TARANAKI.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 1, Issue 41, 3 July 1858, Page 2

TARANAKI.

CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES,

(From the Herald, June 12)

Hiaia has abandoned the Waitara. The news is bad but might have been worse, as if not for the aid rendered by "Whanganui and Mokuu, he and all his party, men women and children, would have been sacrificed to the vengeance of the murderous league formed against them. But in their greatest extremity, when hope of seeing them preserved was abandoned, the arrival and skilful manoeuvring of a score of Whanganui natives delivered them from a cruel end, and bailled every subsequent effort of their persevering foes. Later, the Mokaus appeared in the scene, and the result of the united councils was a scheme for taking the enemy unawares, which as regards cleverness and promising success, has no example amongst themselves. The scheme was frustrated by an interference to which Iliaia was always liable and,'therefore, no subsequent attempt of the kind was made. Ultimate dispositions were evidently made with a view to retreat. Ihaia had for some time ceased to reply to the fire directed against him — the women and children were removed to the Mokau encampment — here they were rejoined by the men of the Karaka pa ; and, finally, the Whanganui chief and his small band of followers returned to then* home. The abandoned pas and defences have since been burnt down by the attacking natives. Ihaia's retreat once decided on was delayed by him to give time for attempting some good for the settlers in the way of land. The wonder is it was delayed ; Ihaia has always had to contend with neglect and indifference from the government, and this latterly vexed him more than all his other troubles. We are told by himself that his recent letters to the Governor offei'ing his land for sale remain unanswered. Apart from official discourtesy, the silence stya little for the care of Government for natives or settlers. The truth is, Ihaia's civilisation stands in his way. His advancement has been far too rapid for bis own good. Had he been content to be ,the reverse of what he is, he would have received very different treatment from the government, and might now he a secure dweller in his Waitara home, instead of a fugitive escaping with his bare life.