THE WAR AT ROTORUA AND TAURANGA.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 11, Issue 839, 30 March 1867, Page 3

THE WAR AT ROTORUA AND TAURANGA.

|Prom the speoial reporter of the 'Southern oros3.'] Te Papa, Tauranga, March 16. Major St. John* who left with Mr. Clarke yesterday for Rotorua, returned again last night, having gone no further than Rotoiti. He states that the Hau Haus have received large reinforcements, and are besieging the pas at. Ohinemutu. They have destroyed all the cultivations and crops of the Ngatiwhakaue, and shot all their ■ cattle and horses, — indeed, have done afc Rotorua precisely what the Arawas did in the Tauranga district. Of course tbis news created great stir in the Arawa force still here. They have marched in this morning to Te Papa, and will leave in the afternoon for Maketu. There are only about 100 of the Waikatos here on pay who can bo taken oufc of the district : these will be required to garrison Te Papa, as the 12fch Regiment are leaving. Never was tbe country in greater difficulties, and I should like to see a better man than Colonel Haultain at the helm. He is distrusted by everybody. Could not some attempt be made to settle the matter without fighting, by endeavouring fairly to ascertain what the natives want ? There is more urgent occasion now for Sir George Grey to come to Rotorua than ever before. The Rev. Mr. Spencer has come in from his station at Tarawera, deeming it unsafe to remain any longer. Mr. Johnston, a settler on the Wairoa, a few miles above Judea ford, has removed his family and effects. Several of the natives who have up to this time been living quietly on the Wairoa have gone over to the Hau Haus.