NEWS FROM THE UPPER THAMES.

Colonist, Volume XIII, Issue 1287, 25 January 1870, Page 3

NEWS FROM THE UPPER THAMES.

Mr. Puckey, Native Commissioner at Shortland, received a letter on Tuesday morning from a native chief at Ohinemuri, which stated that Te Kooti was at Tapapa, near Patetere. It was also stated that the natives at the Upper Thames were exceedingly apprehensive. The following letter was received by a gentleman in Shortland : —"Ohinemuri, January 17, 1870. —1 have to inform you that my daughters, who have come from the interior, have themselves seen Te Kooti at Patetere. I think he is recruiting men to attack Tauranga, or to pay a visit to Ohinemuri, some think to Waikato, and that he will go into tlie plain of Turangamoana, which would put the Europeans between Matamata and Cambridge in danger. The natives of Mataora have all taken up arms to join Te Kooti, to the number of 120 men. Tho force of Te Kooti, with this reinforcement, is estimated afc 500 combatants. Rapata and the Queen natives are under arms here every night, fearing an attack from Te Kooti. I know, from good information, that Te Hira is the cause of what has happened, and this is proved by the great number of his people who have joined Te Kooti. It is certain thafc Te Koofci is preparing to attack some place, but which is nofc known, aud Ohinemuri has need of protection, which would also be a safeguard to Shortland. Notwithstanding, many natives assure me thafc Te Kooti will not show himself at Ohinemuri, as the King had ordered him to remain quiet until a new order. I believe that two or three hundred men going by Ohinemuri to Tauranga would have a great effeot upon the Hauhaus, and would also tend greatly to the opening of the place." It may be the case that Hira is not much grieved that Te Kooti has caused •«oh » flutter amongst the Europeans at QUwawwi,

but he is far to wily too invitp him to come into the district. Indeed, we feel pretty sure that he will do everything to keep him at a distance. TeHira mu3t see that if Te Kooti were at Ohinemuri we would afc once pursue him there with a strong force, and then farewell, to all closing up of the country. That Te Kooti should come down and take up his position afc Ohinemuri is indeed a consummation rather to be desired, but we are afraid it will not be granted to us.