The Now Plymouth Native Embroglio.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 818, 25 June 1879, Page 2

The Now Plymouth Native Embroglio.

TELEGRAPHIC CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE PREMIER AND HAWERA SETTLERS.

The following telegrams have passed between Sir George Grey and residents at Hawern, relative to the ploughing at that place :— • '•To the Premier, Wellington.— The settlers are very much excited and talk of turning the Maoris off to-morrow. The settlers met here at 10 p.m. last night. Have wire kept open for committee. —Thomas Middlemas, chairman of the committee. HaweiM, Juae 22." "To the Premier, Wellington, — I have been asked to nttend a public meeting of the settlers. They are very much excited, and are determined to take some action. I think they will oppose the natives entering on the lands of the settlers, or cart the ploughman and their ploughs across the Wniugongnro. There were fifty men and two E loughs at work on Mr Livingstone's uul to-day. Some of the natives there have warrants out against them for theft and other offences. I recommend that these warrants be executed. There are reports that the natives threaten to plough nearer Hawera and Mokokoia. — C. Brown. Hawera, June 21./ " To Major Brown, Hawera, — Thank Mr. Middleman for his telegram to me. I nm sorry to hear that the settlers are excited. This is unnecessarj', for I understand there are men of signal courage and determination amongst them. Anything done under excitement m a time of disturbance is badly done, and something takes place which always leaves reason for lasting regret. I believe also that there is such a strength at Hawera that the place can protect itself against any immediate danger without difficulty. Had I been able to to travel I would at once go up there. From ignorance of any of the circumstances I cannot now pretend to give complete directions to those on the spot. Much responsibility must therefore rest upon the authorities there, but the best interpretation shall be put upon all they do. I understand there are warrants out against some of the natives who have been ploughing for theft and other offences. It must rest with the authorities on the spot to determine whether the strength at Hawera and other circumstances render it prudent to execute these warrants, or whether it is most advisable to do that, or simply to prevent the Maoris fom going on the lands — to warn them off the laud, ftnd if they do not go to move them and their ploughs, without insult and quietly, from the laud. I have no doubt that your own prudence will, with the full knowledge you have of all the circumstances, point out what is the best course for you to take. But you should let settlers understand that the great thing is to bring on no unnecessary disturbances, that measures will be taken to seoure the permanent peace of tlte country, and that if this can be done without bloodshed and the evils which follow from an unnecessary war, all we can desire will be gained. . Some of the natives represent that what they are doing is only to call attention to wrongs which they state they have for years suffered, m reference to lands promised them as compensation. Others undoubtedly are doing it under the orders of a fanatic, and there is no telling to what length fanaticism will proceed. This is no new thing. Nearly similar

circumstances took place m the county of Kent m my youth, and Resulted m. much loss of life. You should let the settlers understand that there are ho negotiations whatever going on with Te Whiti, and that w© are quite free to take any course we think necessary, but that they may rely that everything possible will be done to secure their safety, and that I feel sure they will act with calmness, with a view to their own welfare and to the good of the colony generally. The wire will be kept open all day so that the settlers may keep me advised as to matters.— G. Grey. VHawbba, 22nd, 10-30 a. m. , Premier, Wellington. — The settlers have removed ploughmen, teams, and carts, from Livingstone's to the other side of the Waingongoro with only a slight tnssel with one of them. . The natives say they will return. —0. Browk." " Hawkra, 22nd, 2-15 p.m., Premier, Wellington. — The report is incorrect that the natives were ploughing at Norhianby. The ploughmen, catuT and teams, that were moved across the Waingongero were increased m number to about 50, and then dispersed. The settlers used no more force than was necessary fur their removal. The warrant I think had better not be executed yet against the ploughmen guilty of theft, etc.— C. Brown."