NATIVE INTELLIGENCE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1007, 11 July 1879, Page 2

NATIVE INTELLIGENCE.

Wellington, July 10. Twenty-nine more Maori prisoners were brought down by the Patea this morning, making a total of 99. Of the number'inspected by Mr. Mackay yesterday, 36 were on our side on the occasion of the previous troubles, and only 2G were rebels.

The Maori prisoners who came down to-day are a much more turbulent lot than those previously sent here. The principal man amongt them is Whakawira. He to-day refused to sweep out his room, or to allow any of the people to do so. As he was insolent, he was ordered off to the guard-room by Mr. Mackay, who was present. The natives who were remaining still refused to obey orders, and raised the cry of " down with the pakeha," when Mr. Mackay sent for a guard, who came in with fixed bayonets and marched the whole lot off to the cells. Whakawira is confined by himself, and will be brought before the visiting justices to-morrow. The whole lot will be strictly dealt with in future. Hawera, July 10. A public meeting was held last night to consider a telegram received from Sir George Grey, in which he stated that he thought there was a sufficient Constabulary force in the district. The opinion was expressed that there was not sufficient to protect ,the frontier, and that the Government should keep a bold front, and they should fulfil their promise to push on the railway between Hawera and Normanby. It was ultimately resolved that Messrs. M'Guire and J. G. Lysaght, J.P., go to Wellington and interview the Government respecting the existing situation.

There is a strong feeling that Mr. Livingstone should, stand to represent the Patea district when .the election takes place. People are not satisfied with what Major Atkinson did when in power with respect to the Mountain' Road, the 'railway, and promotion of settlement. It is probable that in the event of a general election Major Atkinson will stand for the district of Grey, and Mr. Bell for Gisborne.

Napier, July 10. The Rosin a arrived this morning, with Juta and Nihoniha oil board. The steamer left Gisborne yesterday morning with Captain Porter, Henare Potae, and two policemen, and landed them at eight o'clock. The policemen left on board sent word to Tuta to come back. He and the whole of his hapu came naked, danced a war dance, and fired over the heads of Porter's party. Ropata and Potal lioreroed with them. Porter spoke, and said he would not allow Tuta to get into trouble, notwithstanding bis people. Then Tuta said he would come, and the people caught hold of him and a scuffle ensued, Porter getting between him and them. One Maori with a loaded gun. threatened to shoot Porter. Another stood before the latter, saying, £ ' You will shoot me first." Finally the Maoris reluctantly gave way. A great crowd of men, women, and children followed for about a mile and a half to the boat, when they again refused to let him go. Porter's friend again stuck to him, and set them fighting amongst themselves, in the midst of which Tuta was shipped. Inew Plymouth, July 10.

Te. Hana has called a meeting of natives, to be held at Moganni, at which the conduct of Te "VVhiti is to be discussed. and the opinion of the natives taken as to whether they shall go and fetch Te Whiti and Tohu and bring them in as prisoners to hand, over to the Government.