THE BATTLE OF LIVINGSTONE'S FARM.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 832, 11 July 1879, Page 2

THE BATTLE OF LIVINGSTONE'S FARM.

In reference to the serio-comic proceed* ings at Hawera, when, as will be seen by telegrams supplied by the Government, the settlers turned the Maori ploughmen off Mr. Livingstone's land, a correspondent at the front has obligingly telegraphed the following narrative of the brief but memorable campaign : — THE ADVANCE OF THE ENEMY. • The settlers' ultimatum to the Government promised to abstain from fighting till twelve to-day, but the British lion's tail is up, and he cannot wait, so there is a flourish of stock whips and off. The morning is cold and showery, but a brisk trot warm both, horse and man for war. We are a long line of horsemen, and now we dash past pedestrians, who follow us and form the rear guard. We then break into a canter, and the excitement increases. Now the roof of Livingstone's house is seen, and the attraction is irresistible. > A . smart gallop and the top of the rise is gained. THE 70S IN SIGHT Then we see the the Maoris, and catch them in the Very act of ploughing. The house is a good and commodious building, with a large lawn or small park of about two acres; beautifully undulating and smooth as a carpet, with gras3 and a few large trimmed flax bushes on it, There is the ploughing, from the road fence up to within ten feet of the verandah. Horrid ploughing too it is, six inches of grass appearing between every two furrows — the barbarous work of barbarians. We are just in time, and some of the first arrivals cannot stand the sight. The ploughmen's team is stopped. Two bullocks aro put into each dray, and the two ploughs put on board. THE ENCOUNTER. The Maori men, about six in number, interrupt; push, and wrestle. They are held or pushed out without blows or high words. Mr Livingstone begs everyone to keep the peace. One native is very obstructive, and the lusty settlers make him bite the dust. He rubs his nose in a furrow. A SUPPRESSED AMAZON. A Maori woman here began to throw mud, but her husband promptly stepped her. - THE RETURN MARCK. Now off with, the dray. The Maoris rush and jump before the bullocks, throwing their hats in their faces. They are soon pushed aside, and the drays start. One of them will not turn the house corner. "Give alift I" is the cry. A score of strong hands are applied, and the dray is swung, clear. When the drays are well started the Maoris are allowed to follow. It is a good half-mile to the Waingongoro bridge, and the procession reaches at least half way. A BELATED AUTHORITY. Near the bridge Mr Commissioner Williams turns up, and he ,wants the natives to be kept as prisoners. " Let them go," is the cry, and forward the drays. Now one is on the bridge, but the native men halt, and some sits down. BROAD HINTS. The stockwhip roars ; unmusical voices are heard ; some heavy thongs are uncoiled ; and the Maoris take the hint arid vacate the bridge. Mr. Commiseoner Williams stops the cavalcade again and takes down the names of the ploughmen. THE FOE REINFORCED. Just as this is done and their horses are turned homeward, another contingent of Maoris appears from the plains. THE ENEMY RETREAT. They are for rushing 'back with the ploughs, but are met by Mr. Williams and warned that the settlers are not to be played with. THE BLUOHBR DODGE. Now the move is homeward ; and we .are met by troops from Manutahi and Oarlyle just to late to see the sport. A NEW ALARM. • Then the word is passed — "They are coming back !" Every horse is turned *' Oh the wild charge they made !" but it was a false alarm. Then all rode back too late for church, and covered with glory and mud. Thus ended the battle, the fame of which is only equalled by that which took place by the Shannon shore.