THE NATIVES.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3057, 14 May 1867, Page 5

THE NATIVES.

Ottb Raglan correspondent sends us some important native news from that district. From a private source, we learn that, on the occasion of Major McDonnells last raid at Rotorua, the Hauhaus were so completely frightened that they dispersed all over the interior, abandoning their pas in every direction. The King and Rewi, who have been anxious to cease fighting, sent a priest amongst the fugitives, telling them to meet them at Hangatiki, and they would give them land if they would settle down there. The natives have been since assembling at Hangatiki, and now number from 700 to 1,000 men. Whether their large numbers will induce them to appeal to arms once more, or whether they will settle down quietly, is a problem time alone will determine. The chances are greatly in favour of peace, as they see that they can make no lasting impression upon the European race. If they settle down at and around Hangatiki, no doubt they will draw a boundary line between the European and Maori territory, and forbid all intercourse. As they will suffer most from this isolation, we can afford to let them have their own way, so long as they remain at peace. No doubt they will gradually relax their rules, and ultimately live on friendly terms with us. At the same time, there is a chance that the more turbulent may succeed in carrying their point, and thatpeacewill be again disturbed. A large native meeting is about to be held at Taupo, in the Thames. Five hunI dred natives have already assembled. We have seen a letter from the East Coast, in which the natives complain bitterly that the Native Lands Court has not been held, and charge the Government with a desire to take their lands from them. In explanation, we may state that the Government, through their agent left by Mr. Richmond, Native Minister, demands the cession of all the flat land at Turanganui ; the Government having no immediate use for the mountains and rough country, the natives will be allowed to keep it untouched. , On the whole, we look upon the aspect ot the native question as better than it was some Wtekg ago.