NATIVE INTELLIGENCE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 993, 25 June 1879, Page 2

NATIVE INTELLIGENCE.

Hawera, June 24. On Sunday the Maoris left the drays and ploughs near the Waingongoro bridge, and yesterday they took them home. From the best authority, they will not come back to-day, but they have sent to Te Whiti for instructions. In the meantime we hope to have reinforcements, which Government are promptly rendering. Major Noakes is in command of the district.

All works being suspended, there is a larce number of men who are earning nothing. They should be placed on pay, or they will have to leave the district to seek employment elsewhere. About thirty settlers by turns patrol about Livingstone's house. Yesterday there was great excitement in Hawera in consequence of rumors that there were hundreds of armed Maoris covering the approach to Waingongoro, but it turned out to be a man under arms. The ploughmen were taken with ploughs bodily across the bridge, under cover of the Light Horse. The remainder of the Hawera Rifles, under Lieuts. Watts and Johnston, are under arms in town ready for any emergency. There is no knowing what the next move of Te Whiti will be. but it is doubted very much if ho will get the same ploughmen again. A new crew will probably be told off. They cannot be cooler or more daring than these were. The latest news just received from the Plains is that there are no signs of the approach of the Maoris as yet. June 25.

The Hawera republic are determined to allow no stain of Te Whiti s power to remain within their borders. They yesterday mustered, and returned each furrow. It will be rolled to-day. The fanatics must think that the power of their prophet is superseded by the good spirit of the pakeha. They will not be able to point out jVlx*. Livingstone's lawn as a monument of Te Whiti's"power, for it will soon recover its beauty. The ploughing exceeded an acre, and" was turned back by the hand, showing the patience and forbearance of the Hawera men. There are no signs of the ploughmen. I don't think they will try Hawera soil again. The Government must follow up smartly the action taken by the settlers, and not delay, as on former occasions, to take advantage of the ground gained. Great Te Whiti s spell has received a severe shock. Wellington, June 24.

The Government have received the following telegrams from Hawera to-day : Captain Good arrived at Oeo yesterday. He met the ploughing party after they had been turned off, who looked ponri (dark) and crestfallen. Indirectly I learn that they have sent a messenger to Parihaka for instructions, and will not resume the ploughing this day. They have not put in an appearance on any of the places threatened as yet. The great majority of the natives on the Plains appear to be keeping aloof from Te Whiti's ploughing policy. |