AUCKLAND.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVII, Issue 1712, 1 April 1862, Page 3

AUCKLAND.

The Native Police. — The following letter will show how the Native assessors the new police are acting in the Northern district :— Whangarei, Feb. 10th, 1862. Sub, — In the absence of a Resident Magistrate, I beg to inform you at the request at the Native Assessors Manihera, Pohe and Tipene Had, who sent for me this morning, of a disturbance that occurred here this day, and which beiore I arrived was apparently likely to become serious, but for the great forbearance of the Europeans and the very loyal and proper conduct of the Native Assessors and their adherents. Two bullocks were sold last Saturday to Mr. Rust, whose affidavit is enclosed, the property of a tribe of Rotorua natives who are located at present on the Otaika river ; this morning they came, objected to the price, and demanded the restoration of the animals. Mr. Rust refused on principle he states, on account of the very bad manner in which these natives behaved. The Native Assessors heard the case and decided in favor of Mr. Rust. The Rotorua Natives then in the most insolent manner told every .one present to touch the cattle at their peril. A scuffle ensued for the second time ; Mr. Rust was roughly handled ; the Ngapuhi Natives and Europeans sympathising very much with Mr. Rust. At this crisis, Sydney, a young Chief, and some Native Police from the Bay of Islands, who had been appointed under the new institutions, arrived, they were staying at one of the settlements here on a visit.- ",T-hi£ Native Assessors felt their authority strengthened by their arrival, and directed them to take the cattle out of the hands of the Rotorua Natives, who were driving them home. This was done, and they were shipped on board the " Tay," bound for Auckland, — Sydney and part of the Natives proi ceeding to protect the vessel as far as the heads. The conduct of the Natives of this place, especially three Assessors, and the young Chief Sydney, has been very praiseworthy. : . , , I have, &c, John Grant Johnson, J.P. The hon. the Minister for Native Affairs, Auckland. P.S. — The Resident Magistrate, Mr. Aubrey, is expected here to-morrow, so that he will be present should anything further occur.