THE CHATHAM ISLAND MAORIES.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 425, 10 December 1868, Page 2

THE CHATHAM ISLAND MAORIES.

"We have already mentioned that a strange story had been received, as to the intention of the Chatham Island Maoris to leave the island and join the rebel Hau-haus. The story is contained in the Otago Daily Times, which says: again reaches us from the Chatham islands. The schooner Eifleman, which arrived at this port yesterday, brings intelligence of apparent disaffection among the Maoris (86 in number) in these Islands. They are said to have provided themselves with arms and ammunition, and to have been engaged in what appeared to be active preparations for war. The barque Collingwood, bound for Taranaki, was to sail shortly after the Rifleman, and would afford an opportunity for the Maoris to carry out their supposed intentions. If they were really animated by hostile feelings, we may shortly expect to hear that they have gratified them. The authorities on the Islands have not hitherto entertained any suspicion of their peacefulness. No grounds for such' suspicions had presented itself since the outbreak on the 4th July last, which terminated in the seizure of the Eifleman and the escape of the Hau-haus ; nor have any steps been taken by the Government to repress insurrection among the Maoris. There is abundance of arms and ammunition on the Islands, but it is very doubtful whether they are placed beyond the reach of rebels, and, should this unpleasant intelligence prove to be well-founded, the ranks of the rebels will receive an addition which, if not formidable, will at least be serious in the present state of affairs."

The New Zealand Advertiser, of November 27, states :—" A letter received from the Chatham Islands, dated November 6, says:—There is a large barque here chartered to take nearly all the natives up to Taranaki; we shall be much pleased to get them' away, as they are anything but desirable neighbors."