Hawke's Bay Herald. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1868.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 12, Issue 984, 3 October 1868, Page 2

Hawke's Bay Herald. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1868.

The arrival of the Ruahiue from Panama has shewn, what indeed was appreheuded, that the tidal wave which worked so much destruction at the Chathams and which visited nearly every Australian aud New Zealaud port, was indicative of a terrible convulsion of nature. That convulsion proves to have taken place iv the republics of Peru and Ecuador, in South America, the country of the Andes, and to have been appalling beyond description. The maguitude of the convulsion may be inferred from the amazing rapidity with which the earthquake wave swept across the Pacific, and the immense force it exerted after having traversed over 6000 miles. The details to hand are manifestly imperfect. Such as they are, they will be found reprinted in this issue.

The accouuts from Wellington are mournful. While the Legislature, split into two parties, is displaying, night after night, its talking power — while Fox assails the Ministry and Stafford jauiitily replies — a subtle aud powerful enemy is acting, and that with vigour. The Patea district is devastated, and our forces, driven into the township, are almost iv a state of siege there. Titokowharu, flushed with victory, is threatening to cany fire aud sword into other districts, aud Waikato would seem to be ready to join. A more deplorable state of things never existed in JSew Zealaud. What it will cud iv, if our rulers give uo sign of life, no mau can foresee. The results, be they what they may, can not fail to be disastrous to the Colouy.