CAMP TE AWAMUTU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume I, Issue 264, 16 September 1864, Page 4

CAMP TE AWAMUTU.

[FROM OUK OWN COItHESi'OXDKN'T.] September 11. The past week has been chai aeteritcd by a most unusual dearth of interesting intelligence, insomuch so, thatl have abstained 110111 writing until now, prefering to iemit in the shape of a weekly summary, the small items of news that have transpired. Last Tuesday, information was received at this station to the eflect that thirty men of the Ngatimatakore tribe had come down to Kopua, with the intention of giving up their arms. They expressed n. wish to see Mr. Manneiing, justice of the peace at Whata Whata, and further left it to be understood that they would treat with no one else. Mr. Munnering was accordingly communicated with on the subject, and started for this place as soon as his official duties would permit him, arriving hero to-day (Sunday) just in timo to find that the " birds hud flown," lor the majority of the natives left Kopua yesterday ; it is generally thought, however, that they will return in a short time, and in case their presence should at any time be required, it will not be a matter of great difficulty to ascertain their whereabouts, as thev raid in the ranges at 110 great distance from the abovenamed settlement. There are five of the party who came down still remaining at Kapua, amongst whom is Patena l'outama, tho principal chief of the Ngatimatakore. It will be remembered that this man was taken'prisoner during the fight at Uangawahia, but at the solicitation of Holiia, a native minister, was granted his freedom, whilst his fellow captives were sent to. Auckland to luxuriate on board that goodly barque, the ' Marion.' l'atene, on receiving his " ticket of leave," proceeded, in company with his advocate Holiia, as fur as Mr. Ashwell's station, on the Waikato, where he remained lor a short period ; in due course of time lie obtained permission to pav a visit to Kaglai., on business, and whilst there "he seemed inclined to travel in a still more southerlv direction, and left for Kawhiu, eventually, thinking the opportunity too favourable to be thrown away, he joined his tribe once more. There is little doubt that the motives actuating him in this transaction were of the most praiseworthy description, as I understand that ho has been principally instrumental in inducing theso natives to come to Kopua for the purpose of surrendering. One thing is certain, namely, that lie has condemned the impatience of his tribo in not having awaited Mr. Mannering's arrival, —having set them an example by remaining behind at Kopua to await the issue of the important step which ho lias taken. From indisputable authority, I loam that Mr. Munnering possesses considerable influence with these natives, he being well known to, and high]}- respected by, the entire tribe ; it is to be regretted that his magisterial duties will occupy the whole of his time during his short slay here. 1 understand that he will bo compelled to leave this place on Tuesday, having to be in Auckland during the present week. The whole of the natives appear to entertain an instinctive dread of 1 landing themselves over Ui the military authorities. Why this feeling of distrust should exist, it is impossible for mo to say ; as, whenever natives have 1 given themselves up at this post, they have been 1 treated with most uniform kindness and attention ' both as a matter of duty by tbe authorities, and from pure compassion by the men. 1 expect that thev 1 think over the probable reception we should have : received from them a short time ago, and, to use a • somewhat used-up expression, they " measure our 1 corn by their own bushels." 1

One aftornoon during the week, a small party o£ the garrison at Itangiawahia, whilst out searching* for potatoes, encountered about hali-a-doieo. natives,

who were also out on a foraging expedition. On seeing the approach of the soldiers, tho whole, with tho exception of one man, took to their heels ; the non-fugitive, however, submitted to be quietly taken, and was brought beforo Captain Glcnnclt, commanding that outpost, who, on a closo inspection of tho gentleman, thought it advisable to allow him to return onco more to his native bills, as bo borcdccided traces of extreme antiquity, and moreover -y;ts severely afflicted with a certain cutaneous disease, which is peculiar to tlio Maoii race. JTc was permitted to remain in tho Redoubt for tho night, and having, in the morning, been given a good breakfast, and a few wearables, was informed that ho might malco his exit; this ho did, but not without some show of reluctance.

On Wednesday last, Major Jackson's conipanv of Forest Rangers marched from Ohaupo to Kihi Kihi, where they will bo located on their town aero allotments.

I may mention that the Waikato Minstrels pave an entertainment at the above station on the same evening. The manner in which tho entire programme was performed reflects great credit upon tho members of the company ; every one performed liis part in flio entertainment so well that it would be unjust to individualize. They were rewarded by a larjje attendance and an appreciating audicnco.

Telegraphic communication was opened with Auckland at 12 o'clock to-day; the entire lino having been completed yesterday. Tho tinio occupied in the transmission of a message is five minutes. There is some delay caused in the transmission of message, the battery power not being (sufficiently strong to affect the wire through the entire distance. The consequence of this is, that mes.-ages have to bo received and re-forwarded at two of the intermediate stations on tlie line. Tlie opening of the telegraph will, in many senses, be found a great boon ; the charges for messages aro pretty reasonable. Wc received intelligence of the issue of M'Lcan's trial, at about half-past twelve.

The weather for tlic last ten days has been delight fill, but there is now an appearance of rain.

August ]2. I have been informed this morning that Mr. Mannering has written to the natives at ICopua, informing them that he will pay tlicm a visit in about a fortnight's lime ; the whole of his time whilst here will be engrossed by liis nuigisteiial duticß.