THE EAST COAST.

Colonist, Volume XII, Issue 1183, 29 January 1869, Page 3

THE EAST COAST.

{From the HawJce's Bay Herald, January 23.) We hare no wish to detract from Colonel Whitmore (who, at least, is always courteous, which is more than can be said of every distinguished officer to be met with) nor (o lessen unduly the importance of the victory gained at Ngatapa by the forces under his command. "We believe, certainly, that the work was pretty well done before Colonel Whitmore'a arrival in Poverty Bay, through the instrumentality of the very men he, or ofc least big satellites, are now given to undervalue —the native allies. But we freely admit that a severe blow was inflicted on the enemy ; and the arrival of the news (vide a complaint in our contemporary) was hailed by us with such rejoicing as may be estimated ;by the prompt exhibition of bunting. • ' '

While admitting that the Hauhaus have been severely punished, we rany be permitted to doubt ■whether the blow inflicted, has been of that crushing character which -would warrant the steps since taken by the Government, such as the total withdrawal of the forces from Poverty Bay, and the sudden abolition of the well-trained, intelligent corps of Captain Weber. Te Kooti is yet in the field ; and : although minus his old men and women, together with a good many braves, we have no doubt he ha* yet a tolerable following of fighting men, all the more dangerous, perhaps, from being divested of encumbrance. This supposition is strengthened by the fact that, amongst the slain at Ngatapa, very few indeed were recognised as'escaped prisoners. Then there is the danger to be apprehended from the TJriwcras under Pairau, who, if the Taupo chiefs are to bo relied upon, are fully bent on joining Te Kooti for the purpose of seeking a bloody retribution for the death of Rangiwhu, and the annihilation of his party. The natives here have received a like intimation, and fully believe it.

It may be, nevertheless, that the, rebellion on the East Coast is stamped out; we hope it will prove so Given the result, and we are envious of n6 officer through whose instrumentality it may be effected. But we trust the Government will not, until at least some time shall have elapsed, permit itself to be. deluded into a security which may prove to be false, . and which may result in the ■ re-enactment, nearer home, of similar-scenes to those exhibited in Poverty Bay. * •

The IlaioJce's Bay Herald of 23rd January, says: —Intelligence reached Kapier yesterday from Wniroa. There is nothing new from that district; but a native letter had been received from Poverty Bay, dated Murewai, 18th instant, containing expressions that would lead to the assumption that Ngatapa had bepn re-occupied by the enemy, or by an enemy of some kind, large fires having been seen on its summit. Though there is nothing improbable in the Hauhaus again entering the district —seeing that it has been so suddenly evacuated by the Colonial forces —yet it is hardly probable that Te Kootuwould again enter the place where so many of his people lie dead.. The. Uriwera, certainly, may have done it but the story s wants confirmation.