AUCKLAND.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 1002, 3 May 1871, Page 4

AUCKLAND.

4*. [From a Correspondent of the " Lyttelton Times."] Auckland, April 25. I hear those prisoners who had just surrendered when I last wrote will be transported to Waiheki, an island in Hauraki Gulf. The island is inhabited by Natives who, as far as I can learn, have never been disloyal. They have volunteered to take charge of the prisoners. The latter have been supplied with a couple of old marquees, some seeds, and some spades. I believe they are mainly expected to furnieh themselves with food from the surrounding ocean, which abounds with wholesome fish and a species of eea-weed much used as a comestible by Maoris in similar circumstances. Prominent amongst the prisoners is PaoraToki, a chief of Hawke's Bay, who has been in rebellion for the last six years. In Fraser's fight at Petane, seven miles from Napier, on Oct. 12, 1866, Paora-Toki narrowly escaped capture. On that occasion only five of his band got away, and his wife was shot through both thighs as she fought by her husband's side ; but, terribly wounded as she was, the poor creature rejoined him at WaikareMoana, after crawling by by-paths over a hundred miles of mountains. At the time it was considered an extraordinary feat, and I am glad to record that the old girl is still alive, and faithful to the chequered fortunes of her spouse. He has been a great scoundrel — twice broken his oath of allegiance, and joined Kooti. However, there exists no evidence to show that he ever committed or sonnived at murder. I was informed he ventured to hint at restoration of lands, but was sternly told by the Defence Minister that those . lands were forfeited years ago, and he might deem himself fortunate in not being sent for trial. He is growing an old man now, verging, I should say, on seventy years, and seems consumptive. I think we have nearly heard the last of Paora-Toki, until Natives assemble from all quarters to tangi over his demise — a few weeks, or months hence,as the case may be. Meantime he has bought a tattered Union Jack to demonstrate his thrice-born loyalty, and keeps the emblem constantly flying before his whare. It was generally believed here that after the decision of the Native Lands Court respecting the Aroha block, a fight would ensue between Ngatihaua, the Waikato defeated claimants, and Ngatimaru, the Thames tribe who won. An intelligent Arawa halfcaste told me a week back that Ngatimaru kept messengers who might be despatched up and down the coast at a moment's notice for reinforcements. It has been said Ngatimaru could occupy the Aroha block with a thousand warriors, of course including their allies. It is now stated that Ngatihaua will offer no objection to Ngatimaru taking possession. I think Ngatihaua are afraid. The result appears to be that Ohinemuri will shortly be unlocked, as a majority of Thames Natives desire such a consummation. In connection with this subject, Mr Mackay, junr., late Native Lands Commissioner at the Thames, was recently publicly accused of placing difficulties in the way. That gentleman has written a letter to the Auckland Evening News to explain, but I regret to say the explanation is not considered satisfactory. In fact, Mr Mackay admits that he has been in the habit of offering certain advice to Te Hira, and the general opinion certainly is, that such advice has done much mischief. The official judgment of the Native Lands Court respecting the Aroha block is now published. It is very long, but highly interesting as affording many glimpses of the strange state of things existing among Maoris 40 years ago. In the early part of this month some of the finest-looking Natives I ha?e ever seen arrived here. They came from Mercury Bay, and belonged to the Arawa tribe. They were all armed, and have since proceeded to the Thames to help Ngatimaru in case Ngtihaua show fight. I had many conversations with these Arawas during the fortnight they remained here, with the view of discovering if there is any truth in the statement lately made about the Ngatiwhakane branch of that tribe having made peace with the King party. None of the Arawas I conversed with knew anything about it, and in brief denied that such a peace had been made, or that Ngatiwhakane meditate making peace separate or otherwise. At present, Natives are collecting from many distant points, pre- : vious to holding great meetings at Te Aroha, Piako, and Ohinemuri. The other day a i magnificent war canoe, crowded with Maoris, paddled up the Thames in fine style. . As 1 you will have received details of Ko-' pata's last expedition, I need only relate why it was undertaken. As I understand the facts, a few weeks back information •was;

obtained from a reliable source, that Kooti, in" tKe'Ufewera, was again at the head of 50 men, desperadoes like himself. Only half these men were armed, and Kooti was meditating a sudden swoop on some outlying district to obtain supplies, especially gunpowder and caps. When this news came, Ropata and his men were not, and for some time previously bad not been, employed by Government. The news, in fact, found Ngatiporou harvesting grass seed at Poverty Bay, and earning from 10s to 15s per day each man at that work, which is lucrative while it lasts. Ropata got news of Kooti's movements from the Defence Minister, and wanted to start at once in pursuits but his men demurred. They were earning good wages, and were asked to undertake another dreary bush expedition at the rate of half-a-crown a day per man. The tribe had suffered severely from former expeditions ; the country to be traversed was a trackless waste of mountains clothed with dense bush and tangled scrub, where it was next to impossible to earn the £5000 offered for Kooti; and, in brief, Ngatiporou "couldn't see it." Ropata is a capital Maori orator, but I hear it was only with great difficulty that he succeeded in getting them to go in chase once more. Only a limited number of the best men were taken, and Ropata is of opinion none ot his men ever behaved better than these companions of his latest bush tatta. Unluckily for all concerned, Kooti appears to be as successful in evading his pursuers as Nana Sahib or those Australian bushrangers who have contrived to escape the punishment due to their crimes. It must be a great disappointment to Ropata, who has set his heart on some day catching the cruel murderer of his uncle Raruhe, to suy nothing of the reputation Ropata would gain, or the £5000. It is reported that no more expeditions will be sent in pursuit of Kooti unless he ventures to emerge from the labyrinth in which he lies concealed. Barring the excitement caused by the Caledonian, I never knew Auckland more quiet. Very few idlers are now seen about, and there appears to be something to do for every one willing to labour. Reverting to the Caledonian, magnificent specimens are frequently exhibited. One I have seen weigh "id at least. 2 cwt., and appeared to 1 c nearly solid gold. One gentleman herein ©ly .L » a dividend of £4000, and a shoemi k(jr aviug in Queen street got £1100. I am sorry to say sinister i VTO.O \rs are afloat respecting the action taken fey ,; i'rovincial authorities in the matter o H j Hidden Treasure, and another claim. Lacely, frovincial Gazettes have appeared about midnight, no ying how a certain claim is open for lease. It is argued that as the Provincial Government printers are really not hardly worked, and people are usually in bed at midnight, facilities are designedly afforded for officials to snap up likely claims to the prejudice of the general public. It is only from a strong sense of duty these rumours are referred to by me, but perusal of late Auckland journals will show that an' impression widely prevails that unfair dealing is at work in quarters which it is thought should be above suspicion. Mr Branigan left here for the couth about the Bth inst. For several days before his departure he might be seen walking the streets between two guardians. He was evidently very much recovered, and could conversa quietly and rationally; but was exceedingly restless unless constantly on the move. A plan has been matured for the defence of this harbour. It is simple and cheap, and merely consists in excavating the summits of those mound hills which sentinel the harbour approaches. Some of those hills will not require much excavating, as their tops are extinct craters already hollowed out by Nature. The new mail service has given immense satisfaction, and every one I meet is talking about the arrival of the Nevada on or about the 3rd of next month. The Easter holidays were a great success. All Auckland I think turned out to witness the athletic sports and the pedestrian races, in which the champion runners competed with young men of the city. Lady Bowen was amongst the spectators, and there was some good sport. The Provincial prize firing came off last week. Private Evitt won the gold medal and another prize. Mr Evitt is son to the well known Government armourer, whom southern prize-firing competitors will remember as the obliging elderly gentleman who assisted them to keep their weapons in good order. In republishing a letter from your columns which describes the Kewi-McLean interview, I note the Otago Daily Times, "judging from his writings," is pleased to consider your correspondent " A Government Supporter." If relating simple facts as perspicuously and tersely as he can without fear or favour constitutes a "Government supporter," your correspondent must plead guilty. He is not au fait at inventing sensational or untruthful Maori news, and if facts are obnoxious to the

Otago Daily Times, he respectfully Bubmits it is not his fault, even if they~cbanee~ to tell in favour of the Government or against the Opposition. — :