WAIKATO HEADS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume II, Issue 434, 4 April 1865, Page 4

WAIKATO HEADS.

TFIiOM OTJR OIVX COBEESrOKDENT.] April Ist. Considerable anxiety has existed hero during the last few days, relative to a report forwarded to the commanding officer, to the effect that a body of 600 rebel Maoris were within ten miles of us ; in consequence, extra precautions have been taken for the protection of our small communitv, a picouet of lo men lieini? on duty till daylight. The extra duty presses venr heavily on tha men, as the garrison only consists of half a company of the 14th Kegiment, and about a dozen men of other corps attached to thff Commissariat. I doubi nor, should the rebels favor us with a visit, they will be very warmly received—at the same time thoavailab'e force is very inadequate for the protection of ihe lives and property at thisf place, the Commissariat stores alone would be a fine prize for the enemy, leaving the private stores, &c, quite out of the question.. The channel over the bnr having shifted considerably to the southward during the recent gale, our harbour master has hud t-.vo temporary beacons prepared to mark its present position. The present large volume of water in the river (which has been considerably incroii-ed bv the late rains), must, I should think, again restore the channel to its old position. After considerable difficulty, owing to the uncertainty as to the validity of native titles to laud, a aiter has been selected for our church and school-house, not far from the court-hou-'e. It is entirely owing to the kindness of an inhabitant (Mr. Marshall), that the committee have succeeded in settling this" question," as he has in the kind-jst manner given the uso of the site for live years, rent free. The contractor is now busilv at work, and 1 hope shortly tobe able to report the completion of this much needed work. The last few divs have, been very fine, cool mornings and eveninsrs, but very warm during the day. VKSSELS IN HAItBuUR. Venus, brig. Sturt, .steamer, repairing. Avon, hulk. S A I L E D. M.UICH 31—Koheroa, steamer, for the Bluff, with one barge of Commissariat stores in tow.