NATIVE VIEWS

Wanganui Herald, Volume II, Issue 474, 8 December 1868, Page 2

NATIVE VIEWS

Kemp, Wirihana, and some other chiefs were in the town yesterday and expressed to some of the authorities their ideas respecting" the present position of the district and the steps desirable to defend it. they may be summarised as follows: —The town is in no danger, nor likely to be so, and any iortification of it is so unnecessary as to be quite ridiculous. Titokowaru may bounce, but is not likely to attempt an attack on Wanganui, though he may send out scouts to burn a house or two, and cause alarm. If he should enter the district by day, he would be-sure to try to creep down through bosh and ' broken ground: by night he could only come* by a road. He is not fond enough of cavalry to attempt the beach or Imlay's run. The blockhouse by Mr Finnimore's is of no use; it ought to be taken to Trafford's flat. Another .oughtto be built at Mr Baker's, between Woodnll's and Mount Brvce. The shops and public-houses should be closed; a few men left'to guard the town; and the rest

marched out, and employed to watch the Kai Jwi line. The nosition occupied by Col. Kerrick's force is excellent, as they can move any way to meet a threatened attack.

tt is not desirable at present to do more than act steadily on the defensive. If the enemy be left alone, he will fortify himself in his present position. Then muster ail hands, surround, and destroy him.