The Taranaki Herald. NEW PLYMOUTH, SEPTEMBER 1, 1860.

Taranaki Herald, Volume IX, Issue 422, 1 September 1860, Page 2

The Taranaki Herald. NEW PLYMOUTH, SEPTEMBER 1, 1860.

In reporting the abandonment of the Puketakauere pa, which derives its consequence from the assault made upon it on the 27th June, we can do little more than speculate upon the fact. It is no secret now that an expedition, such as should overpower resistance, was in course of organisation, and the rebels may have forestalled a movement they could not resist. The position of the pa, besides, had been rendered comparatively valueless as a rallying point to the rebels by the two 8 inch guns of H.M.S. Iris, which command the fortification. In another view, the season for planting is at hand, and no taste for war or rapine will induce the natives to neglect the crops on which they depend for their subsistence. This may likewise account for the sudden withdrawal of the southern rebels from their extensive earthworks at Waireka. It must not be imagined however, that all the natives have quitted the district. The forest and main lines of communication with the rural districts are still infested by roving bands who pillage and murder as inclination and opportunity prompt. With this evidence before us that the present change of tactics shows no want of heart in the struggle, it is with no small vexation and concern that we read the language in which Mr Fox and his party refer to the war. We have not yet received the Auckland newspapers from the Bth to the 18th ult., but from those which have come to hand we can gather the tone of the debate in the House of Representatives. Did the opposition only affect the English community, this good might be said of it, that it has elicited patriotic sentiments on the other side of the House of which any cause might be proud. But there is almost the certainty that the rebels will be misled into the notion that they really find countenance in the Assembly. They have something yet to learn of the length their civilised brethren go for political ends, and it will be well for Mr Fox, who broadly asserts that the Native Minister (Mr C. W. Richmond) and the settlers of Taranaki, between them managed to bring about the present war, it will be well, we say, if the consequences of his mischievous mistatements do not overtake him in his own home at Rangitikei. The war may be spread beyond its natural dimensions by such. To ourselves, matters cannot be much worse, yet we are not faint hearted. Friends laid low by foul assassination — ruin around — homes now invaded and families broken up " by authority," — with all these to bear us down and oppress, we can pronounce the quarrel just and holy, and bid the Governor pursue it, at the risk of our own blood may be, to an honourable issue. This is the commentary Taranaki offers to an opposition which takes neither the interests pf the colonists nor of the natives into account, but seeks to attain to political power out of our military disasters, Dr Featherston has no faith in the present men at the head of affairs. The " belt " is open to him, if he can win it, but the public form the ring and will see fair play.

We have been informed that the General's wish that the Royal Mail steamers should make this port the last place of despatch, has been complied with by His Excellency the Governor. The mails will, therefore, leave New Plymouth for Sydney on the 13th of every month, during the continuance of the Native disturbances.