THE WAIKATO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume X, Issue 2906, 22 May 1873, Page 3

THE WAIKATO.

[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Alexandra, May 20. THE VTRITEK'S OWN VIEW OI THE " DIFFICULTY." Everything here is in a state of suspense. That most strange aud mysterious specimen of humanity known as "Pakeha-Maori," is certainly high up in the stirrups, or whether like Tom Hood's uweep on the top of a burning house, he iu " all up," is hard to say. He reads his fate in the event of a fight; ho interprets the Bpirit of the settlers, who to a man, with " clenched teeth " and " bated breath " Bay, " we've had enough of this now, it must be settled." Settlement, as meant by them, is destruction to the PakehaMaori. Hence his increasing untiring efforts to avert the impending storm—riding and running hither and thither with the moat mysterious airs and grimaces. Words he has none ; he dar'nt indulge in them, except when he has been imbibing, but even then there is great caution and reserve. Now, lam bold to say that if the whole race of native officials and Pakeha-Maoris could be transported from all influence with the natives for six months, our troubles would be ended, tho causes of distrust and suspicion, which makes the Maori so cunning and deceitful, would have passed away,—they would again return to that state of openness aud candour of which we have heard and read so much. the determination of the settleks. Throughout Waikato nearly every settler's mind appears to bo made up to one of two things,—either that the Government must go in and make a final settlement, or that they will clear out on the first opportunity. A BLIGHT ON THE PRESENT PROSPECTS OB THE WAIKATO. The Waikato never looked so charming as now. Tho weather unsurpassed, improvements pushing ahead everywhere, and nil white faces contented and happy. Except for this wretched nativo business, thero would have bceu more real progress this year than from the commencement to date. It is most trying for those who have been fighting wilh the wilderness for years to make a home, to bo suddenly paralysed with encertainty and doubt. Fear there is none, except that the Government should be baulked iu their good

intentions by the overpowering influence of those interested in the present state of things, und will not suffer their goose to be killed without a hard struggle. &BEED FOB LAND. —THE PRESUMED REAL CAUSE OF THE DIFFIOCiTJT. I think that the real solution of the present affair ie, the greed for large blocks of land outside the confiscated boundary. This has aromed tho envy of thoso natives who had no land to sell, and finding the King's authority and threats disregarded, resort to murder as the only effectual means of stopping it. A loyal chief, who lost largely by the late war, told me the other day that were the law to require every native's signature who was known to have an interest in the land lold outside the confiscated boundary, before a Crown grant were issued, there would be no more murders. I asked what difference that could make; to which he replied that when a Maori has signed the pukupuku he nover troubles again about it. TUB BLOCK IN WHICH THE MOBDKB WAS COMMITTED. It was known by the agent who sold tho land to Walker and Co. that the murderers of Sullivan had a much larger share than many who signed tho deed ; had the law required the signature of all interested, this horrid murder and all its sad consequences would have been avoided. I am aware that this would have retarded the sale, but fur better that than that tho Waikato should bo thrown back perhaps for years.

THE FEELINO OF THE POSITION. ' Alexandra is awako ! Not terrified, but ready ! Not to be moved from its determination ; but angry and perplexed ! To attack the murdering savages. To defend themselves from them, they are ready. Their blood is up, and they mean all they say. TUB I'OUEST BANGERS.—SNYDEH3 WANTED. A numerous and influential meeting was held on Saturday evening, at the Alexandra Hotel, under tho presidency of the voteran Captain Roes, for the purpose of forming a Forest Rauger Corps of Volunteers, at which upwards of thirty names were given in, many of whom have seen active service here und elsewhere. Captain Boss was elected captain ; Mr. K. D. Hill, iirat-lieulenant, and Mr. Thomas Finch, second-lieutcnant. The merits of the various arms, as supplied to tho forces in New Zealand, were freely discussed ; and, after a protracted discussion, it was agreed that the Government should bo asked to supply the Snyder carbine as the most suitable for tho newly-forming corps, on account of its length and lightness, and, in every respect, the best for bush warfare. It is, therefore, hoped that the Government will listen to the appeal of this thoroughly earnest body of men. THE MITBDEEEE3. Purukutu and his gang of desperadoes were seen and conversed with, on. Saturday, by a Government messenger, between Cambridge and Alexandra. There were eighteen all told. .Rumour had it that he had more than a hundred followers, then sixty, now eighteen. KEWI'S DECISION. A relative of Rewi informed me, last week, that that distinguished porsonage is most anxious to rid hitrißelf of hie Majesty the King and all the Waikatos; and declares that so far as he is concerned, if the pakeha were to knock him down he would not get tip. Should this prove true, there is littlo doubt but that with skill and pluck tho affray will be of short duration. Of course, much will depend on tho efficiency o f the forces wo can supply. Should this bo managed after the style of the East Coast campaign of disgraceful memory, then wo may expect a frightful aacrifico of life and treasure. At all events, wo must hope for tho best and bo prepared for tho worst, and bo liberal in rewarding the deserving. THE GOVERNMENT POPOLAR. The Government, by its re.vara to Mackuy, has won tho praise and respect of many who were not very enthusiastic admirers previously. A private letter from Cambridge, dated 10th iust., has been placed in our hands, from which we glean the following items of news: —" It appears that our Maori friends hero are about to take time by tho forelock, as it iB currently reported that Purukutu and his sympathising brethren are about to erect a pa on Pukekura range. Another is to be erected near the littlo lake between Cambridge and Rangiawhia, in the vicinity of the swamp road leading to the latter place. If the natives are allowed to commence and continue these earthworks unmolested they will undoubtedly command two vary important strategic positions. If the foregoing reports, received from the friendly natives who frequent Cambridge daily, aro to be relied upon, it is to be feared that the Maoris mean nothing less than war to the knife. Canoes, heavily laden witli provisions, &c., may be seen frequently coming up the river, tn route, 110 doubt, to the King country. In the face of these forebodings, I am credibly informed, by a person in authority, that , there is not half-a-dozen serviceable rifles among the Militia in Cambridge. Our Cavalry ! corps have commenced a week's drill to-day." Te A wajiutu, May 20. THE CAVAX.HT PREPARED TO FIGHT. —THE ASTONISHMENT OF THE MAOBI3. —MK. MACKAY, JUN., AND THE KINO. On the 9th instant, our local troop of Volunteers met for their six days' training. Several vacancies had occurred, but were filled up by recruits. The muster-roll now shows seventy for the first day. The horses wero a little unsteady, but soon fell in to their work. On the 10th the troop marched to Alexandra to meet Mr. Mackay. After lunch much interest was shown by the Ngatimaniapoto escort, when " Professor" Ginger, our troop trumpeter, blew a blast to stand to our horses. The several

evolutions performed by the troop were keenly watched by our sable visitors. [Some people are under the impreeaion that the score of Maoris who accompanied Mr. Mackay was an escort, but the fact is, Mr. Mackay's visit was rather sudden, and found his Majesty, '* the King of the Cannibal Island," not very well prepared to entertain him. His last cup and saucer had gone to the wall, and the family teapot was dinged in a family quarrel the day before, so Mr. Mackay kindly consented to select a few articles to set off his Majesty's table, so that in the event of a rupture when the pakehas visit his kaingo, he may not be taken for a common, low Maori.] The troop escorted Mr. Mackay to To Awamutu in ;the afternoon. On Sunday, the 11th, the efficiency of the Volunteers was put to the test, when word came that the Maoris were prowling about Cambridge. 13y ten o'clock fifty men had assembled in heavy marching order, ready to start for any point it was found necessary. The settlers do not feel afraid, but rery much annoyed. A strong patrol is told off nightly to visit all the out-settlers, some of whom had ample lime to study the eclipse of the moon on Monday night, whilst keeping guard near the Moanatuatua swamp. On the 14th, a meeting was held in the Volunteer Hall, to hear the report of the treasurer of the Central Waikato Association. Some £10 was in hand. A vote of thanks was passed to the retiring office-bearers and new officers elected. Mr. Seott, though warmly pressed, declined to take office again. Mujor Jackson (President), Mr. Honderson and Mr. McKay (Vice-Presi-dents), Mr. Mandeno (Treasurer), everybody elected a committee, with power to add. Much dissatisfaction is expressed at the non-fulSl-ment of the mail contract from Hamilton to Alexandra. The contractor receives £150 per annum to run a coach twice a-week ; but he now works the oracle, by Bending a boy ou horseback, at less than half (he expense. The state of the roads can be no excuse, when two horses can take a ton to Hamilton and return the same day.—The racing pony Lanty is riot allowed to rest on bis laurels, as a match of £10 a-side is to come off on the I7th, at Alexandra, between him and Mr. Bertram's Skittles. Lanty is first favourite. Wauda.