THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY AT WAOTU. OBSTRUCTING THE SURVEYORS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1802, 24 January 1884, Page 2

THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY AT WAOTU. OBSTRUCTING THE SURVEYORS.

Whatuaio and his immediate satellites are aboiit to bring on a repetition of the forcible obstruction business at Waotu, but this time we fear it will be a matter of doing it once too often. A few days apro Mr D. Stubbing was instructed by the Survey Office to proceed with the survey of the block, or at least that portion of it to which Mr Whatuaio has, in the face of the decision of the Lands Court, so emphatically laid claim, with instructions, we understand, that immediately upon being obstructed in hi.s work to report to the department. Mr Stubbing commenced work on Monday morning, by limning a line through a portion of the Waotu Block to which the chief Te Rei had originally objected, but to which he has lately consented. This line was to have been completed yesterday morning, when that to which Whatuaio has taken exception was to have been started. Since the surveyors returned to their camp, for the purpose of commencing work, Whatuaio has had a number of men doing sentry-go over them, watching their every turn, and waiting until the disputed territory should be entered upon. This, it is understood, will be the signal for the forcible obstruction to commence, but what shape it will have taken we have not yet learned. It is not likely, however, that either Whatuaio, or hifc lieutenant, Natana, will take an active part iv the obstruction ; but will, instead, leave this portion of the operations to the women of the party to carry out.