[Per Press Agency.) AUCKLAND. 13th January.

Evening Post, Volume XVII, Issue 319, 14 January 1879, Page 2

[Per Press Agency.) AUCKLAND. 13th January.

At Hokianga, Te Whaka, who was convicted some years ago of killing' a native here, but whose sentence was commuted to penal servitude, is at the head of fifty natives, and basseized Point Mutuwera, where the natives are firing volleys of ball cartridges, and burning off the scrub. Endeavors are being made to sottlo the dispute amicably. A petition is being forwarded to tbe Governor, praying him to commute the sentence of nine months' imprisonment passed on English for wounding a native at Opotiki. William Serral, who recently met with an accident on board tbe steamer Taiaroa, died to-day from his injuries An exciting scene occurred on board the James Wisbart as sho was coming down the | JBngiish Chaunel on her' way to Auckland. •'A' terrific sea broke over the vessel and did considerable damage. Amongst other things it broke into one of the deck-houses, where a quantity of gasoline and ammunition was stored. The concussion caused an explosion, and a man named James Henderson was injured. The sea washed away a portion of the ignited substance, aid the captain tbrew the remainder overboard, the others not daring to touch it. This action probably saved the ship and the lives of those on board.