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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 63

Wellington Independent, 4th December, 1869."

Wellington Independent, 4th December, 1869."

'"The Disturbed Districts Act.'—The terms of this Act are threatened to the Maoris and Pakeha-Maoris who are resisting the survey of the Rangitikei- page cliv Manawatu block. The Act is strong enough to frighten any missionary out of his senses. The 20th clause says :—'Be it therefore enacted : It shall be lawful for the Governor to make and issue his warrant, or warrants, under his hand, for the arrest, committal, or detention in custody, of any person or persons charged with, or reasonably suspected, of high treason, treasonable felony, or treasonable practices, or any offence within the meaning of this Act.' We think it would be justifiable to put the Act in force against those who are resisting the law. If Maoris submit their claims to the judgment of a Court, they ought to be prepared to abide by the decision; but if they will not do this, we must simply make them. This is just the time when the Government can act with decision and authority. Inspector Brannigan and 100 men ought to be able to seize all the suspected persons on the Manawatu block in twenty-four hours."

The following extracts from the Wellington Independent will show that though it was absolutely necessary that the Government should purchase the Manawatu-Rangitikei block, the property of the Ngatiraukawa tribe, from some eight tribes, as the "only means of preventing bloodshed and an inter-tribal war," Ngatiraukawa chiefs could be forcibly arrested for opposing the survey of their land, sold against their will by their former slaves of the Ngatiapa tribe, such tribe having been "previously permitted by their old conquerors to sell the land on the north side of the Rangitikei river," and "for whom a sufficiency of land had been reserved." Also shows how the Premier gained credit for his firm and decided action in the matter:—