding of a horse, which led to blows. I myself got otruck two or three times. When I returned I saw all tbe prisoners on . the ground. They were engaged building a whare. Tibokowaru in the chief down at Manaia. The paddock is about twelve acres in extent. The paddock is much cut up by digging and by lighting fire 3, and damage ia done to the fences. I consider that £lO damace has been clone to the land and £lO to the fences—£2o in all.