THE NATIVE REBELLION.

Marlborough Express, Volume V, Issue 223, 26 March 1870, Page 5

THE NATIVE REBELLION.

Murder of Thirty Native ‘Women and Children at Opepe. Telegrams in the Colonist from Napier, dated March 17, 1870 say The Star of the South hasarriived. She landed Commissioner Clarke at Tauranga, and brings letters from Clarke confirming the news of an attack on Opepe by Te Kooti. He captured a large number of women and children, and some men. Some women who escaped rep. ft that he butchered about thirty women and children, taking off the younger women with him Te Kooti was last heard of on the 10th. His force was on the ranges opposite Fort Alfred. His camp, after he left, was visited by an Arawa, who reports a considerable force. Te Kooti killed the only son of Marsh, the Arawa chief, who was at Opapi. Kemp had returned to near Opotiki, and he and Topia are reported to be in pursuit of Te Kooti They appear to have received word of the enemy’s movements, and to have returned at once, before reaching Maungatapa. Lieut.-Col. Frazer died at Tauranga, and is buried. Telegrams in the Independent dated March 21 says :—Details have been received of the attack on Opepe,anativesettlement six or eight miles north-east of Opotiki. The first reports are not corroborated, and particulars are not quite clear Only five people appear to have been killed and about fifty taken prisoners. The A raw as, are greatly incensed about young Marsh’s death, and will demand utu. The reported butchery of thirty women and children is not confirmed. Steamers are much wanted to convey the Arawas. Some thinks the occupants of the pa at Opepe are willing prisoners, as many of them are Hauhaus. Col. Fraser died of typhoid fever. There is nothing important from the Thames goldfields- The returns from a few claims are tolerably good. Obinemuri news that the natives are to hold a meeting. The native talk is to eschew the past, make peace, form one family and open Ohinemuri. A deputation of the King and Waikato natives is expected. Major Brown has resigned his seat in the Assembly. A specimen quartz crushing machine is at work in Taranaki. A meeting of neutral and opposed natives has been opened at Pariaka, thirtyfive miles from New Plymouth. The business has not yet commenced, but appearances augur well. A very warm welcome was given to Messrs, Brown and others, and to the friendly natives.