WANGANUI.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1407, 1 June 1865, Page 5

WANGANUI.

By the Queen we have our files to the 2ith May. We take the following from the Chronicle: —

Tun Moutoa Steamer.—ln a late issue we gave a description, copied from an Auckland paper, of this steamer, intended for the Wanganui river. We hear that she is scarcely entitled to the commendations given in the paragraph referred to, as she is so slimly built that if she struck a snag a hole might be knocked in her bottom, which would immediately sink her. We are not aware if she has watertight compartments, but such a provision against an accident of this kind would be necessary. Another objection toher is that she is only twenty horse-power at the outside, and will, therefore, find difficulty in stemming the current of the river in those places where it runs fast. Wo hope that we exaggerate these faults, and that 011 her arrival Bhe will be fouiul fitted for her work. We believe she is coming south in company with the Sturt, steamer, which is to be employed in the transport service between this and the Patea. It is said that Captain Fairehild, whose activity and daring, as well as skill, in the management of the Gundagai have been conspicuous during the last three months, is to be transferred to the Sturt, but we have not heard who is to succeed hiui in the command of the Gundngai. Pouch; Generosity.—lt may be remembered that a letter appeared in our columns some time ago from two militiamen, who, under pressure of hunger, had come into town from Maxwell's farm without leave, having had no provisions sent them to the position to which they had a day or two before been taken; that they were apprehended by Constable Coakley before they had well got their appetites satisfied ; and that in consideration of the circumstances they were let off by the militia authorities with a fine of £2, to go to the constables for their activity in apprehending them. We have much pleasure in finding that Sergeant Atkinson and Constable Coakley

have declined to accept of the money, in the belief that while they themselves did their duty, the militiamen should be excu»ed under the extreme pressure which caused them to leave their post. The Empty Tent.—We are glad to learn that the tent has now been taken down, and that the militia are no longer required to furnish guards for it; the only duty they now have to perform being to appear once a week on parade. Tub Gknkiial Ahbbmw.v.—lt is believed ii well informed circles that the Assembly will not be convened before the beginning of July ; but it cannot be further delajed, us the financial year ends on the 30th June.

Wkhkhoa Pan.—lt is understood that the natives in this pah are at a low ebb at present as respects food, numbers, and courage. There does not seem, however, to be any movement contemplated on the part of the forces, Imperial or colonial, against it. Tub Paiukino Bmx k.—The first instalment of the purchase money of this block of land, supposed to contain about 40,000 acres, namely, £1000, was paid to the native owners on Wednesday, by Mr. Buller, R..M. This purchase lias assumed a somewhat different complexion from what it was understood at first to bear; but want of spucc prevent us from referring to it more particularly at present.

Captain Jones' Busukangkks.—'This company has now been provided with government clothing and arms, the latterconsisting of abreecli-loader and revolver to each man. It is also proposed that tbey should have a short straight sword, but the particular nature of this arm has not yet been definitely settled. The company is to be raised to the number of 85, and it is expected to be shortly ordered to the Patea. The military settlers at Pipiriki are expected to proceed to the same place shortly, that being their proper destination, and in that case the river will be held by the native contingent.

The Ui'-River Nativkb.—Seven or eight tribes on the Upper Wanganui, hitherto king natives, are making signs as if they would be inclined to surrender. Indeed their doing ho. we believe, mainly depends on there being or not being any movement of the inland tribes to attempt to recapture Pipiriki. Were such a movement commenced tho tribes referred to would most likely join it; if not, they will most probably take the oath of allegiance. We hear that two of the Pipiriki natives who recently did so, have seceded to their old friends, the hau-haus.

The Tuiukina and Wangakui; Naijvks.—The travellers along the road from this to Turakina may have observed two pahs in course of erection by these native?, one on the left bank of the Wangaehu, about a quarter of a mile above the bridge, and the other on the top of the right bank of the Turakina, about 300 yards from the road. So far as we can ascertain there is not the slightest necessity for these constructions as means of defence, for no attack is threatened or likely; but these natives are anxious t > be enlisted as a cavalry corps, and having nothing else to do in the meantime, have commenced these pahs to show their zeal on behalf of the government.

The Pipiriki correspondent of the Chronicle, writing on May 17th, says:—The removal of Captain Brassy from the command of this post is universally regretted by the corps, and it is iioped that the Government have not finally decided on transferring him to the Taranaki Contingent. I have very little to communicate at the present time, save that the various companies are now comfortably located in the occupation of three, formidable redoubts, and apparently in good order and spirits, under the command of Captain Daniel Pennefather. Captain M'Donald has recently arrived from Auckland, and has assumed charge of the native force, who are, by the bye, a very promising body. The best of order exists in our various bodies of the colonial service ; and under the command of such distinguished officers as Pennefather, Hurst, and M'Donald, I make no doubt but our civil soldiers, if called into action, will display as much heroism and valour as they have shown upon previous occasions (at the storming of Kaitake, Hau Han, &.) The weather has been very : indifferent latterly, and our principal cause of com- J plaint is the inactive position in which we are placed, owing to the timidity and cowardice evinced by our brown skinned enemies. The breechless General Pehi is as morose, cunning, and sedate as ever ; and if the adage of giving unto Cffisar that which belongs unto C»sar be strictly in accordance with the precepts of our Divine Master, this arch demon should have been strung by the neck ere now. The arrival of several copies of the Chronicle here has recently been held as a boon ; and it is to be hoped that the authorities will cause some better arrangements to be entered into with regard to the transmission of mails, &c. It is currently rumoured that the Taupo rebels intend attacking Captain Jones' redoubt and people at Parakino, but should such be case (which is not at all unlikely, owing to its position) you may rest assured, from what I can learn, a hearty reception awaits them.