NATIVE INTELLIGENCE.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1111, 21 December 1869, Page 2

NATIVE INTELLIGENCE.

From Auckland we hear tbat Mr. M'Lean has returned from the Thames. Te Hira, the opponent to opening the Ohinemuri to the diggers, had desired an interview with Mr. M'Lean, and a meeting was accordingly held afc Ohinemuri, Te Hira still refuses to open bis land for digging, bufc his following is largely reduced, and probably Ohinemuri will be opened at no very distant date.

Mr. M'Lean was waiting the arrival of ;he Sturt to take him to the North.

From Waikato we learn that the Maori King had sent a messenger to Kooti and Kereopa, directing them to remain quiet ; to which they replied by directing Aporo, the messenger, to inform the King that they did not recognise him or his laws, and intended to make laws for themselves, and for that purpose were intending to go to Tokangamutu. This message Tawhiao received when on his road to Mokau ; he returned at once to Tokangamutu, and sent out messengers to collect his forces, evidently fearing a visit from Te Kooti.

From Wanganui River, Mr. Ormond has heard up to the 18th. Topia and Kemp's war party, fully 600 strong, were detained at TJtupu by a heavy flood in the Wanganui River, and as the road there is the river bed, they were prevented from getting on. They were to start again for Tuhua this morning. Topini's having joined Te Kooti is said to be confirmed, and will considerably strengthen his force.

News from Taupo to the 18 th has also been received. The weather for days had been most severe,; constant rain and all the rivers and creeks flooded. The inclemency of the season has increased throughout the great difficulties of the Taupo operations, and particularly the delay caused by the weather to transport arrangements. Both Colonel M'Donnell and Major Roberts, with their respective forces, are occupying positions from which they hope to be able to cut off Kooti's retreat, and keep him from escaping until the Wanjranuis can come up; but the whole of the arrangements have been delayed by the state of the roads and the weather, and ifc is not likely anything can be effected until about the end of the present week.

Dr. Hector had reached Tauranga, the point whence Henare Tomoana's engagement took place, and was there weatherbound according to latest advices. He fears the weather and high state of the creeks will prevent him doing what he wished afc Kaimanawa.