(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) September 27.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIX, Issue 1939, 3 October 1863, Page 3

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) September 27.

Last evening the 1 natives came to .warn us that firing had been heard in the direction of the North arm, and this, coupled with the excitement caused by the discovery that one hundred Waikatos had been so near us on the previous night, removing the two cannons from the Horea side of the harbour, put all on the gui vine. Having "heard the cry of "Wolf" so often of late, many of us regarded the report in that light ; others, and those generally the loud talkers, who boasted what they would do when the Maoris did come, now began te show marked signs of fear. One mnja with all his family went on board the 'Abeona,' at present lying in the harbour, the crew of which have been supplied with rifles from the store here ; .and another betook himself to the blockhouse, valiantly hoisting up the drawbridge across the fosse, and securing his own safety. Monday, September 28. It seems that some doubts are thrown on the statement that the party which took away the guns are Waikatos. They are now generally believed to be men of Hakaria's tribe, whose kainga is up the North arm, and last evening news arrived that 200 men are expected to bo down from the Waikato, to "pikau" these guns across the country. If this bo true our danger is now coming, as it is more than probable that so many men close at hand will not leave us unmolested, knowing, as they do, that both guns and ammunition are to be had here, and that our number of defenders is very small. Dr. Harsant who, as the principal Government officer here, has done all lie possibly could to prevent a " panic," and has shown an example of collectcdncss which only a brave man can possess, called a meeting to-day in the blockhouse, to consider what .ire the best steps to be taken if the imminence of the reported attack bo recognised. He also proposed that a sufficient supply of firewood be put inside the blockhouse. Last night an armed watch was kept by the natives — about thirty men turning out on guard, and to clay messengers have bet n dispatched ty their settlements roundabout, calling in all stragglers against the expected attack this evening. Meantime these men have no food, and they are now trying to obtain subscriptions from tho Europeans to purchase flour. It is l-ather unfortunate that at this ciitical juncture there should be such a trial put on their loyalty. We now are reaping the advantage of the "native militia," which some have tried here to "pooh, pooh," and put down. Apropos of giving the Maoris money to purchase flour— the laborer is worthy of his hue. — The Maori has no reason to fear his own colour, and if the Waikatos come they come not to rob natives but Europeans. If it had been the old hereditary foes of Naylor's tribe coming to attack him, would he have looked for assistance from tho Europeans in the same manner that we look for help from him and his tribe ? The ' Abeona' is diopping down the harbour, so I close — in haste.