THE ALARM SUBSIDING.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1029, 9 March 1869, Page 3

THE ALARM SUBSIDING.

(From the?' Southern Cross." March 6.) We received the following telegram from our Hamilton correspondent yesterday: — Hamilton, 12.25. Mr. Hetit has just arrived. The natives are in a very excited state in the district between here and Alexandra. Tamati Ngapora has promised to give warning to Europeans ifh&jpossibly com in the event of war. He, however, advises us to &c on ow gua/rd, Tamati does not know the whereabouts of Reihana and his party. The late projected attack on Alexandra is fully confirmed. Other telegrams were also received later in the day stating that the King had sent messengers warning the settlers at Alexandra to be on their guard against Reihana. It is also stated that the King and Tamati Ngapora will do their utmost to prevent the Europeans being surprised. The Waikato natives were much annoyed at the news of the murders at the White Cliffs, and a monster meeting is shortly to be held at Tokangamutu at which matters will be calmly discussed. Tawhiao has also sent a message to the natives who are engaged digging gum at Ngaruawahia to return at once across the aukati. We have received the following letters from our Alexandra and Hamilton corres* AiiEXAnmra, Match 1. Yesterday before daylight Messrs. Rich and Orham, from Ohaupo, arriyed here, bringing the alarming intelligence that we might expect an attack at any moment; that a native had informed them that Reihana, of Maniapoto, had determined to attack this place, with a view to cause a general war m this part of the province. A copy of a letter from Capt. Clare, of t Cambridge, was also sent in by Colonel Mode, containing information received by Messrs. A. Buckland and Walker from a native who had arrived from Patatere, to the effect that a general rising was determinedon. Hakaraia, Kereopa, andßewi (P) were stated to be at the head of the rising. A simultaneous movement was to be made on the various settlements in Waikato for the purpose of killingor driving all pakehas out of the district —Reihana of Maniapoto to attack this place from Te Kopua. I have made every effort to get any information likely to confirm this, but hare not succeeded. About 100 natives of Maniapoto, Ngatimahuta, and other tribes have certainly arrived at Maungainahoe Kopua ostensibly for. the purpose of eel-fishing, but they disclaim any intention of breaking the peace at present existing in this district. They say the decision for peace or war will result at the meeting now being summoned by Rewi, Tawhiao, and party at Tokangamutu, and at which Tikaokao will be present. Already the natives from Kawhia have assembled at that place. If Reihana is with them at Te Kopua it is kept secret. A great deal of uneasiness is or course felt here but as yet no preparations for defence have been made by the officer commanding, with the exception of a reinforcement of ten men of the Armed Constabulary from Hamilton to strengthen the garrison here. March 2. The natives are now in a very excited state,- and are mustering strongly at Tokangamutu for the ensuing meeting. I fancy they are apprehensive as to what steps may be taken by the Governor to revenge the murder of our settlers at the White Cliffs. Hamilton, March 3. As you will receive full particulars concerning the natives now in the neighbourhood of Alexandra from your correspondent at that place, I merely give you an account of the effect the news in this locality. "...- Mr. Searancke, R.M., arrived on Sunday morning from Alexandra, and informed us that he had been unable to hold communication with the King party through his messengers being sent baok, and at the same time cautioning the settlers to be on their guaxd, as from the attitude of the Ngatimaniapoto and corroborative reports from Patatere and other Jjlaces, an attack on the Waikato was ikely. Precautions for our own safety were at once taken by Colonel Moule in case of a surprise. Volunteers were at once sworn in and despatched to Alexandra and Kihikihi. Twenty of the local militia were placed on pay, and commenced on Monday to throw up another redoubt at West Hamilton. The Resident Magistrate sent messengers to Matamata recalling the Tamahere natives, who were in attendance at the Native Land Court, with a view of arming them in case of necessity. The greatest alarm exists up to the time, of writing, all our exposed out-settlers being in town. Mr. Searancke has gone this morning to Alexandra to obtain the result of the great meeting at Tangatamutu. The Native Land Court at Matamata is over, but I have not heard the result.