WANGANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 657, 2 July 1864, Page 13

WANGANUI.

[COMSIONICATED.]

June 22nd, 1864. Our little town has again resumed its quiet peaceful look. For this last month, nothing was to be seen except our stouthearted Volunteers and Militia, hurrying hither and thither, armed to the teeth. Comical-looking sights they were (dreised in the long blue smock, and the red blanket rolled digger- fashion, which the Government has supplied them with). With the exception of the Victoria Company, all Volunteers and Militia have beea struck off duty, but are still considered on active service.

The Government have been purchasing any quantity of double-barrelled guns and fowling-pieces, with which? they arm the Queen Natives ; they are first sworn to bear true allegiance to our Majesty the Queen, and then receive arms and ammunition. Each lot, as they are arraedj- proceed up the river to the scene of the. late conflict, where they wait patiently the arrival of the next lot of Rebels. They seem to think it good sport watching for their coming.

The Government are making arrangements to obtain 300 military settlers to occupy the Waitotara Block— some 'fifteen miles from town. This block of land was purchased from the Natives some time ago ; but there appears to have been some objections raised by some Natives who are concerned in it, and who were absent at the time of sale. It is on this land that the Rebels mean to assemble, and in . all probability it will turn out a second Waitara.

Fricker's trial for the murder of Mr Rayner at Rangitiki. has caused a deal of excitement here — the majority, seem to doubt that the verdict is a just,. one. A petition has been got up, and , which, was signed by nearly all the town, praying that the sentence be mitigated. The Pelorus diggings seem to have not turned out as expected. Great things are expected in the spring. The deep-sinking has done pretty well ; but the ; rain prevents them from bottoming throughout. Picton is, at present, full r ' of unlucky diggers, who cannot even raise, the lin ' to pay their passages back, and utterly destitute. I should advise; any one thinking of going there to wa.it for the spring. At present it would.be madness to attempt it.