LETTER FROM TOE LATE REV. JOHN WHITELEY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 971, 30 March 1870, Page 6 (Supplement)

LETTER FROM TOE LATE REV. JOHN WHITELEY.

The following is a copy of a letter written by the lato Rev. John Whiccley about three mouths previous to his murder, and which was laid on tho table, without any remarks, by the Provincial Secretary on February 23, in reply to Mr. Gledhiirs motion :—: —

Auckland, November 17, IS6S. My Dear Sir, — I am sorry I cannot return by this steamer, but shall do so by the very next opportunity. You will learn by this mail of the horrible doings of the Hauhaus at Poverty Bay. lam anxious about onr settlers at Taranaki, not that I am aware of any connection between the natives of the two places beyond that of Hauhauisrn and the spirit of rebellion, but what has taken place at Poverty Bay may take placo for ought we can see at any other place. Mr. Duller tells mo that he has just seen Bishop Williams, who says the natives gave warning of this sometime ago, and it has occurred to me that Tauiati Teito may perhaps say he gave us warning at the meeting at Mahoetahi. Tho friendly natives talked him over into a withdrawal of his warning or threat, or whatever it might be called, but he went back to his own place, and may there, in company with others of like spirit with himself, coucoct fresh schemes of mischief, and the successes of Tito Kowaru at Patea, in connexion with the diabolical doings of Kooti and his mob on the East Coast, may encourage Teito to attempt something by which ho also may obtain popularity. One thingis certain — the natives from whom the confiscated lands have been taken, are standing aloof from us. They maintain a position of sullen unapproachableness. There has been no formal making of peace, no " houhanga rongo." They stand aloof from this because they have a pretty universal opinion or superstitious notion that if they were ypihitia te rongo — brealc or violate the bond of peace — disaster to themselves would sure to be the result, so that they appear to be holding themselves aloof from making peace for the very purpose of being at liberty (in accordance with theirsuperstitions), to make war upon us whenever ie might suit their convenience, and at any time they may tako it into their head that their Hauhau god, who brought the prisoners safely from the Chathams, who has hitherto prevented their re-capture, who has given them success in the late horrible massacre, and who has favored Tito Kowaru with such surprising success, now calls upon them to do something of the same character. But I must hasten to conclude. I enclose a note for Mr. Parris ; if he is still at Patea, please read and forward it to him. I think, and others think, the Governor, with or without the consent of his Ministers, should send for every available soldier from the other colonies, and, by a strong hand, put down this horrid rebellion. And, in the meantime, lot all our local force bo employed io the defence of our out-settlers. I fear the rebels mean to get back their lands if possible, and are only waiting their chance. And why should not the Maori King be required to do his part, or be held responsible for his people ? Say to him "you are a King ; we did not put you in that position. Your people did ; keep these people in order, or we will make war upon you as their respousible head, and serve you as we served Theodore of Abyssinia. Pardon haste — the mail closes. J. WIHTELEY. His Honor H. R. Richmond, Esq., Superintendent, Taranaki.