OTAKI.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 1957, 15 September 1863, Page 3

OTAKI.

(FROM 0011 OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Otaki, September 1 Ith, 1863, On tho 4tU inst, the Kingilie.-i in this locality, hoisted their flags in commemoration of Malutaera's accession to the Kingship. Deputations from the Ng-Uahuia's and Ngatiawas were present, including Wi Tako, who the day previous was escorted by an armed force preceeded by a color red aud white with a red cross. A day or two before the hoisting of tbe colors, circulars were sent to the English residents informing thera that it was a mere private affair, and that ia consequence they should not be alarmed.

Iv consequence of the boisterous state ofthe weather the ceremony did not take place with such eclat as hitherto; in the evening speeches were made; many advocating the desirability of proceeding at once to Rangitikei to pull down the stockade now in course of erection at that place, otheis were immediately for goiug to Wellington to commence operations, an armed party is now premanently stationed at the flagstaff. A notice has been issued by the King's runanga, cautioning all travellers from proceeding inland at Waikanae and Paikakaraka, the site of the flagstaff, Otaki, after 1 o'clock a.m. Immediately oh receipt of tbe sad intelligence of tbe murder of Mr Rayner at Rangitikei, Tauaihana Te Rauparaha, with his usual alacrity, convened a meeting on Monday, at which the Kingites attended with their armed force, the objdet of the meeting was to ascertain tbe feelings of the natives, Tatnihaua in a most able speech explained to to them the evil that would ensue if they attempted to prevent the murdeier or murderers from being brought tojustice be they maoris, balfcastes or white man. It is gratifying to state that the Kingites fully coincided with him, and they came to the determination of giving up the murderer or murderers as they did not want that name — "murderer"— to attach to them." The following are translations of the circulars alluded to by our correspondent : — Otaki, August 29, 1863. To Davis, European, Fbiend, — Will you shew this letter to the Europeans living at Otaki, Hororohenua, and Manawatu. The Flag will be hoised ou Tainui, on the 4th of September, that is the flag of Pukekaraka ; do not be alarmed and this is a sign of mine for war ; no, understand me ; it is on commemoration of the day upon which our King was appointed ; it is a day of rejoicing. Na Herejiia Tb Tihi.

Waikanae, September 9, 1863. Hearken o people of above, of below, of the middle (i.e., north, south, and middle disticts of the island). This is to proclaim the law of Waikanae and Tainui foibids people travelling after one o'clock. Nothing (i.e. no question) will be asked at that time. The reason for this is that bad people will not be known at night, (i.e. we shall not know wbo are bad people.) This (law) is not for the Natives alone, but for the Europeans also ; the reason for this is that this is a time of war j this does not apply to the beach, but to the road at Arapawa, leading to Wi Tako's residence at Waikanae, and also for the roads Icadiug to the Tainui flag; the mail must not come by those roads at one o'clock. Do not treat these (this) law with contempt. Enough. By the Commissioners ofthe Kingi