PEACE IN THE THAMES DISTRICT.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 172, 29 April 1864, Page 4

PEACE IN THE THAMES DISTRICT.

H.M.S.S. ‘Esk,’ with the rebel cutter ‘Snowflake ’ in tow, arrived in Auckland harbour at noon yesterday, from the Hauraki Gulf. She brings the following intelligence:— The whole of the natives of the Thames district who have been fighting against the Government, have surrendered their arms. The total quantity handed over up to this date consists of 36 guns, 4 or 5 spears, 3 tomahawks, 13 cartouch boxes, and 125 rounds of ammunition. The cutter ‘ Snowflake,’ which made herself so very useful at the beginning of the war by carrying supplies to the Ngatihaua, Waikato, when encamped at Pukorokoro (Miranda Redoubt) was delivered over to Mr. Mackay by the natives of Kauaeranga. The natives residing on the shores of the Hauraki Gulf and in the valley of the Thames have agreed to accept a European Magistrate. The influential chiefs Haora TTpa, Rawiri te Ua, Tauewha, Moananui, Hauauru, and Waka accompanied Mr. Mackay, the Assistant Native Secretary, to Auckland, in the‘Esk,’ for the purpose of paying their respects to his Excellency the Governor, and repeating the promises of loyalty which they have previously made at the various meetings at which Mackay presided. The visit of these chiefs at this juncture cannot be looked on otherwise than as an important step, as, according to native ideas of peace-making, they have placed themselves in the position of conquered enemies. On the 10th April, the schooner ‘ George,’ from Auckland, bound for the Thames, was seized and taken alongside of H.M.S. ‘Esk,’ for infringing the terms of the blockade, by having more cargo on board than she was entitled to carry by her Customs’ clearance. Goods suited for Maori trade, and exceeding £IOO in value, were found concealed in casks reported to bo “empty.” Captain Hamilton confiscated the whole of the illegal cargo, but permitted her to proceed on her voyage. A meeting was held at Coromandel on the 18th instant, at which Captain Hamilton, several of

the officers of H.M.S. ‘Esk,’ Mr. Mackay, R.M., Mr Lawlor, R.M., about 150 natives, and 50 Europeans were present. The proceedings were commenced by Mr. Meobay explaining the object of his visit. Several natives addressed the meeting, and made- very loyal speeches. About ten who had joined in the rebellion surrendered their ann% and subscribed declarations of allegiance.