TARANAKI.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 201, 31 July 1862, Page 5

TARANAKI.

" The following," says the Lyttrtton Times*, " is extracted from a private letter. Tin writer is an old settler, and well acquainted with the affairs and position of the polony :—

" ' Events in this province and indeed all over the North Island are clearly indicating that in all human probability we are on the eve of another war ; a-id if it begins ail here know tolerably well what it is likely to be. I believe I can say that the opinion in this place on the subject is nw unanimous, for the very few sanguine believers in Sir G. Grey's cleverness and influence over the natives have abandoned the hope of peace in despair (our clergyman. Mr. liovett, an ardent admirer of Bishop Selwyn among the number). It appears to me that Sir George Gr-v has one of two alternatives, either to light the Maories or abandon the whole North Island to Maori rule, which of course means absolute lawlessness. Practically, the Governor has made no advances whatever in his grand mission of pacification, and we are beginning to think that if he docs not himself hike advantage of some one of the innumerable cases which arc continually presenting themselves for direct offensive measures, the Maories themselves will make some movement which will render collision inevitable. News came into town a few days ago, that W, King's followers at Waitara had sent in word to IVira, Isaiah, and the rest of the friendlies that they forbid the troops from cutting firewood, toi-toi and fern on the frieudly Maori's land, and also, from shoot inn ducks or fishing in the river. We shall see if this is iollowed up, but it looks very like what they call in chess, ' throwing out a pawn.' Of course, the increasing uncertainty of the future ha.', put an end to the few attempts made towards cultivation even in the immediate neighbourhood of the town. Some few who have even ploughed the laud, do not intend to sow the wheat. You will be able to form some sort of judgment from my few remarks how much truth there is in the reports of the Xew Zcalander and other Government organs. They have done their utmost to lull the colony into aYalse security, and wop to their dupfs when the hour of trial comes".1'