RANGITIKEI.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1691, 14 January 1862, Page 5

RANGITIKEI.

The Pakapakatea Case. — We understand that a letter regarding this case has been sent to Major Durie, R. M., by a number of the Chief King natives in thei district, including Heretnia Te Tihi, W, Tako Ngatata, Hapi Paneiti Hohepa Aperahama, Te Huruhura, Nepia Winiatu, Kawana Hunia, &c, representing the King Runanga of Tainui. The document is interesting from the coolness of its assumptions and the autborativeuess of its language. It is dated Pukekaraka, District of Otaki, Dec. 24, 1861, and runs as follows: — Friend, salutation to you, your summons for my children residing at Pakapakatea, district of Rangitikei, has reached me, Friend Major Durie, you must cease to summon my children, because the work performed by them is good. Their selling the cow of Samuel was not a maori (unlawful) selling, nor was it a robbery. Said property was taken on account of a summons taken out by a native woman of Horowhenua, called Tiripa. Ihe cause of her summoning was a debt he owed her. That woman made frequent demands upon Samuel, a teacher of Ngatata, for payment of tbe money, but he did not pay ; and therefore that woman summoned Samuel before the Runanga of Governor .Junior, residing at Pakapakatea, who upholds the work of the Maori King. Samuel said he would ou no account obey a summons coming from the Runanga of Governor Junior. After two summons Tiiipa took out a warrant under it, the policeman appointed by the Runanga so to do, brought away one cow and calf belonging to Samuel, and they were afterwards sold for £5. The persons who sold the cow were 40 in number. Ropata has said that the cow taken away was his properly. Friend, Major Durie, that case (wakawa) has been finally disposed of by us the great men of the Runanga. If you persist in re-opening the case, we will not permit you to do ao. The offence shall uot be opened up again, as it has been finally disposed of. We hpve nothing further to say.

The Crops of 1860-I.— -Though it is rather late now to give this return, perhaps it is better for the purpose of comparison with the last and future years to give it now, than withhold it. Various circumstances have prevented its beiug published sooner. Among others the uuwilliugness of many to give a return of crops so much below an average in consequence of the storm a year ago. Of fenced land laud there are 12,673 acres. Of land laid down iv grass 1,778 acres. Of land under wheat there were 348 A acres yielding 6,830 bushels ; under oats 181 acres, yielding 5085 bushels, under barley i acre, yielding 8 bushels There were 32 acres of potatoes, yielding 179J- tons; 115 acres of grass seed, yielding 1860 bushels, and about lj ton of bay per acre.

Last Year's Crops in Western Ran gitikei, — There are in this district 2,167 acres fenced, and 1314 laid down in grass. There were 89 acres of wheat, yielding 1190 bushels; 42$ acres oats, yielding 625 bushels ; 3 acres of barley, yielding 56 bushels ; 5$ acres potatoes, yielding 15 tons ; 32 acres undergrass mown for seed, yielding 625 bushels.

Rangitikei Races. — The sports at these races was very inferior to that of last year. The entrances wera fewer, and the running not nearly so good.

The Produce — Won by Mr. Scott's Unknown, beating Mr. A. McDonald's Outlaw, and Native horse Peter.

The Hcbdie. — Dr. Gibson's War Eagle first, Mazeppa distanced.

Ladies' Purse — Won easily by Mr. Foreman's Whynot ; four Btarted.

Handicap. — War Eagle first, Whynot and Mazeppa changing places the second beat.

Stockhorsk Race. — Won by Outlaw. The match between Mr. Cameron's Don Jon and Mr. Foreman's c g Whynot did not como off, Whynot walking the course. The pleasure of the races was marred by j a succession of drunken squabbles, oc-l casioned by some drinking booths having been open to the Maoris. No one much i hurt, aud the quarrels were all settled before the day was over. But a circumstance like tbis raises tbe question of the propriety of such meetings in districts, thinly settled and away from any controling force. A very slight spark might excite a great flame. There was a very good attendance botb of Europeans and Maoris, with a considerable sprinkling of ladies, aud had it not been for these dis-

turbauces ihe races would have goue off better.