POVERTY BAY

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 14, Issue 1131, 1 March 1870, Page 3

POVERTY BAY

[PBOM A CORRESPONDENT.] Turanganui, Feb. 23. The CoOmerang arrived on the 18th, bringing S. Locke, Esq., R.M., and news that Te Kooti had again eluded our forces near near to Tauranga, and was supposed to be making for Mangapowatu or Turanga and Te Wairoa. Mr. Locke was surprised to find that Ropata, with the Ngatiporous, had not arrived here, for the purpose of proceeding on an expedition to intercept Te Kooti. The only constabulary we have in the district, 32 in number, are stationed six miles from Turanganui, at Matawhero, where they have erected a redoubt, with nothing to protect, with the exception of four who are in the blockhouse, supposed to be protecting the ammunition, of which we have rather a large quantity, some 25,000 to 30,000 rounds, but a most imperfect guard is kept. Many of the settlers here thought it would be advisable to occupy the Court-house (which is a large building, already fortified) at nights, but our Major Commanding gave it as his opinion that it was quite unnecessary, and hinted that so long as we were in such a "d d funk," there was no fear. And so we go on ; not a single soul on the look out at night, and most certainly, so sure as Te Kooti comes here, nearly all will be killed without even a faint chance of escape. Mind you, the Court-house is always open, and only occupied by the Dunlop (family, himself, wife, and eight or nine children). To mend the

I matter, the Major Commanding, Acting Sub-Inspector McDonnell commanding the Armed Constabulary, and several others, went out for a fishing excursion in. the schooner Murewai ; they left here on Monday night, the 21st. I think the gallant Major's indifference arises in a great measure from pique, he not having been consulted quite so much as suits his dignity. Indeed he made the remark the other day that, as we did not come out when asked by hi«n to do a patrol, therefore he should throw us overboard. Please bear in mind that he is in the receipt of 235. 6d. per diem, as payment for looking after our protection, and that of the district generally. Up to 12 o'clock, noon, to-day the fishing party have not returned. A messenger from Waiapu arrived this morning. Nothing has yet been seen of the ateamer or Major Ropata up the coast. 24th. The Sturfc arrived this morning at 5.30, Major Ropata, and, I believe, 300 Ngatiporous on board, more following overland, for the expedition to start from here in two or three days after Te Kooti. The Murewai had arrived during the night, so that we have our officers again amongst us. Major Pitt, A.C., has also come in the Sturt, to take command of the Armed Constabulary in this district. Last night we had a patrol, but now, I suppose, we can dispense with it. CVEOM AXOTHER COBBSBPONDKHT.] - On the 18tb inst., Mr. Locke arrived here to organise a force of the Ngatiporou natives to hunt up Te Kooti, but, owing to the dilatoriness of the natives, the Sturt only arrived this morning with 300, who will be at once dispatched on their mission. Until Mr. Locke's arrival, we were in ignorance of Te Kooti having gained the Uriwera country, and feel thankful to the Government for taking such prompt measures for our safety- — at least the bulk of the inhabitants do. I should like to know Mr. Locke's private opinion of the official in charge of the district, who with a few friends proceeded on a fishing excursion (Captain Head having kindly lent the schooner Murewai) to the Ariel reef, which occupied three days, leaving Mr. Locke to arrange matters himself. To say the least it shewed great discourtesy to that gentleman, as well as shewing that pleasure before duty is the motto of the powers that be. Mr. Munro is doing his best to have the surveys of the Defence Force block completed. Turanganui, Feb. 24.