HAWKES' BAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 319, 27 December 1862, Page 5

HAWKES' BAY.

JNativs Odtuagb at Cuvu.--On Thursday .ast, the 27th ult., an aboriginal native na-ned Mita. was tak'n into ciwtoJy by the police constlble at Cliv*% on the charge of bavin-* stolen from the st.>re of Mr E. B^ddm-to^ one pair of trousers. This took place in" the afternoon., and the native was lodged for the night m tlie jail there, with the intention of bringing him to Napier before the Resident Magistrate on Friday. He was, however, rescued from the jail the same night, by a party 14 or 15 in number, who after violently assaulting the policeman in charge and overpowering him, proceeded to break open the jail and free the prisoner. The Kesident Magistrate on hearing the statement ofthe policeman (M'Greevy) referred complainant to the Civil Commissioner, as himself had no jurisdiction. The Civil Commissioner in return blamed the policeman for interfering with a Maori! thus charged with theft!! yet decided that the offending parties should deliver the prisoner up to the magistrates, and restore the gaol to a state of repair—their reply seems to have been, they would consider about it,"their meaning, that they would not comply. To discuss the question, the whole party adjourned to town, where they were treated to a diuner (for their loyalty, good behaviour, and submission?) at the pubhc expense, two at least of the party so treated, being of the most active ofthe gaol breaking gentlemen. They still, as we are informed, refuse to give him up, and declare, that even if tried and found guilty, they will not allow him to go to prison!!— Times, 4th December.

Two Earthquake Shocks were felt in this Frovmce on Friday last, the first a little before one- o'clock in the afternoon, and the other a few minutes to eight in the evening. Although the first was a very heavy one for papier, the latter was yet more severe, and of longer duration, causiug the moveables and crockery to dance, and many of our townspeodle to make a bolt for the street, We have heard of no damage, excepting the smashing of crockery and glassware.-ZW 2/th A'ovember.