OPOTIKI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume II, Issue 1127, 25 June 1867, Page 6

OPOTIKI.

(from otte OIV-V coeeespondent)

May 30. The party ifiiurned this afternoon, having been for another unsuccessful search after the two missing men, but although they well searched the bush in the neighbourhood of where they parted company, not tho slightest sign of European tracks were to be seen. May 31. The usual monthly muster parade of the militia of this district took place this morning, at eleven a.m., on the camp parade ground. There was a very strong muster, and the commanding officer took advantage of the men's presence to read them a letter received from the Colonial Defence Office, respecting the amount of pay to which they are entitled, when called out for service. Besides the year's rations, to which their former services have entitled them as military settlers, they will receive now, when on actual duty, two shillings and sixpence per diem, and one shilling and sixpence per diem in lieu of rations, or rations in kind, as tho case may be. After a few words to the point, respecting the fate of the two missing men, volunteers were called for to enrol their names, for the purpose of proceeding on an expedition—when judged necessary-— to enable theee unfortunate men be released, if

they are prisoners, or to avenge their death Jf should bo found to be the case. This march win p , r ?, ve 1 a ra° 3 t fatiguing and harassing one • but at a 1 ttl the oh J ect b ° gained, no one will maimer •it a little rough travelling. r wil [' of course, see by my previous letters that steps have already been taken to endeavour to ascertain their fate; that a more decided contradictor! will not be required to tho rumours that are going abroad to th 3 effect that no steps at all had been taken, m the matter. The cutter YVhifcby sailed this mornin°*. Some of the men who have been one month on pay have been this day relieved by another partv and proceeded at once to the redoubt at "Waiweka. ' An individual, who claims to be a French Canadian, was this day committed by the Resident Magistrate , *?" r months' imprisonment, with hard labour, for having tri<jd to induce one of the buglers in this camp to desert and join the rebels. This is cot the first time that'he has been a prisoner in this place for having been suspected of having communication n 'ith the Hauhaus ; ansi yet, at the same time, he was taken on in the Tauranga district during the early part of the year, and served as a volunteer on our side during the Eotorua campaign. It is a great pity they could not have served him the same as they served Teter Grant, and let him be made to feel the weight of the lashes upon his back. Three dogs and a watch-fire have been this day reported ai having been seen in the neighbourhood of the Waiweka .Redoubt.