THE NATIVES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XII, Issue 600, 30 January 1864, Page 2

THE NATIVES.

The information received on Wednesday from Wanganui, that there were large numbers of Maoris assembled in our neighbourhood has been proved to be true — at least as regards our southern side. Yesterday morning over 500 of them were seen to come down from Kaitake to the beach by the Oakura; four of them then came up and standing on the walls of the redoubt fired off their guns and danced a little ; after which the 500 fired two vallies and marched off as if for Tataraimaka. This appearance of departure was properly regarded only as a feint, as others were reported to have been seen near Touet's, and the utmost vigilance. was observed last night round the Town, and at the various outposts — the guards and pickets being strengthened, and in some cases fresh ones put on. The night, however, passed without interruption, nor has anything more been seen of the natives. It is possible that they had only 'arrived at Kaitake the night before, and were returning to Te Tutu, .or wherever else their main plantations are, until a plan of the campaign is decided on.

We are glad to see by a notice from the Provincial Treasurer, published in our advertisinent columus, that the Provincial Go- •

verument k calling in the Debentures issued as part payment of Compensation under the Loan Ordinance, -1863. This is right because the General Assembly decided that these Debentures should be taken up and cancelled, but we are sorry to see that it is intended to send some of them home for sale, which we are afraid may embarrass the General Government in carrying out the decision of the Assembly and place us in a very false position — without giving any advantage in , the least. equivalent.

'*' '■ — :: — * "«• A suspicious character, said to Lave deserted from the 65th Regt. nine years ago, aud by same, we believe, George Pukdon, was apprehended near the Henui, last night. He had come into Town to sell pigs and was about' to return to' Mokau, where he has • hitherto lived among the natives. An jr«Englishman who is on intimate terms with .- .the Ngatimaniapoto just now is a very doubt- , ful friend to his countrymen.

* Election of a Member for the Provincial . Council. — In' adcordaaice'with the Upturning Officer's notice, the voters for the Town District met on Tuesday laat for the purpose of nominating a ' member to serve in the Council in the room of Mr. James Yems resigned. Mr. W. Weston was proposed by Mr. J. C. Sharland, who spoke very highly of Mr. Weston's qualifications, and was seconded by Mr. F. U. Gledhill. Mr. Weston, after saying that he did not consider he deserved the high eulogiums passed npon him, said he would take care to study the interests of his constituents and the Province at large, and would be glad to answer any questions any elector might put to him. Mr. Hulke asked the candidate if, in case he were . returned, he would be in favour of an Executive Council. Mr. Weston replied that it had always been his impression that for the proper working of ' the Government of the Province an Executive was necessary [hear, hear, from Mr. Hulke], and, if returned, he would as early as possible bring forward a motion for the appointment of an Executive. No other candidate having been brought forward, Mr. Weston was declared by the Eetuming Officer to be duly elected. A vote of thanks to the Returning Officer, proposed by Mr. Weston and seconded by Mr. Sharland, terminated the proceedings. Town Boabd Election.— Mr. Jas. Pearce having - been appointed Overseer of Public Works, his seat in the Town Board became vacant, and on Wednesday the ratepayers-met to elect another member in his place. Mr. J. C. Sharland and Mr. W. R. King ■ were proposed and seconded, and a show of hands being in Mr. Sharland's favor, a poll was demanded • by Mr. King, which terminated as follows : — Mr. Sharland 51 Mr. King 7