THE EAST COAST NATIVES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume I, Issue 266, 19 September 1864, Page 5

THE EAST COAST NATIVES.

Fkoji information we have received concerning the Natives ill the neighbourhood of tiie East Cape, it would seem that what wo have always stated, that the Maories along this whole line of coast were something more than mere sympathisers with the rebels in arms, is nothing more than correct. These natives are said to have been taken greatly aback by the Jate brilliant little episode in this miserable war, which occurred at To l\anga. We learn that the news the native mailman from Tauranga brought them at that time, disconcerted 'all their plans. Certainly the news was startling enough to do so, for it was simply this, that (inly two men of the whole Ngaterangi tribe were free, that all were killed except these and four others, the latter being prisoners in the hulk. This certainly was serious news, and the less adventurous of the faithful and dearly beloved subjects of the Queen and the good " Xawana Jteri" determined 011 remaining neutral —until a more favourable opportunity, we suppose. .Many of the young men, however, left after the allair at le Kanga, and at the end of last month twenty more were leavin" under the command of Pratini, of 'J'okoi)uiru.° They were all well aimed, aud they passed inlaiid to avoid the Arawas.

"We believe, however, that there arc some really loyal chiefs in this district, such men, for instance, as. Houkaumare, of Hicks Bay, 2.1 organ, of Wniapu, Henarc Tukuparu, of Mawai, and Pi la, of Omitmuha. These men have stood staunchly to the Queen, and had it not been for them every European about flic East Cape would have had to have left the district, and would have been glad to have escaped with their lives. Of these Morgan is especially worthy of praise. It is a sad thing that of the whole native race the lew good men can be so easily numbered.