[From the Taranaki Herald, March 17.]

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XIX, Issue 23, 21 March 1860, Page 3

[From the Taranaki Herald, March 17.]

The almost monotonous character of the intelligence from the camp during the week was varied yesterday by the unexpected announcement that the natives during the preceding night had erected two stockades, one on the land sold by Te Teira to the Crown between the direct and junction roads leading to the river Waitara, and the other across the former road. It was known for some days that materials for such a purpose were being collected, and taken in conjunction with the return of W. Kingi's emissary to the Waikato and other districts of the island, the erection of these pahs, the existence ofwhichwehave since personally satisfied ourselves, would seem to indicate an expectation of aid from without, even if it has not already arrived. Yesterday they removed the survey pegs and otherwise endeavoured to efface the boundary line of Teira's land. We still cling to our frequently expressed opinion that the natives do not mean fighting — their chancesofsuccessmustseemsmalleven to their biassed minds, and if we set the little gain that can possibly accrue against the almost certain ruin to those who take up arms in a bad cause against the Queen's authority, we need anticipate no extreme consequences from this last movement. On the other hand, the mind is at some loss to conjecture otherwise for the combination and preseverance with which works of the kind, after having been once demolished by, the troops, are again reared in the dead and silence of 'the night, and for the other acts of aggression referred to. A few hours must solve the questiou. For a more detailed account of affairs we refer to the journal of events.

Jottbnal of Events since Saturday, 10th Maech, to the Time oe Publication. Saturday, March 10. — Several native chiefs signed a declaration to the effect that they ewear allegiance to the Queen, and a willingness at all times if called upon by the Governor to take arms in defence of her authority, and to protect the lives and properties of her Majesty's British subjects in Taranaki ; that they will not in any way assist or give information to her enemies. First on the list is Poharama of Moturoa, followed by Mahau, Waka, Ihaia, Wi te Ahoaho, Piripi, Manahi, &c. One of these declara- ! tions has been sent to Omata, and another to Bell Block, and several signatures obtained. - This is an excellent plan, and will separate the loyal from the disloyal natives in our neighbourhood, and render them amenable to the consequences should they at any time break their oath. Permanent passes with Eoyal Arms and V.E. printed on parchment, weregiventoa chosen few who had signedtheirnames to the declaration. Nothing further heard of W. Kingi's movements, and nothing seen of his natives by parties going to and from the camp. They are supposed to be building a strong position somewhere in the neighbourhood of Kairoa. At four, p.m., H.M. S.S. Niger steamed for Manukau, to coal, and bring more troops. His Excellency the Governor visited the Bell and Hua stockade this afternoon.

Sunday. — A muster of Militia and Volunteers paraded as usual this morning at ten, a.m. Monday. — Some town people rode down to Waitara yesterday, and reported that W. Kingi's party were about building another pah on the Devon road. This requires confirmation. Archdeacon Govett returned to-day from Taranaki, where he had been on the Sabbath, and brought a letter from some of the Taranaki natives, asking the Governor to recommend the Tataraimaka settlers to return, and promising to protect them ; that on second thoughts (which are generally best) they would not join W. Kingi against the Governor — eating their own words in fact. There is, however, no dependence to be placed upon these native's. They are evidently frightened into a show of submission, and all they said before as to beginning with Tataraimaka, then Omata, and finishing with the town, was, it seems, " waha," — to U9e a native expression, — namely, " mouth." In a letter written by Tamati Wiremu, to Poharama, mentioned before, they were going to do wonderful things, and nothing but an immediate descent upon the whites was to follow any accession of military strength to the settlement. They see thafc the Government will not be trifled with, but are fully prepared to resist any aggressive movement on the part of the natives. These remarks apply as well to many of the natives residing within the settled districts, who before the arrival of his Excellency were wavering, and, to use a native phrase, had " two hearts :" only Ibaia's and Teira's followers, together with Poluirama and Mahau, were really to be depended upon for loyalty and faithfulness. Had the Governor remained away and no more troops been brought into the settlement, most of the natives generally considered loyal and true, would have fallen out from our ranks and joined the rebels against us. But a strong determination and readiness of purpose on the part of the Government has done wonders. The mounted escort returned this evening from Waitara and reported all quiet. Some of W. Kingi's natives with a flag of truce had applied at the camp on Sunday for permission to inter the body of an old man, the father of Heneri te Whao (Heneriwas the man who led the women in resisting the survey) at their burial ground on the other side of the river, near its mouth. Permission was granted, and the natives (four including Heneri) are described as being very wretched, and sullen, as they would not speak to any they met at the camp. The escort did not see any signs of the pah reported on Sunday about to be erected on the Devon road.

Tuesday. — Militia and Volunteer parades going on as usual. The town is very effectually guarded during the night. Twenty-five men occupy a part of the iron store in Devon street, and poßt sentinels up Currie street and the Carrington road. Another picket is stationed in a building near Captain Bulkeley's residence, who post men at different points from the beach up Dawson street, and by a cross street to the Infant School room, where another picket is stationed. The Barracks, Commissariat, and Harbour boats are similarly guarded. Mounted patrols also ride over the country during the night, and the Niger's blue jackets and marine?, ppsted at different atatipus between Cracroft redoubt and Niger fort, effectually prevent surprise eastward of the town. Several natives in town to day with produce— all with passes. At a late hour this evening a note was received from Waitara stating that a part of the land had been surveyed during the day, and without any signs of opposition, as no natives were seen. The admirable action taken by the Government, the promptness and determination with wliich every thing has been carried out by the Governor and Colonel commanding, seems to have silenced the natives. From this time and for ever the maori in this province can never say anything more about then* " driving us, soldiers and all, into the sea." Maori influence is at an end. What a false and injurious policy was that of former Governors, when natives were succumbed to and actually paid to cease their misbehaviour. It is generally believed that W. Kingi's party are making preparations to build a pah near the Devon line, as several cart loads of timber have been earned to the spot. W. Kingi's brother Matiu left him yesterday, being very " dark " about the troubles, and has gone over to Tamati Tiraurau, Ihaia's brother, at his pah across the river Waitara. Hapurona, chief of Huirangi, a double dealing fellow, has joined W. Kingi, with his party. The authorities have requested the natives living along the Devon line to burn the fern and tutu, iv order to leave the country open to the camp ; a judicious order, as it must in great measure prevent ambusoades along the road. Wednesday.— News arrived in town this evening that the laud had been completely surveyed without

the slightest obstruction ; that not a single native had been seen. We do not know what to make of this— whether W. Kingi's party mean to succumb, or whether they are preparing for some decisive movement shortly— they being no doubfc fully aware that the survey was being proceeded with- There is little doubt that in any case the greater part of Waitara and the adjoining district will fall into the hands of the Government. A valuable country lying comparatively waste, but in our hands will amply repay the trouble, inconvenience, and expense the colony has already been put to. Things certainly are looking brighter, and after all it may prove a bloodless campaign.

Thursday. — The inhabitants last night were startled from their sleep, by the reports of small arms. Several of the Volunteers and Militia turned out under arms ; it seems that some loaded muskets were discharged across the Waiwakaiho, not, however, with the intention to create alarm. From information derived from Natives it is stated that W. Kingi is waiting the return of the Ngatiruanui and Taranaki chiefs at present at Waikato, on a visit to King Potatau. He expects they will return with instructions from his Majesty to assist him in defending his non-selling land policy. But in this he will find himself egregiously mistaken.

Friday. — Some natives from Moturoa, state to-day that Enoka, one of W. Kingi's brothers, arrived yesterday from Port Nicholson; that he had attended several meetings of the Ngatiruanui and Taranaki tribes on his way up, and that they had decided upon joining W. Kingi. So much for the Taranaki address to his Excellency ! Only part of Taranaki, however, at present agree to take part with W. Kingi. It will be perhaps interesting to state that W. Kingi is one of three brothers, children of a great Ngatiawa chief named Reretawhangawhauga — their mother's name Te Kehu. Reretawhangawhanga and Te Kehu had but three children, boys; Wiremu Kingi, Matiu, and Enoka. Enoka arrived at the Ratapihipihi yesterday, and started for W. Kingi's pah this morning through the forest. r J he Ratapihipihi natives, intimately related to Ngatiruanui, should be jealously watched.

An open air meeting of the Taranaki Volunteers after parade this morning to nominate additional officers, the force having increased from 100 to 180 since the recent disturbed state of the province. The result of the meeting, which had the previous sanction of the Governor, will be laid before his Excellency. A report reached town this morning that two stockades wero erected last night by W. Kingi. A correspondent, having considerable experience of natives, proceeded on a tour of inspection, and saya that " during last night a party of W. Kingi's natives erected a strong pah on the south-east corner of the block of land purchased from Teira. It is put up in the form of the letter L, with a double paluede and covered galleries, musket" proof; is capable of containing 150 men, and is at present occupied by about 70, supposed to be under the command of Hapurona and Hare. To-day they set fire to the fern, pulled up all the surveyors' stakes, and endeavoured to erase the boundary line ; in consequence of which Teira set 1 fire to W. Kingi's pah at the entrance of Waitara, which was burnt to the ground. Towards sunset they danced a war dance, and their yelling was distinctly heard at the camp, about a mile from the spot." Considerable reinforcements of men must have reached W. Kingi to have enabled him to build this pah in one night. Whether it is on Teira's, or native land, can make no difference, as the object is clearly to menace Her Majesty's forces stationed at Waitara. Visitors going to the camp will do well to proceed by the beach, as the natives are very much excited, and will certainly prevent their passing the pah. The mounted escort has been detained at the camp, and the remainder is under orders to march. Lieutenant Blake, R.N., with the rocket corps of the naval brigade, and two 24- - pounder howitzers, will proceed to Waitara during the night. The natives will be ordered off the block, and, if they refuse to go, the troops will attack the pah early to-morrow.

Eleven, p.m. — The guns have just passed through the town, and the escort has left for Waitara. Saturday, Nine, a.m. — No news from Waitara.

Late in the night, whilst the harbour boats were busily engaged in taking on board the two howitzers and stores, a vessel appeared in the roadstead and fired several guns and rockets. No boat could be sent off until those engaged were despatched to Waitara on the application of the Commander of the Forces. Lieutenant Blake and several marines and blue jackets accompanied the expedition. The vessel seen was the Airedale, with a detachment of the 65th from Wellington, consisting of 98 non-commissioned officers and men, and the following officers : — Captaiu Turner, Lieutenant Toker, Ensigns Pagan and White. Captain Maii-is, of the Royal Engineers, and three men, have also arrived. The troops were landed early this morning, and have taken up their quarters at Marsland Hill Barracks. D. M'Lean, Esq., and Matene Te Whiwhi, a chief from Otaki, are also passengers by the Airedale.

"Wangaitui.— A correspondent, writing on the 14th instant, says — " The natives here are all quiet, and do not sympathize with W. Kingi."

[From our Correspondent at Waitara.] During the past week the camp has presented a busy scene, large parties having been daily employed in cutting lines and burning the fern in every direction, others in throwing down a portion ot the old entrenchment, and paving the reduced area of the camp. A lofty flagstaff has been erected, and a palisade erected round three sides of the redoubt. Numerous wells have been dug round the swamp, and good water obtained. The friendly natives have brought in supplies of fish, onions, cabbages, and peaches ; and were it not for the insufferable dust, which the slightest breeze raises in clouds, and which penetrates everywhere, powdering one's hair, blinding one's eyes, and peppering one's food, one might fare worse than at Pukekohe. On Wednesday, an assistant surveyor, accompanied by a party of natives, cut the boundaiy line of Teira's block, the troops were at hand to protect them, but not the shadow of an enemy was to be seen. The Provincial Government, in its usual dosy way, delayed the Burvey until Wednesday, and the troops are not indebted to it for meeting with no obstruction. Here wo have beeu for years urging Governors to purohase the Waitara district, months of idle time in the Survey Office have intervened, and when the time of action comes, reliable maps of the district have to be prepared; whereas, under proper management, dozens of copies made by the cadets should have been in the office. The opening of the country by the military lines alone prevented the erection of another stockade and the cutting the boundary line without a skirmish. The escort fire the fern every return trip from Waitara, being ordered to proceed to Waitara, when practicable, by the beach, a most foolish arrangement, by the by, should native hostilities ensue, inasmuch as an ambush at thePuketapupah, in the thick bush, within easy range of high water mark, could cut it off without the force at the Bell blockhouse knowing it j whereas, if a proper look-out be kept from one of the towers at that station, the escort can be kept in view until within a short distance of the camp. It should be borne in mind that Puketapupahhasa direct line of road running from the beach to one of Wiremu Kingi's strongholds (filataitawa) near the Tima. I have omitted to mention the appearance of a paper called the Gore Browne Redoubt Observer; the autbor will be at once recognised by the motto prefixed and his florid diction : as it is intended for publication, the publio will best judge of its peculiar merit. Last evening rumours reaohed the camp that two pahs would be erected during the night, and this morning we hear that the report was not unfounded— two stockades having been put up, one near or across the road, and another larger one near the junction of the Huirangi and Mamaku roads.

New Zealanders in Austria. — The Vienna journals state that two natives of New Zealand have been brought to Austria by the Novara, the frigate which has just made a voyage of circumnavigation, and at their own request they are, after a time, when they know the language, to be placed in the Imperial Printing-office at Vienna.