NATIVJEtIsDISTURBANCE AT THE UPPER THAMES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3216, 2 September 1879, Page 2

NATIVE DISTURBANCE AT THE UPPER THAMES.

VOLUNTEERS PREPARING FOR A FIGHT.

MATTERS LIKELY TO BE SETTLED.

[by telegraph.]

Ghahamstown, September 2. — The Hon. Mr. Sheehau proceeded to Ohinemuri in the steamer on Sunday, interviewing the Maoris who fired on tho surveyors. The land was being surveyed on behalf of the Government. The surveyor who instructed the surveyors accompanied Mr. Sheehan, The agent, accompanied by influential natives, proceeded to tho settlement to demand that the party be given up, and to state that they would be taken as utu (compensation). Mr. Sheehan is determined to take roads, railways, and telegraph wires through the country as payment for the offence, or arrest those who fired shots.

The Volunteers of the district are at Mr. Sheehau's disposal. Auckland, September 2. — Bayldou and Crump only commenced to survey the disputed block on Wednesday last. It was called tho Orahukoro, and was purchased for the Government recently by Mr. E. W. Puckey. The surveyors had no suspicion that ' the natives were annoyed; Mr. Brassey, on returning from an inquest at Pakerahe, heard a rumour of the survey being about to be stopped, but it was so vague that no attention was paid" to" it. The volley was fired suddenly on the survey party. McWilliams on being hit fell down, feigning death, and,. tho Maoris thinking he was killed, ran after the rest, who eluded them. Powdrill, at tho hazard of his life, ( remained". Jux 'Jhe vicinity, of the bush till the natives had gone, and McAVilliams, being crippled, he assisted him to a place of safety! ' ■ Tho : , ;a£tap,king A ,wty 0 about ten of the JNgaftJUako tribe. 1 'The disputed block I has not passed through the Land Court. , „,•-;, On Sunday Mr. Slieehan received a deputation of settlers at , Cjhiuemuri, and informed them' that' the 1 road' and telegraph lines, should be started immediately,' an4-.that lie! .was, coinmuuicating with Mr.iMaoandrew re railway. He also said he belioyed the Government would »shor*tly liaVe tOlarge. body of men working in the district, Mr. Sheehan having left instructions with Superintendent Thomson to act according to ciroumstances, with all the available men at his disposal, came on to Auckland. : !■ t t ?,,■ \< Major -Withers mastered and inspected the Thames Voluuteers.

Grahamstowi*, Sept. I—io1 — i 0 p.m. — Mr. Commissioner Puckey, the native agent, with a native chief, were unsuccessful in getting the murderers to give themselves up. The offenders were very determined and lastly admitted they did the deed, stating that it was premeditated. Kakara said he fired the first shot, andKpiha followed, after which he went to the man that was shot and cut off his hair, assuming him to be dead. He wished to have the hair as evidence to his tribe that his mission had been carried out.

Mr. Puckey said the offenders would be arrested. Kakara replied, not without more bloodshed, for lie was determined to remain free. He would consent to be tried by a council of chiefs of Haurald, and would abide by their decision.

Mr. Sheehan, hearing of the result, gave instructions for the natives to be arrested; and it was arranged thai -'a steamer with Armed Constabulary and Volunteers, under the command .of Superintendent Thomson, should leave quietly during the night, reaching the settlement of Pakara by daybreak, surrounding it, and taking tho murderers.

Mr. Sheehan left en route for AuokLiiul, transhipping by a steamer at the Thames.

A Star pigeon despatch from Ohinemuri, dated 10.80 a.m. on Monday, states — " The expedition did not leave last night. After the departure of Mr. yiioehan, the natives threw every obstruction in the way of Mr. Puckey (news having come in that Pakara had been reinforced with malcontents from Piako), and refused absolutely to mo*\ ceed." • f'

The Voluuteers mustered again on Monday morning,. but nothing has yet been decided .upon, as they are waiting for support, Tho Ngatihako men are very determined, and will not \>o taken without bloodshed. The Volunteers are going, up the .river.

A pigeongram to the Star says tho expedition against the'Ngatihakos has been postponed 1 for reinforcements from the Thames', £ , ', '

A great number of the Piako natives well-armed, have joined the Ngatihakos, and will resist to death any attempt to capture the murderers. Two hundred men will be required to capture them. If the volunteers had attempted to capture them on Sunday night there would probably have been sevore fighting, as there were large numbers of natives lying concealed in the flax. It is stated that tho chief To Hira intends joining the enemy. There is great excitement at Paeroa. Mr. Sheohan goes to Ohinemuri on Monday night. McWilliams is in a precarious state.