TARANAKI.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 269, 16 November 1869, Page 2

TARANAKI.

News was brought into town yesterday morning by Mr. C. W. Hursthouse that two natives had been killed by the Ngatiporou somewhere in the Patea district, and that one woman had been captured. The Opuo*ke natives were somewhat excited about it, one of the men killed being a near relation of the wife of Win. King of Umuroa. It is not yet known whether they were south or north of the Waingongoro river, but it is believed that it happened near Mawhitiwhiti, to which place these natives belonged, and which is on this side of the Waingongoro. We are also unaware whether the act is in accordance with the orders given to the Ngatiporou or not, and will abstain from much comment until more is known about it. Thus much however will, we think, be clear to every Taranaki settler, that w© must have war in earnest or peace in earnest, and that to keep up a lingering struggle, a war of petty reprisals ou the borders of settled districts, is a middle course which will certainly not be safest. If we are going to fight Tito Eowaru again we rauat go after him wherever he is, and finish the struggle as quickly as possible. But if both sides are inclined for peace we must clearly define certain boundaries which he must not at present pass, aud let all the natives, both friendly and hostile, understand fully the rule that has been laid down. Unless this is done acts like the present are liable to be looked on as treachery and murder and to alienate many who really wish to be on good terms with us. Just before the above intelligence was received Mr. Parris had a very satisfactory interview with some of the most noisy of the Taranaki natives, at a new kainga called Punui, inland of Mokotunu. The native who was reported to have uttered hostile threats against the Europeans, declared that his anger was agaiust Hone Wharekawa, an old chief of Tatarairaaka. All idea of resorting to violence again against the settlers was altogether disclaimed, and the tone of the speakers, though noisy, was very friendly.