LATEST FROM TARANAKI.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XX, Issue 1110, 1 July 1863, Page 4

LATEST FROM TARANAKI.

We are indebted to the courtesy of the captain of the Ruby for a copy of the ' Wanganui Chronicle,' June 18, from which we take the following:— The number of natives killed in the late engagement at Paiaka Mahoe is 28. The other Wanganui natives who were at Kaihihi started on hearing the firing to assist their friends but only arrived in time to find the soldiers gone and the whares burning. They were trying to arouse the passions of the natives by circulating reports that the corpses were treated with indignity and that some of the men were burnt alive in the whare. These statements have caused about seventy more of the Wanganui to start for the scene of the conflict pledged to conquer or to die, and a large proportion of the remainder are wavering. It is evident the late prompt measures have had a good effect upon some of the tribes as the Waitotara natives have returned home and one of their tribe writes that they have done so through fear. The Ngatiapa natives have also forbidden the passage of 600 Ngatiraukawa who intended passing Turakina en route for Tataraimaka. Mamaku writes, "I am holding my tribes with both hands, not a man shall go." A reaction has also taken place since Epiha's return, in the views of those lower down the river; and Pelii and several other leading chiefs have despatched a letter to Tataraimaka, peremptorily ordering their people to return forthwith.