Wanganui.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume XIX, Issue 1954, 23 April 1864, Page 4

Wanganui.

(From tho Wanganui Chronicle, April 21.) Reward of Humanity.—On Monday morning all tho troops in the garrison were turned out on parade, to be present at the presentation of two bronze medals, sent by the Humane Society to two men of tho 57th now here, in. acknowledgment, of their bravery in saving two lives from being lost in the river. These men were Private Thomas Carre, who it will l,e remembered saved Mr. Newland’s boy from being drowned in the river in March last year, and Private John Smith, who saved Mrs. Adamson about the same time, at great risk to his own life as the tide was running out with a strong current. Lieiit.-Colonel Logan spoke to them in his usual kindly manner in presenting to them tae medals ; his remarks being also addressed to the men in general, to the effect that the fact of these medals being sent, showed that though far from home they were not forgotten there, where true courage was always appreciated ; and that though in certain circumstances it was an honorable thing for a soldier to take away life, it was still more honorable for him to be the agent in saving it, especially if at the risk of his own. The Natives.—Several rumourshave been current during the =past week in connection with the disaster at Taranaki, in which there is no truth. The only head brought down the coast is that of Captain Lloyd, which was this morning at a pa on the Waitotara some miles up from the sea. The native policemen have done what they can to obtain it peaceably, but without effect. They are ready to bring it by force; but the Magistrates hesitate to sanction such a measure, looking at the probable results. A prophet has risen up among the Maoris’ in this neighbourhood, who is in communication, according to his own account, with the angel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary; both of whom informed him the other evening, that Maungatautari was taken on Saturday by the natives, who had killed 1000 soldiers; and two friendly natives from this neighbourhood, Rio and Kemp; and eaten 19 soldiers’ bodies. He advises that Wanganui should be attacked, and at his instigation the mission ground at Piperiki has been reclaimed. We mention this to shew what absurdities the poor creatures are ready to believe. Ruka, a Ngatiruanui chief, who a few weeks ago, we mentioned as having agreed to surrender himself, on going home for his family, was seized by the Natives, deprived of all his cattle and horses, and is now kept a close prisoner under the care of ten meh.

The “Wanganui.”—We understand tha>the Directors have resolved to run this vessel between Wellington and Manukau, calling at all the intervening ports ; and we are sure that her superior accommodations and fastness will make her the favourite boat for passengers. We are not aware if the fares and rates of freight are to be lowered ; but think that instead of a needless running down of rates in a profitless competition, it would be. well, if the two bodies of directors would agree upon a scale of charges, somewhat lower than the present, but such as would be fair and reasonable. We suppose that the directors of our local Company will apply for the subsidy for the conveyance of the English mail from Wellington, to which, from local as well as other circumstances, they have certainly the best right, as will ho doubt be admitted in the proper quarter, when application is made. We should suppose that a subsidy might also be obtained from the Post-office for the conveyance of provincial mails; but the directors will no doubt have had this matter under consideration. We believe there is every pros- [ ect of the Wanganui getting good freights nor.hwards for some time; and as Messrs. Taylor and Watt give her all their goods from Wellington, and the other storekeepers have also an interest in doing so, full cargoes may be expected thence. We have observed it stated that the Wanganui is exactly similar to the Rangatira. This is not the case, as the former is six inches broader in the beam and draws six inches less water than tlie latter ; and the Wanganui is also fitted out in a superior manner not only as regards what may be called luxurious accommodation for passengers, as respects her sailing appliances! For instance, her steering apparatus is on the newest and most improved plan, and the self regulating action of the screw is an improvement conducing much to steadiness of mo tion.