NATIVE WAR.

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 28, 13 December 1845, Page 2

NATIVE WAR.

We have been favoured witli a translation of a letter from a Native, to the Rev. T. Buddie, giving an account of a recent collision between the tribes of Ngatiteata (Katepa), and Ngatitemaoho (Wetere), on the southern shores of Manukao harbour, about twenty- five miles from Auckland, — which, with other particulars since ascertained, enables us to lay before our readers an account ot the conflict which may be relied upon as correct. This quarrel, which we noticed some numbers back, has been fomenting for months past, and originated in disputes respecting several blocks of land on the Manukao. On Tuesday last, Wetere (or Wesley) sent a party of his men to cut a boundary that should divide the land now in dispute, at a place called Taurangarurn, which having done, were returning to their pah, when Katepa's men pursued and fired upon them — wounding three of their party. The fire was instantly returned — three > chiefs were shot dead on the spot, and several wounded — and then Wesley's messengers returned to their pah. Of the latter party, there were three slightly, and one dangerously wounded ; and of the others, the slain are Te Kuri (a son of Kaihau), Poike (a nephew of Abraham ofWaiuku),Reihana(a young chief of the Ngatipou of Waikato). — Toahaere, another chief, lies dangerously wounded, and several others received slight wounds; It seems that Wesley does not intend any aggressive movement, but to sit quiet at his pah and defend himself against any attack that may be made by the other party. At the commencement of this quarrel, the contending parties being very nearly related to each other, it was only considered in the light of a family squabble — and little doubt was entertained of its amicable termination ; but it is no longer a dispute between relatives — the adherents of each party have been drawn into the contest, bringing with them feelings of a very different character to those which actuated the original disputants ; and as some of those who have fallen in the conflict, are men of rank and extensive connexions, we fear the matter will grow very serious. It is said that Te Wherowhero is likely to be involved in the contest. If so, the principal part of Waikato will follow him — and a breach will be the consequence which may require years to restore. We are no alarmists, but we are much concerned as to the probable results of this outbreak. At present it bears no affinity with subjects affecting our - safety as colonists — but it has been well said that " the beginning of strife is like the letting out of waters"~they may take quite an unexpected course. We have lately heard Natives express the same prospective apprehensions with reference to, these proceedings at Manukao ; and, therefore, we would suggest the propriety of a vigilant attention to the progress of this quarrel ; lest while we are intently engaged in quelling the disturbances at the North, we should be surprised by an unwelcome visit from some of the restless spirits of the South.

Oddfellows — On Thursday a deputation from the Odd-fellows Lodge waited upon the Governor, to present him with an address from that body. After receiving the address, and replying thereto, His Excellency observed, that he would avail himself of the opportunity to state to the Deputation, that it was his duty, however painful, to inform them that the Crown Grant for some land in the Town of Auckland, for the purposes of their Society, as well as others for similarinstitutions, not devoted to religious or educational purposes, would not be isssued. Such grants were perfectly illegal, and it was not in the power of any Governor to confer grants of Crown Land gratuitously under any circumstances whatever.