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Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 186, 12 April 1860, Page 2

Two important meetings were held yesterday, in order to ascertain what means of defence we have or can adopt in case of an attack from the hostile natives. The first was held at Putiki in the morning, and was attended by about 300 natives, among whom were representatives of the various Wanganui , tribes for about fifty miles up the river, and of the Waitotara, Rangitikei, andMauawatu natives. Lt. Col. Wyatt, the Resident Magistrate, most of the district magistrates, and more than 100 settlers, among whom were a few ladies, were present. The Rev. Mr. Taylor explained the object of the meeting, which had been called by George King, a Putiki chief, for the purpose of affording an opportunity to the Maories and settlers to express their mutual friendly feeling and their determination to be united in tlie°present unhappy state of affairs. Several chiefs addressed the meeting, and in plain and decided terms gave assurance of their good will, and. their desire that nothing should disturb the amicable relations at present existing. The Jfaitotara natives declared that none of the hostile northern tribes, would be allowed to pass through their territory, and that they would protect, the out settlers against any violence that might be threatened from any quarter. A solemn agreement was entered into according to a. native, custom, that the Queen’s authority should be upheld by all the tribes represented at the meeting. Some discussion arose on the question of the settler# taking precautionary measures for their own defence. The Waitotara- natives objected most strenuously to any stockades being erected on their side for refuge to the out settlers, asthey said these settlers were perfectly sate under their protection—and the natives in general seemed to be opposed to the civilians taking arms either in town or country. “ Rely on us,” they said, “ we shall defend you. Treat us as loyaL subjects, and give us powder as usual to shoot pigeons.” This discussion ended in nothing, and Lt. Col. Wyatt shortly addressed the assembly, exhorting all to loyalty and union. The meeting, which lasted nearly three hours, "was concluded by three hearty cheers for the Queen. The meeting in the evening was called by the following advertisement: — “WE the Undersigned considering that it is necessary that some- measures should be adopted for the better protection of the Town and the Outsettlers in case of need, do hereby call a Public Meeting at the /Jutland Hotel, This Evening, Tuesday, the .10th inst.,, at Seven o’Clock, p.m,, for the purpose of taking the same into consideration, . The Resident Magistrate is invited toattend.”

It was held in the Boyal Military Theatre, which was crowded. Thos. Powell, Esq. was called to the chair, and explainod tlie object of the meeting. In reply to a question from Mr. Broughton, Major Durie said that he had received from Mr. McLean, as the Governor’s agent, two communications in regard to his procedure in present circumstances, which lie would read to the meeting. The substance of them was, that care should be taken not to irritate any of the natives; that they should be treated in a conciliatory manner, but that vigilance was necessary to guard against any surprise from the northern tribes defeated at Taranaki on the 28th March, as it was possible they might go south ; and that it was illegal to sell merchandize of any kind to the Ngatiruanui natives. Major Zlurie further stated, that he had received only 100 muskets and 30 carbines for the use of the civilians, and that on his own authority he would furnish arms to out settlers who applied for them. On the request of Mr.- Gudgeon, Mr. Deighton stated, his impression of the feelings of the neighbouring tribes, as expressed at the Putiki meeting in the morning, was favourable. They had, in the most solemn manner their customs admitted of, pledged their fealty to the Queen, and he entertained no doubt as to their sincerity. He did not think that those at Waitara had any objection to a stockade in their neighbourhood, provided it was not occupied by the military, whose- presence they were afraid would irritate tlie northern tribes and induce an attack from. them. Neither did lie see that the natives would take alarm at those in the town being armed, provided; that it was done quietly and prudently. Several gentlemen then addressed the meeting, urging that immediate measures should be taken for the defence of the settlement. The following resolution was then moved by Dr. Tuke, secouded by Mr. Soulby, and carried unanimously. “ That Major Durie be requested to servo out the arms at his disposal, and apply for more, and give every assistance to settlers in.

learning the use of them, and in taking pre- ; cautionary measures for public safety.” 1 Mr. Speed proposed, and Mr, Morgan se- i : comle<l, die next resolution, which was also i 'carried unanimously, namely- ; “ That it is the opinion'of this meeting that i Major Durie should be requested to solicit I persons having arms and ammunition of any ' kind in their possession, to jo id a registry of | the same to him to-morrow, so as to enable 1 him judiciously to dispose of those in his pos- i session.” Sir. 11. Ross, in an energetic and effective i speech supported this resolution, beseeching : every one, as it affected not their interest : only, but their honour, to give the necessary information ; and observing that he hoped no gentleman who had firearms; would bo found ' unwilling to give his personal services. A resolution was then moved that a volunteer corps should be organized, to guard the ; town (luring the night. , An amendment was proposed by Mr'. Shield seconded by Mr. Soulbv, and carried unanimously, “ That a Vigilance Committee be appointed to concert such measures as may be necessary for the protection of the Town and District, and that such Committee put itself in communication with the Resident Magistrate, for. his sanction to any measures they may deem it necessary to adopt/’ The following gentlemen were elected as the Vigilance Committee: Dr. Tube, Messrs. George Roberts, H. Ross, S. Curtis, W. Kells, T. B. Taylor, W. Hylton, John Nixon, E. Lewis, J. Treweek, J. M.

Richards, W. Small, and E. Deighton. It was then proposed by Mr. G. Roberts, seconded by Mr. Lewis, and carried—

“ That a Town Patrol be established, and that sueli Patrol shall consist of such numbers of men as may be deemed necessary, to be chosen from the Militia List, excluding the. country members; and that this meeting pledges itself to serve as such when called upon by the Besident Magistrate.” Mr. Boss moved a vote of thanks to the chairman far his kind and able assistance, and the cordial response to tins motion being briefly acknowledged by Mr. Powell, the meeting separated.