The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1868.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 395, 5 November 1868, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1868.

. Further news has reached us from Wanganui, and it is quite certain that a startling crisis in the native war, either for good or evil is imminent. The cannibal monster, Tito Kowaru, has now it appears, a force of six hundred men, all well armed and traiued for bush fighting, and the consequence is, that it has been lound necessary to call out the first class militia, who have gone to the front. It is even more than probable, that before now an engagement has taken place, and as the enemy will very largely outnumber the colonial forces, the result will be awaited with no small anxiety. Unfortunately though "first class," the militia are comparatively raw and untrained, their class being derived from their age, and not from any special military experience, or drill. The late successes of the Hau-Haus, have emboldened the waverers to join the rebel standard, and this cannot be regarded with anything else but unmixed satisfaction. The chiefs named in the telegram, were at best but doubtful friends, and the fidelity of the Waitotara natives has for a long time been regarded with distrust, by those best qualified to form an opinion. Col. M'Donnell especially, would have made a wholesome example of this flock very recently, when settlers' sheep were coolly stolen, killed, and eaten almost before his face, but Colonel Haultain'a celebrated proclamation stopped proceedings, and the robbers now laugh at the Minister, and at length have openly avowed their rebel intentions, jand swelled the numbers of the enemy. Another good arising out of Tito Kowaru's recent reinforcements is that he evidently thinks himself now strong enough to wage more open warfare, and the Colonial troops will not have to fight at the disadvantage that they have done hitherto. If, as we have every hope, the present body is defeated, the prestige of our arms will be restored, and it is possible such a lesson may be read to the natives, as they will not readily forget. Be it which way it may, it is better that the crisis has come, and from it we anticipate nothing but eventual good. If by any good fortune the arch-villain, Tito Kowaru, could be captured or is killed, a great blow to the Hau-hau prospects would be dealt, for up to the present time his escaping scatheless, has favored the superstitious belief he has so carefully cherished

amongst his followers, that he is under the special protection of the Divine Being, and is intended to become the regenerator and liberator of his race. A very encouraging item is to hand, in the fact of one hundred and severityfive trained soldiers, discharged from the 65 th aud Waikato regiments, having taken service. This number in proper hands will be worth twice as many undrillcd or undisciplined men. Not that the latter would be less brave or courageous when called into action, but the steadiness of the old soldiers, their thorough acquaintance with bush fighting and Maori tactics, gained in the last war, far counterbalances any amount of untrained gallantry. If this force reached the scene of action in time for Tito Kowaru's attack they will, we venture to say, assist most materially in giving a good account of that scoundrel's following. Their joining just now will be most opportune, and will, we trust, be the means in a great measure of turning the tables on the lately victorious Maories. It is very clear that the Grovernment now need to put out all their strength to even save Wanganui, and every effort should be strained to bring the head of the movement to justice. As to the pretended friendly Waitotaras, a short shrift and a stout rope ought to be their fate, and as to puling longer about mercy to such human wild beasts, surely even the greatest philo-Maoris will not ventnve to say that any punishment can be too deadly or too severe. The issue has been narrowed to extermination on one side or the other, and it cannot be that an Anglo-Saxon Colony will suffer savages to exult even temporarily over its own people. It is certain that the feeling of disaffection, never extinct, has been fanned ')y early successes into a flame of rebellion throughout the whole of the north island, and should the colonists sustain further reverse nearly every tribe in the whole of New Zealand will openly range themselves on the enemy's side. On the contrary, if Tito Kowaru meets with a serious check, or better still be unmistakeably defeated, it will have a pacificatory effect that can hardly be overrated. Now and immediately is the time for a blow to be struck, and fortunately the enemy in the excess of their confidence have at length given an opportunity of attack. AVhether our forces are in sufficient strength to assume the offensive, we are of course at present unaware, but even if they can hold their own against the hostile Maoris that now threaten them till re-inforcements arrive a change for the better in our native relations may be looked for early. The next news from "Wanganui will be looked for Avith great anxiety, and that Tito Kowaru, may have met with at least an instalment of the justice due for his crimes, must be the sincere prayer of all, The Wallabi is due from there, and in all probability will bring startling, and let us trust favorable, intelligence from this disturbed district.