The Hatibe Rebellion.

New Zealand Herald, Issue 2, 17 November 1863, Page 4

The Hatibe Rebellion.

DRUTiY. [FHOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] November 16th, ISG3. Oil Saturday evening, whilst a private of the name of Jolir, McNeil, of the 18th, was on guard at the bridge at Mr. Ruuciman's, he disappeared mysteriously, and it was immediately reported that the man was drowned. lie was on his beat at the bridge, and was seen at his post at nine o'clock, but in half an hour later, not giving the usual " All's well," it was discovered that he was missing ; his rifle was lying on the bridge as if it had fallen from Irs hands, but no traces could be otherwise seen of hiiriT Tho man had on his great-coat, belt, and pouches, containing some seventy rounds of ammunition, and if he has gone over the side and fallen into the river, which is at any time here over nine i\ et deep, it is not unlikely that the man is drowned. Some have it that lie has deserted. The river was dredged yesterday evening, but it was of no avail; there is a'strong current at the place. 1 lie Natives who were apprehended in the vicinity of \\ aiuku last \\ ednesday were liberated on Friday, hut their arms were not returned to them. This latter act was very prudent, the former one but doubtful. It is certain that all (so railed) friendly Natives are the medium of keeping up the communication between the rebels and Auckland, and all our doings and intentions arc known towards them. Will our wise men still be so slow as not to see the folly of trilling, knowing well how successfully the Natives thwart all means to put an end to hostilities? Surely it would be wise to remove all Natives who profess friendship to some isolated place, where tliey might be supported by supplying them with rations. The Kawau Island would be a very suitable place, and llis Excellency could have them employed to improve his island residence. The voice of the people is altogether against having Mtiories apparently neutral among them ; it is unnatural to place confidence in their '' friendship." If they do us no personal injury, we receive no benefit' from their being among us. From tidings gathered from a party from the Front yesterday evening, the General, it is said, is making preparations to push further into the Waikato country, and we hope to hear of his soon arriving at his Majesty's palace, where he will no doubt deport himself as becoming the Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty's forces in this Colony. A Resident Magistrate's Court was held here to-dav. The weather has improved.