Wellington Independent MONDAY, 15th DECEMBER.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3978, 15 December 1873, Page 2

Wellington Independent MONDAY, 15th DECEMBER.

Some excitement was created in town on Saturday by a rumor that a serious native disturbance had taken place at Horowhenua on the previous day, resulting in the resort to hostilities, and the killing of several natives and the burning of houses and crops. Although this dispute was between rival factions of natives, and not likely to involve the settlers or the Government in any way, the statement that blood bad been shed was sufficiently alarming, as it is almost impossible to say what native feuds may end in when the blood of both parlies is up. In the course of the afternoon messages from Otaki were received, and it was stated that firing had been distinctly heard and that information had been received to the effect that several natives, including at least one chief, had been killed. It appears, however, that the sensational rumor, as well aa the equally sensational telegrams which supported it, were alike without foundation, so far as the actual fighting is concerned, although it is true that a serious squabble took place, which might have led to bloodshed, had not Mr Booth succeeded in settling the difficulty. Mr Booth returned from Horo- , $&enua on Saturday evening, and reported that no one had been hurt or tilled, and that order had been restored. The dispute, which is one of long standing, is between the Maupoko and Ngatiraukawa natives respecting the right to occupy some land at Horowhenua awarded to the former by the Native Lands Court. This question of ownership is one that has given the native department considerable trouble, and the time appears to have arrived for- its beiug settled one way or the other, in order to preserve the peace of the district. It is satisfactory that the disputants have on this occasion yielded to the influence of the officer of the Government.

The following is from an official source : — " The latest intelligence from Otaki is that no natives have been killed. Some whares on land awarded to Maupoko by the Native Lands Court, but etill occupied by Ngatirukawa, were burnt by Kawana Hunia and the potatoe crop pulled up. There was much excitement, which, however, by the intervention of Mr Booth, was allayed, and the Ngatirukawa have returned to Otaki, both parties having agreed to submit their difference to the law."