TARANAKI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume I, Issue 219, 26 July 1864, Page 3

TARANAKI.

[I'ROJt OUli OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

New Plymouth, July 20, ISG-1. Ahoct a fortnight ago it was generally reported that tho forces hero were going to storm Mataitawa, a formidable rebel stronghold, about six miles beyond Sentry Hill, and that General Cameron was coming down with 200 men to follow up tlio wholesome defeat of the insurgents at the Gate pa a few weeks ago; np to the present, however, it has not got beyond talk, and everything remains in a state of miserable inaction, which is telling unfavourably in every possible way, producing inertia amongst our people, giving time for the natives to recover tneir pluck, and holding generally all progressive action in abeyance. I suppose the " powers that be" are doing a littlo in the circumlocution business, meanwhile and politely giving our Maori friends timo to make arrangements to renew the warfare which is costing them so littlo and us so much.

On Wednesday Lust a private of the 70th regiment deliberately shot himself through tlio body; tho wretched man was only 27 years of age. He "effected his purpose by tying a string to the trigger, and with his foot discharging the gun. Some accusation of theft is supposed to havo hern the causo for the fatal act. A coroner's inquest was held on the body on Thursday following, when the jury returned a verdict of " Felo-de-se." In conformity with the law iu suoh cases tho remains were interred between the hours of nine end twelve at night, without Christian rites.

The shooting lor Government prizes commenced this week, and up to tho present Corporal Humphries, quite a youth, holds tho belt, having made 40 points iu the lo shots, viz., 13 at 300 yards, 1-1 at 400 vards, and 13 at .300 yards ; it is thought by no means improbable that Mr. Humphries will obtain tho championship ot New Zealand this year. The returns have not yet arrived from Wanganui, but it is not anticipated that this high score will bo exceeded. On Thursday, a case was tried before J. Flight, I'.sq., R.M., and R., 1 'arris, Ksq., ,T.l\, which is worthy ol mention, as the comjilainaut was one I'itania, a native policeman, who charged William .Smith, a Militiaman, with having struck him. The evidence was oil some minor points conflicting, but the Hunch considered the charge proven, and fined the defendant 205., and 2ls. costs, thus showing Maoris, friendly and unfriendly, that British law is faithfully administered, irrespective of colour or of race, to tlioso who place themselves under its protecting wings.

Jnly 22. On Tiv sduv ovoning last ttie Provincial Council un.'Hi ■mou.-ily passed a voto of thai ilea to tho Governnieiu ami iuluibiLnr.ts of the Province of Nelson for tho great kindness and hospitality shown to tho rolugees hum this province on a recent occasion. 1 learn from reliable authority that William Kintr, wail about 2,1100 natives, are daily expected from J preparations are being- made here tor their l'cccj.xfon, which il is to be iioped will be 01 that character to teach ibem the folly of further lesistance. Many of our firmeis ;:rc jrettinn-ready to return to their various properties, and to make a beginning towards reinstating themselves ; this is a step in the right direction, as nothing can come of any further delay but dissatisfaction and loss. They will have to commence some time or another, and it is beginning to bo admitted on all sides that the sooner now the hotter.