NEW PLYMOUTH.

Otago Witness, Issue 261, 29 November 1856, Page 3

NEW PLYMOUTH.

Native Outrage. — Yesterday afternoon news was brought into Town that the Bell Block Pound, proclaimed in the last " Gazette," had been broken down by Natives belonging to the "Waiwakaiho and Henare Te Puni's pas, and a large number of cattle released an d driven away. The following account of the facts may, we believe, be relied on. On the evening of the 15th some score head of cattle and a horse were impounded, and on the following morning application was made by a Native to the poundkeeper, Mr. Goddard, for his working bullock. He was told it would be released if he paid the Pound fees, which, however, he refused to do, and threatened, unless the bullock was given up to return with assistance and break the pound, saying that the animal had been stolen from him. The bullock was not given up, and in the afternoon he returned with other natives to the number often, all armed with firelocks, and broke down part of the fencing of the pound and released the cattle. They were advised to see the Superintendent or the Resident Magistrate before proceeding to violence, but they were much excited, and refused to do so. It is stated that Hone Ropiha, the Native accessor, was the instigator of these violent proceedings and assumed the responsibility, the rest pointing their guns at the Europeans present. Two Hua natives who were oa the spot took no part in the rescue, but endeavoured ineffectually to restrain their countrymen by remonstrating with them. Mr. J. Lewthwaite has been elected a member of the House of Representatives for the Grey and Bell district, vacant by the resignation of the Superintendent.