END OF THE MAORI OBSTRUCTION AT MAUNGATAUTARI. [BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Kihikihi, Wednesday.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2151, 22 April 1886, Page 2

END OF THE MAORI OBSTRUCTION AT MAUNGATAUTARI. [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Kihikihi, Wednesday.

The obstruction to the* nurvey at Maungatiiutari sub-division is over, owing to the prompt and decisive action of the Native Minister and police authorities. On Monday evening the surveyor, Mr Sandes, communicated with the Government, nnd instructions were immediately issupd, and this morning Inspector Kiely and Con--.table Lowther proceeded to Okautahang.i, accompanied by interpreter Edward-. The natives, numbering fifty, were present. Mr Sandes addressed the natives as follows :— I am here by the authority of the Surveyor-General, and the order of the Land Court to survey Puke's land, as defined by the court. This I am going to do, and anyone who attempts to stop me and break the law must tako the consequences and go to prison. I am here to obey the orders of the Government, and even if Puke himself were to ask me to cease now I would not do so. If any owner in this block is dissatisfied let him apply to the court to haye his portion defined. The court will do so, but no interference with the surveyor will be allowed. Further, I will call on Inspector Kiely to explain the law of the matter to you. When he has done so I will give yon half-an-honr, just thirty minutes, to decide. If you will then, Keremeta and others, promise me that no more obstruction shall take place, I will ask the police to go away. If not, I shall keep them, and arrest any native, man or woman, who attempts to interfere, and send them prisoners to Kihikihi. That is all I have to say, and I now put this pole in on Puke's boundary in the name of the Queen and Government, and I assure you I will keep my word and com plete thin survey. The Inspector explained the law of the case, and strongly urged the natives not to interfere, as he was there to preserve peace and order in this district, and would arrest any offender. But as f riendt. lie trusted they would listen to reason, and give him no trouble. After 30 minutes Keremeta's reply was :— "I have nothing to say." The surveyor immediately started work, and continued all day without the slightest interference, the natives being sullen but quiet. All here heartily approve of the action of the Native Department and the police authorities, and no doubt this test case will effectually stop nil obstruction to the Maungatautari and other surveys. The police acted throughout with the greatest discrimination and tact, but with determination. Several settlers were present.