THE NATIVES.

Colonist, Volume III, Issue 295, 17 August 1860, Page 3

THE NATIVES.

Otago.—The Maoris .of Otago have had a visit from one of the Waikato natives, his object being to induce the natives af Otago to join the rebellious natives, to go to the North and assist Wiremu Kingi in his resistance to the Governor. The proceedings .were watched by 'Mr, Baker, the native teacher residing at the Heads. The Waikato did not, we learn, seem to have much influence with theOtagonatives; but theboldness of such an attempt to spread sedition and rebellion, is deserving of notice, as showing the determination of the natives, The emissary has goue on to Moeraki to see the natives there; and we believe it is intended to visit the whole of the native population of this province, to endeavor to stir them up to take an active part in the present war. The local Government has availed itself of Mr. Baker's offer to attend the native conference at Moeraki, so that we may be fully informed of the probable movements of the Maoris—a service for which Mr. Baker's knowledge of the native language and past experience of the habits and feelings of the Maoris well adapts him. We do not apprehend any mischief will arise in Otago from this visit of the Waikato; but to our mind it indicates how wide-spread is the disaffection of a portion of the native population to the rule of her Majesty, and renders it imperative that the Maori king movement should be quashed at all hazards.;

Waikato.—Contradictory accounts reach us from the Waikato—fair and foul. The latter account is from a different part of that district, and of somewhat later date. One correspondent, who is a perfectly reliable authority concerning what goes on within the sphere of his own observation, states that Matutaera (Potatau's son) is determined to tread in his father's footsteps, and that great moderation prevails in the Councils of the Ngaruawahia Runanga at present. They seem to be afraid of being served liked Kawhia, the threat having been as efficacious as the reality. There have been more meetings than one since the death of Potatau; but we are informed only of the result of the first. The occasion was of course a " tangi." The Governor's message to the chiefs at Kohimaram'a was read aloud, and is stated to have had a favorable effect. Two tribes present at that meeting who had hitherto ignored the governor's meeting altogether, authorised their principal chiefs to attend the latter if invited. The flag-staff will not be taken down as it is " tapu," sacred to Potatau's memory. On the other hand we learn but not from a direct source,. that many tribes are contributing their contingents to Wm. King, and that Katipa is] violent. He says that the Governor has threatened to cut down the flag-staff; and that his own (Katipa's) head shall fall before that is done. This intelligence is later than the former. We believe, however, that 700 Waikatos have gone down to join King.— Southern Gross, August 7-

Waipa, July 31,1860. —Two messengers have come up from Taranaki to urge a rising of the Waikatos, to proceed to the scene of action. Report says that the people tip Hangatiki way have consented, and that Hoani Pipita's people, some from Matamata, and some from Waipa, have determined to go South. A meeting is to be held to-morrow at Tangiawhia, to make arrangements for setting up the son of Potatou on the 26th of August, who came up last Friday reports that when he called at Ngaruawhia, they informed him that they were writing'to the Governor, to acquaint him with their purpose respecting Matutarea. Rewi is to be present at the meeting to-morrow, and on Monday he proceeds to Hangatiki, where I purpose meeting him. He still professes to be in favor of peace. Kepe and Wihona are reserved. Pene Tauea asked me to-day what I thought of the prospect of- affairs, and when I had given my opinion he said " When you go, I mean to return to Ngapuhi." I replied that I had no intention of leaving. " No, not at present," was his rejoinder; " but you do not know what may be necessary." When at Marakariki last, William Barton questioned me as to the probability of my leaving, but seemed satisfied when I intimated my intention of remaining at my post until driven away. Anatipa, whom Rewi sent from Kawhia, seems to be one of the leading men in the fray at Waitara. I saw a letter from him last week, giving an account of 100 pakehas killed, of whom they held TO; prisoners taken, 60; togegether with one sword, and two pickaxes.

Mr; Whiteley seems to think they are prepared to do anything, however daring, to which the devil may prompt them. Ngaruawahia people are very much exasperated with the Governor's opening ad-dress.—-New Zeahnder.

Otawhao, August 1, 1860.—There are reports of a movement in Waikato for Taranaki. I saw Hoani Papita and Rewi yesterday, and Hore te Waru to-day; Hoani now sanctions Epiha remaining at Taranaki, and told me that the young men of Ngatihinetu and other tribes would rise and go to Taranaki. That William King, his people, and their land, had all come over to to the Maori King, and therefore they must support King. Hoani and Rewi were on their way to Rangiawhia to see Hori te "Waru. • They had a meeting last night, and in consequence of the strong opposition made by Hori to any movement from Rangiawhia, Hoani gave way, and Ngatihinetu will remain quiet, at least for the present. Other parties will, I fear, go about the end of August, as Wetini and party Paetae and party, some from Hangatiki, Waipa, &c. They are much annoyed at the Govenor's speech at the meeting of the Maori Chiefs, and say that they will not give up their king movement. Our prospects are dark, the clouds are gathering, may God turn aside the storm. Epiha has sent up messengers to ask Paetai and others to join Lhhn.— lbid* —-—

Tamati "Waka'sNbnb.—ln figure and even in face reminding one of sturdy old Colonel Peronnet Thomrjson—known alike as a soldier and a political economist—out trusty ally, Tarnate Waka Nene, claimed the floor of the Council Hall last Friday afternoon [Native Conference], and spoke out his mind to his brother chiefs with a frankness which rather surprised some, but which convinced all present that the speaker was in real earnest. In fact, if anything more than another could tend to confirm the wavering tendencies of other tribes in their loyalty to the Queen's Government, it must have been aroused by the strong, and decisive, and outspoken manner in which Tamate Waka expressed himself on this occasion. Let not the chiefs present merely talk (so ran his talk): let the .peaceful effects of their counsels be made plain to both Queen and Governor. Then, what had led to this conference—what' but the Maori King movement? an evil which could only be remedied by the Queen. To the Queen he had always been loyal, always would be. As for William King's insurrection, it might succeed fora time, but must resulfin failure. They who were now assembled were from various parts of the island: but' to all—whether men of Wanganui, Wairarapa, Wellington, Ahuriri, —to all he said, Be kind to the Europeans, so that you may prosper. If evil days came upon him through the works of these troublesome men, could his wife weave garments for him—ov could they themselves build houses like that in which they were now assembled ? Not so: therefore, if only, lor that reason, he said, Be kind to the Europeans. Were Maoris, also, again to feed upon the roots of the wild convolvulus or fern, or on the pollen of the bulrush ? Not so: therefore, if only foe that reason, he said, Be kind to the Europeans. With respect to the present disturbances, he believe it was not the Governor—who was " still swimming in the open sea" but Waikato that was the source and spring of this evil. Waikato had his desire [the King movement]; Te Rangitaki (Wiremu Kingi) had his desire [to prevent the sale of Teira's land to the Governor, and to make Taranaki a ''pure Maori-land ";] — so had he, Tamate Waka, a desire. Let William King hug his assumed mana as he pleased; let Waikato fancy they had a King; well and good—he, Tamate Waka, had also his desire. [This phrase the old chief repeated at least a dozen times, and each time with increased significance] They could do what they pleased; he would do what he pleased, The Europeans were his—he had adopted them. Let no one say, "Do not let Te Waka go." Had he only just begun to travel to other lands? Not so; he had before been Southward, and it was not his fault that he was not again there. It was said by some that the Governor had done wrong in this business ; but what wrong had he done ? Who sold the land in Taranaki to the Europeans, who but the Taranakis themselves?— New Zealander.