THE WELLINGTON INDEPENDENT Saturday, August 29, 1846.

Wellington Independent, Volume II, Issue 92, 29 August 1846, Page 2

THE WELLINGTON INDEPENDENT Saturday, August 29, 1846.

Since our last, intelligence has been received to the effect that a body of hostile natives from the upper Manawatu and Wanganui have arrived in the Wairarapa, and intend coming down the Hutt Valley, for the purpose of effecting a junction with the rebel chief Rangihaeata and his followers, The strength of the hostile party has been variously stated at from forty-six to two hundred. On receipt of thi3 information, Major Richmond ordered a party of the Town Militia, under the command of Capt. Dorset, Lieut. Ross, and Ensign Hunter, oyer to the Taita, to reinforce that position, and act as occasion required. This morning, we believe, an attempt will be made to bring the eßeray to an account, since the Militia, and a party of friendly natives, accompanied by Major Richmond, proceed to the upper valh-y. A movement from Waikanae will place the enemy between two fires, and we are in hopes .that this .party will meet with a warmer reception than they contemplated.

Some of the natives on the coast state that Rangihaiata has started for the Tarawa mountain at the head of the Hutt valley. Others suppose him to be in the ne ; ghborho >d of O.aki, from whence it is fad he is drawing supplies.

Three women and some children, belonging to Rangihaea a's followers, were tnken prisoners, a few days since, by.the Waikanue natives.

In consequence of the arrival of the; body of hostile- natives in the Wairarapa,; the sutlers have taken refuge with the : resident natives. The Wairarapa maories allowed the others to pass through 'their country, but threatened them with death if-they meddled with the Europeans, 01 with their flocks and herds.

It has been remarked that recent observations upon the state of the roads in this town, and the management ol the prison labour, bear too hardly on the Sheriff, whose duties do not allow-him to give any superintendence of this. And it certainly appears far from a necessary part of the duties of a Sheriff and Police Magistrate, in a district'populousas this is, to contrive and maintain roads. Still the evils'-which' have from lime to time been pointed out, and which a moderate superintendence would avert, are such as-under the saving of expense by not obtaining competent superintendence the reverse of economical.