Maori Disturbances.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XIX, Issue 1860, 21 July 1886, Page 3

Maori Disturbances.

ARREST OF NATIVE CHIEFS

Telegraphic reports from Hawera state that the Maoris, last Sunday morning, proceeded to Mr Hastie's property at Manaia and commenced to build a whare, the number being about 500. Sergeant Anderson and tour constables attempted to prevent them, but were enable to cope with the natives. The Maories came from all parts of the coast, some from Wanganui, Hawera, Waitotara, Otakeho, Parihaka, and elsewhere. Many were recognised as natives formally in gaol. Ngahara, Tito Kowaru, and other chiefs came somewhat late. Rangiaeta who was the leading man at the entry on Lysaght’s land, seemed to be the leader of the trespassers, who brought drays loaded with provisions and a large number of horses, which were turned loose in Mr Hastie’s paddock. Tents were pitched, and preparations made by the natives for a prolonged slay. At times it appeared as if a serious disturbance would be the result, and bloodshed was feared, but several Justices of the Peace present consulted moderation. The Europeans, who, were mustering strongly, made an attempt to impound the native horses and cattle, and on the women screaming there, great excitement prevailed. Several of the elder natives seized axes which they had brought for cutting firewood and things began took serious, and Sergt. Anderson openly expressed a fear that bloodshed would be the result. Later on a number of horses were impounded. On Monday afternoon the Europeans present outnumbered the natives, and thirty special constables being sworn in, the ringleaders of the disturbance were arrested. So far the names of the Natives taken are Ngahara, Titokowaru. Komaka.Tu Rahoe, and three others, all leading men. The remaining Maoris after being warned left Hastie's property, and the Europeans at once pulled down the whare which waa being constructed. It was reported that the Natives purpose entering land at Oakura and Pungarehu, but Inspector Pardy has been instructed to resent it with a firm band. Latest news from Manaia states that everything is now quite. Te Wbiti was arrested at daybreak yesterday morning, at Parihaka, on a charge of inciting to a breach of the peace. The Maori prophet seemed surprised, but no resistance was offered. No further disturbance is expected. New Plymouth, July 19. Thirty natives, under Te Whetn, are camped at Oakura, and are ordered by Te Wbiti to plough on Mr Morris' land tomorrow. In an interview with a reporter of the News, Te Whetu stated that the whole of the agitation was caused by Te Whiti, who hopes to get all the confiscated land back. The trouble is not through non payment of rents by Government. The natives stale that they have been instructed by an English lawyer that they must assert their rights to the confiscated land every three years or they will loose their title to it. Acting under this impression, therefore, they are now formally asserting their ownership of the land.