AUCKLAND.

Press, Volume VII, Issue 778, 27 April 1865, Page 3

AUCKLAND.

TATJBA-TOA. The following news is given by the New Zealand Herald of the 18th, as just arrived from the above district: — The intelligence from Tauranga, received yesterday by the Sir John Burgoyne, is of an alarming character. Maketu and Bototua are both threatened by a strong force of rebel Natives, who, with "William Thompson at their head, are posted near the latter place. It appears that the direct attack is threatened against tho Arawas, who have drawn the anger of the rebels upon them by the assistance which they rendered us some time since. The Arawas are surrounded on an island in the centre of the Botorua lake, whither they had betaken themselves as the strongest post of defence they could occupy, but it ia feared that unless we raise the siege these brave fellows who have staked all and bled in our cause, will be left to perish miserably; a monument of shame and disgrace to the honor of the British nation. Colonel Greer, we learn, was unable to send any men to the scantily garrisoned fort at Maketu, lest he should leave himself with too few to hold the Bedoubt at Te Papa. The Southern Cross of the same morninS says: —

The Sir John Burgoyne arrived yesterday, and by her we are in possession of late news from Tauranga, viz., to the 16th inst. It is to the effect that William Thompson is camped at the back of the ranges, inland from the nrilitary camp, with a considerable force, and that Colonel Greer refused to allow any troops to be removed. ITor some days Colonel Greer has been in hourly anticipation of an attack, and has therefore kept the men almost constantly under arms.

THE THAMES DISTBICT.

The! Natives in this district remain well disposed, as will /be seen, by the subjoined letter from the correspondent of the Southern Cross: —- April 3. The Natives of this district have all agreed to remain peaceable, even in the event of hostilities recommencing in Tauranga or Waikato. This was brought about by Mr. ___4_ayand the friendly chiefs, at a meeting held at Hauraki and Opukeko, both on the Thames. But the Pai Marires would not consent to give up their new superstition. _...., . , , /. Te Moananui and Taraia, with the rest ot the owners of Katikati, have all agreed to sell that long and; sanguinarily contested land to Government. This block will be a valuable.acquisition, and is an admirable site for settlement. Mr. Mackay and the surveyors, with the native owners, are shortly expected up to lay off the boundaries, whilst a vessel wfll proceed by the East Coast with supplies for 4e surveyor-, &c. Mr. Maekay, with a large attendance of armed Natives, will proceed overland, which is a little over 20 miles. The reason the Natives allege for going armed is, that they expect the Tauranga Natives will interfere with them when laying off the boundaries. It is hoped that the above gentlemen may be able to acuuire a large block of good land in this district, aud also be able to lease or buy auriferous land, and thus t_trowopenthis long-neglected district for settlement. There is no question! of there being gold in this district, and that much superior to Coromandel gold, as it has been discovered over an extent of 25 xaQes of mountain range. Near the Bey. T. ____f__r's mission station it has been washed out of the potatoe and kumara grounds by Natives who did not know how to wash for gold, nevertheless they got a good prospect, thus showing what an experienced digger might do. One Native picked up a specimen for which he got 30s. The ground from Tararu Point to some distance above the MSssion-house, over eight miles in all, a deposit from the mountains of an auriferous character, and haying been long

cultivated by the Natives, is now almost totally abandoned. I have no doubt the Natives would readily lease it to Government.

The Natives had the report of the brutal murder of the Rev. Mr. Volkner some time back from Tauranga. They say it was Te TJa, the head prophet near Taranaki, who gave the order to Kereopa to murder any Europeans he met near Tauranga. The Pai Marires here expressed their disgust on hearing the doings of that human wolf Kereopa, and say they will not allow him to enter this district. Letters have been written to Tauranga and Matamata by two friendly chiefs prohibiting him from entering this district. There is a flax mill being put up at Koupu or New London, at the mouth of this river. I hope it may succeed, and prove a paying enterprise, as there is plenty of the raw material in this district, which only wants dressing to be fit for export. The river has been visited by some heavy gales of wind during the month, and with heavy rain from the N.E., E., and S.E., which, on the 28th March, overflowed all the land on the Ohinumuri Creek, a branch of this river. This has been the only high flood in that creek since some 20 years back. The flood was, near the river, some three feet six inches in depth on the low lands. April 8. On the 4th instant, it was reported with Borne truth that ten rebels had come down from the interior. They, as usual, brought down some lying reports, to the effect that some seven redoubts or pas bad been taken by the rebels at Wanganui, and some 200 of the friendly Natives, besides troops, killed, and 60 made prisoners, who had since been mesmerised and had joined their faith. These rebels wished to make converts of the Queen Natives here, and recommended that all the Europeans should at once be driven into the sea. The Natives I have referred to have come down with the obvious intention of getting recruits to go to the seat of war, and they have greatly unsettled the Natives by their lying reports. Government ought at once to come to some understanding with the Thames Natives to keep such rebellious scoundrels from entering it ; until that is done life and property is not safe, nor can there be peace. It would be very harrassing to the settlers in this district to again have to flee to Auckland after being at the expense and loss of making a fresh start on their farms. Tbe ten rebels are now near M'Caskill's place, trying to stir up a fresh rebellion. The hitherto peacefully employed and wellbehaved Waikatos, who are digging gum, of which within the last few months they have dug out and sold above £1000 worth, have behaved themselves remarkably well, considering they are fresh from the war. When any of their dogs have killed any of Mr. M'CaskiU's sheep they have readily paid for the damage done, and in some cases killed the dogs. Nor have I heard of any dishonesty in the way qf sheepstealing, &c. In the case where the Natives struck Mr. M'Caskill's man, they offered to pay half the fine or damages for an assault, i.e., two pounds ten shillings. The reason I make these few remarks is because I saw you were misinformed on that subject.

A friendly chief had an order the other day for some clothing for his native majesty, King Matutaera. It appears he feels the winter's cold and rain we have had lately.

It is reported that Mr. Mackay is going up to Awa o Waikato, and it is supposed to see William Thompson. I am sorry to near of the Government acting so unfairly with the Waikato regiments ; they should be careful in keeping the frontier line strong, as there is no knowing when the Pai Marires may make a movement on some of our weak parts. . COBOMAHDE-. The correspondent of the Southern Cross, in a letter written on the 14th inst., says: — I have to report a movement that is taking place from the Upper Hauraki to Coromandel. Since the deaths of a Native chief, named Maihi, and a female relative, which occurred at the Tiki, distant about four miles from Kapanga, several Natives of the different tribes from the Thames district have assembled to mourn for the deceased. As a custom this is usual, but from information I have received from reliable sources, there is reason to suppose that the subject of Pai Marirism willbe discussed before they return to their homes. That there are emissaries from the South, instilling into the minds of the Natives on this side of the Thames the superstitious belief that is now gaining ascendency in the minds of the Maori, there is every reason to believe. It is currently rumored here that a Pai Marire fanatic, named Bihori, was at Piako with the head of an European, endeavoring to convert the Natives. Taraia Ngatuka, a chief, and nearly all the native residents of Kauaranga, are on their way to Coromandel, where they intend holding a korero. Whatevertranspires I shall report verbatim ; the native language often expressing in one wordmore significance than can be expressed in English in a sentence. Mr. Mackay, the Civil Commissioner, is here watching the current of events, and will, by bis friendly intercourse with the Natives, and also in his official capacity, tend to prevail upon them to abjure proselytism, and urge the benefits that will accrue by their remaining faithful in their adherence to the rule of the Imperial Government. As yet the Europeans are on the most friendly terms with the Maoris; and unless the policy that has hitherto been pursued in considering the Native as a friend, equally amenable to the laws and to the protection of the Grown, still prevail, we may expect that many will be induced by their own kindred to look upon us with distrnsfc The prospecting party I mentioned in a former letter who were about to proceed to the Thames in search of gold, have been advised to remain until the native meeting takes place. It is surmised that an obstruction will be placed in their way. The chief, Taipari, on whose land __ey were to com-

menee work, can be depended on. His projection extends over the western shore of Thames, and I may safely state that he will render them all the assistance in his power. However, a few days will show the animus that is entertained on this subject by the chiefs who are to assemble at Coromandel.

The Goveksob.—lt is reported, on good authority, that it is bis Excellency's intention to leave Auckland for Wellington in about ten days or a fortnight from this date.— Southern Cross, April 18. Native Burial Places. —There are two clearances in our shipping news of to-day which will excite the interest of our readers, as they are connected with certain customs prevailing amongst the Maoris with respect to their dead. It appears that nine years ago a part of the Natives residing near Maketu migrated to Mangawai, and since then have been employed in gum-digging. There were about 300 people, and in the nine years fifty of them —a heavy per centage — died. The tribe lately resolved to return to the Bay of Plenty; and, in accordance with their custom, the remains of their dead were exhumed, carefully put into boxes and sacks, and shipped on board the William and Julia, which, with the Mariwiwi —containing the arms of the tribe, —came into Auckland to obtain a clearance for Maketu. The main body of the Maoris were left at a place in the Firth of the Thames, and the vessels are to call for them on their way to the Bay of Plenty, where the remains are to be laid in their final resting-place. Many instances amongst the Maoris of a like veneration for their dead will doubtless be remembered by old settlers. The body of Maketu, who was hanged in Auckland in 1862, was buried within the prison walls, but ten months afterwards his father begged for his remains, which request was granted. The body was exhumed, and the skeleton was taken to the Bay of Islands for interment. It will be seen that the Natives returning to Maketu possess a considerable quantity of arms and ammunition.— lbid. j