TAUPO.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1034, 26 March 1869, Page 2

TAUPO.

Mr. M'Donald, overseer of Mr. Cox's station, arrived in Napier on Tuesday last. He reported that information had been brought him and the other Europeans there, by a friendly scout, that Te Kooti and his party were at Tauaroa ; after receiving which he did not think it safe to remain. He accordingly removed part of the stock and, drove the sheep to a secluded part of the run, and left. He had shorn 2000 sheep, and was obliged to leave the wool in the shed, Mr. Hellyer intended to accompany him, but was delayed through losing a horse. He purposed, however, to follow immediately. He arrived in i course of yesterday, Further news from Taupo reached town late on "Wednesday evening. Te Kooti had been greatly strengthened from the Uriwera country, including Tamaikoha and many other bloodthirsty scoundrels, and it was generally believed that he intended to I proceed in the direction of Napier. On j the 19th inst., however, the division of Arawas who had been at the sitting of the Native Lands Court at Taupo came up, ! and an engagement ensued. Te Kooti was at once fired upon and driven out of a pah. He took refuge in another, where the division watched him pending the arrival of more Arawa reinforcements. This is so far satisfactory, as upon the result would greatly depend the state of things we must look forward to in this province. The friendly natives, however, are of one mind in believing that an attack will be made upon some part of this district, and that it should be frustrated by an expedition to the Titiokura gorge. They have offered their services for that purpose to Mr. M'Lean, who, however, through the late insane act of the General Government, is powerless to act in this or any other emergency. Te Kooti, at latest date, had not been joined by Ngatimaniapoto, but fears were entertained that he would be further reinforced from the ranks of that tribe.

The Hon. J. C. Richmond. — Our contemporary learns on good authority that the Hon. J. C. Richmond will shortly visit the East Coast. WAlftOA. — The friendly natives of the Wairoa district are alarmed at the near approach to then? settlements of Te Wacu. and his people, who are now known to be on this side of Waikaremoana Lake, and have written to Mr. M'Lean offering to take the field, pay or no pay, if he will .only give the word for them to do so. Education Rate. — On Tuesday, before John Curling Esq., R.M., and H. S. Tiffen Esq., J.P., Mr. William Coleuso appeared to answer a summons for non-payment of £1, rate for one year under the Hawke's Bay Education rate. Mr. Colenso made a long and wordy statement, iu which he maintained that either the rate could not be collected till the end of the year, or that the Act was repugnant to the Constitution Act. The Court reserved its judgment, which it gave next morning to the following effect : — " As to the argument by Mr. Colenso, founded upon the circumstance of the demand for the rate not having been wholly in handwriting, Uils appears too frivolous to be > taken afc a\\ into consideration ,• and there were one or two other points made use of by him that appears to the Court of the same trivial description. But in regard to the arguments he used on the subject of an annual or a yearly rate or rent, this was of importance — the Court being of opinion that such an annual rate would not be due till the expiration of tho year, or in portions till the end of a quarter or a half year, unless some intermediate time had been specially appointed for its payment or collection ; and such a time has been distinctly appointed in this case ; and therefore the Court is of opinion that it is due at that time aud must be paid. Therefore judgment is given for plaintiff, with costs." Mr. Colenso ! thereupon gave notice of appeal. We believe, however, that, under the Resident Magistrate's Act there can be no appeal in a civil action for any sum under £,5.