TARANAKI.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 1852, 7 April 1863, Page 3

TARANAKI.

Tarana'ai, March 25, 1863. From the uncertainty of our affairs I have waited thus long without writing, but now that they appear culminating- to a point, a detailed history of the occurrences of the last few weeks may not he uninteresting. A short time ago one of our members accompanied the Minister to Auckland aud returned without bringing about any changes in our position. After this a few settlers proceeded to Auckland and used ; 11 their eloquence in a vain endearour to persuade the Government to send down some one to investigate our affairs, which were pictured, as beiugfrom bad internal government, in a fearful slate of confusion ; lastly, the Superintendent himself proceeded to the Seat of Government, carrying with him the Memorial to the Queen, and so far succeeded as to obtain a promise of a visit from Sir George Grey and bis Ministers. So often 3iad we been disappointed that few placed any reliance upon this promise, many believing it -to be merely another ruse for obtaining lime, tut they really did come. About three weeks oigo H.M.S.S. Harriet dropped her anchor and his Excellency und Geueral Cameron lauded ■under the usual salute. Mr. Domett and Mr. Dillon Bell coining on shore by another boat. Of native news but little is known ; as a iifatter of course there are many amusing talcs afloat. One is that Sir G. Grey rode to the South and met some of the Natives, one of whom stepped forward and in a most gentle manly manner trusted that His Excellency would not deem him impertinent, as he was acting only as the mouth piece of the tribe, who wished the Governor every enjoyment, but requested that he would confine the white population within the Town side of the Sugar' Itiaves. The Governor auswered that such a proposition might be entertained, provided the Natives would consent to keep the. other side of the Wairea stream. To this the Native gave a decided negative, he said ihatTalaraimaka was theirs by conquest, and they intended to keep it. Sir G. Grey explained that as Tatarnmaika had been bought and p.iid for, he must have it and .they might as well ask him for the suu and the «qoou as that place. The troops about a fortnight ago marched on to the Waireka, where they have formed a redoubt, the natives quietly retiring before them. For a few nights the Volunteers were placed on duty. Now for a pleasanter piece of information. The Government have sent a proposal to the Council which will einble us to receive the whole of the compensation. We have. already receired the sum of fifty five thousand pounds. The General Government will pay ninety thousand more, provided our Council will become security for fifty thousand. Debentures ure to be issued for the £50,000, bearing an interest of seven per cent. The Airedale has made an intermediate trip and brought down 50 Artillerymen with their hones to act as a mounted corps ; 50 more are expected, and the Harrier is to bring 400 more of the 70ili, 200 of which have already arrived and are on the great South road. On Friday {to-morrow) the troops move ou to Tataraimaku, .if they succeed in obtaining occupation without opposition all fear of further disturbance may be considered at an end. A promise has also been made of soon releasing us from martial law. As to restoring us to our former position ' that time alone can effect. You can scarcely, imagine the position of many of our poor settlers, some of whom are quite ruined ; all their corapeu. sation having been anticipated io order to cxis t and .support tteir families. The Go?erumen t

have brought forward a Bill to enable the Governor to take, on valuation, any land that may be required for military posts, . A few days will decide whether it i.-; to be war or peace, the general opinion is, that all is over, and that the blessing of peace are about to fall to our lot. After an extraordinary dry season tain has at last fallen, ;tn<l the country in consequence is beautiful in the extreme. \V. I. G.