Untitled

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1469, 6 November 1860, Page 5

[FEOM OUB OTfN 00BBBSP0NDENT.] Taranaki, 23rd. Oct, 1860. The Wonga Wonga goes to Wanganui, and hoping she will catch the overland mau I write a few lines, although I have no movement on our part to communicate to you. The Waikatos are in strong force at Huirangi, and I believe intend to occupy the country. Puketakauere pahasbeenoccupied by the troops, and will be fortified." This is a wise step, and will command the country adjacent to Waitara. The number of the Waikatos at Wi Kingi's are variously stated to be 1200, 1000, and 800. They are quiet ab present, but we expect every day to hear of a move, either to erect pas or to maraud. The latter is most likely. The forces at Waitara were reinforced by upwards of 200 men of the 40th last week, and by 100 of the 65th and 60 of the 40th during the present week. It was reported on Saturday that the Waikato chief Rewi would visit Major Nelson and request him quietly to leave Waitara. The Wonga came up last evening, and up to the time of her departure, Rewi had not made his appearance. I hope Major Nelson will make him a prisoner. The weather is very fine. Yesterday the Waikatos were burning fern and killing pigs at Mangoraka and Waiongana. We shall have war in earnest before long. The natives will, I fear, make it a war of races. They are rushing upon their own destruction, and, however much the peace-at-any-price folk may wish for a conclusion of hostilities, the Natives themselves will not permit it. They have long been preparing to rise against tia, they are now doing so, and they must be put down with a strong

hand. The Victoria is still here. No vessel from Auckland. Mr. Peter F. Hoskin, storekeeper, and one ol the oldest residents in the Province died yesterday. I will write you fully the moment any fresh movement takes place.