WAIKATO.

Taranaki Herald, Volume IX, Issue 428, 13 October 1860, Page 3

WAIKATO.

[From the New Zealander, Oct. 10.] We learn with regret that there exists a determination, more or less general, amongst the native tribes of the Upper Waikato to proceed to Taranaki for the purpose of assisting Wiremu Kingi. A considerable number of men have already set out, and others are preparing to follow^ The men of Kawhia ha^/returned, or were preparing to return, to the scene of their former exploits, with an appetite for plun • der sharpened by their recent successful raid. Some uneasiness as to their position is felt by the settlers at Raglan, as well as by William Naylor and the friendly natives of that district. We have been informed that, although a different course of proceeding was advocated by some, the natives have resolved to respect the tapu of the Waikato, and in no way to interfere with the persons or property of the white settlers in~their neighbourhood, so long as they (the settlers) abstain from taking up arms against them. If the quarrel is to be fought out, with aid from Waikato, it is better that Taranaki should be made the battle-field ; but no one can contemplate without sorrow for these misguided people, the consequences of their present proceeding, or picture to himself the disasters which foolish and boastful confidence in their prowess may bring upon them when there. We learn that 300 or 400 Waikatos are en route for Taranaki, but have not heard particulars. About as many moie are shortly expected to follow. Our information is from Rangiawhia. They are said to be under the leadership of Ti Ori Ori, a Native Assessor, of Mongatautari. If this be a fact, and there appears to be good authority for the st itement, the prospect is as disagreeable as well may be. — Southern Cross, Oct. 9.

The gun-boat Caroline — formerly coasting schooner Ruby — built by our enterprising fellow colonist Mr Mucklejohn — which sailed with Government dispatches from Manukau, for New Plymouth, in charge of Mr Hannibal Marks, on Thursday last, has just returned after the quickest trip on record, having been but three days seventeen hours out and home. The Caroline took her departure on Thursday at 10/ a.m., proceeding to sea by the main channel — wind S. by E., a moderate breeze — after a dead beat the whole way, she fetched the New Plymouth anchorage on Sunday at 4 a.m. Having delivered her dispatches, and received on board ten of the Iris' ship's company, she took her departure the same day at 2 p.m., wind still S. by E., but * strong breeze. Passed through the Manukau Headi, by the South channel, on Mondny at daylight.