THE EAST COAST NATIVES

New Zealand Herald, Volume I, Issue 276, 30 September 1864, Page 7

THE EAST COAST NATIVES

Fhom information wo have received concerning the Natives in the neighbourhood of the East Cape, it would seem that what wo have always .staled, that the ii'aories along this whole line of coast w ere 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 late brilliant little episode in this miserable war, which occurred at To Eanga. "\Ve 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 only two men of the w hole 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 " Kawana Iveri" determined on remaining neutral—until a more favourable opportunity, we suppose. Many of the young men, however, left after the afiiiir :■(. To iianga, and at the end of last month twont} more 1 were leaving under the command of Pratini, of Tokomiini. They were all well aimed, and they passed inland to avoid the Arawas. AVe believe, however, that there arc some really loyal chiefs in this district, such men, for instance, as Houkaujiiare, of Hicks I3av, Morgan, of AYaiapu, Mennrc Tukuparu, of Mawai, and Pita, of Omamuha. These' men have stood staunchly to the Queen, and had it not been for them every European about the - East Cape would have had to luivc left the district, and Mould have been glad to have escaped with their lives. 01 these Morgan is especially worthy of praise. It is a sad thing that of the whole native race the few good men can be so easily numbered. —September 19.