LATEST FROM THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 77, 10 May 1866, Page 2

LATEST FROM THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

The schooner Wild Wave, which arrived ' here this morning from the Chatham Islands after a run of 15 days, brings intelligence to the effect that the whaling barque Catherine, which we some time ago reported as being ashore there, was after very great difficulty got afloat again, but that two days after she was relaunched a heavy gale came on, when she dragged her anchors and went ashore at nearly the same place when she became a total wreck • no lives were lost. At the time the Wild Wave sailed, the Sea Serpent, hence, was lying at the Chathams loading for this port. A redoubt has been built at the Chatham Islands for the safe custody of the Maori prisoners sent from New Zealand. It appears that the Maoris originally living there express great dissatisfaction at the Hau Haus being settled there, and refuse to have any communication with them. There are only one or two who are favourable to them. A great number of the loyal Maoris have signified their intention of leaving tliG plaoe on account of the rebel prisoners being sent there. A great number of intending settlers have lately gone down with the desire of purchasing sheep* runs, but the Maoris refuse to negotiate with them in any way at the prices offered. They seem to entertain very high hopes of obtaining a large price or rent for the lands, without which they will not part vith them. John Alexander, Esq., offered a sum of .£750 for a piece of land about twenty-five miles square, for a twenty years' lease, and he left a deposit of three boxes tobacco (value £120) until he went to Otago and returned with the balance. If on his return the balance is not paid the tobacco is to be forfeited. We understand the Maoris are rather pleased with this bargain. Some of the land requires a great deal of trouble and draining before it is made really valuable, Mr. Alexander (an Ayreshire farmer) hr»s at present leased from the natives a piece of land known as the Naio sheep run, which for perfection of drainage, fencing, &c, can, we believe compare favorably with any station in New Zealand. The prices asked by the natives are heavy : —Bullocks £5 to JE9 per head ; potatoes 30s to £2 per ton ; corn, none to be had ; good sound hacks £5.