WAIRAKAPA.

Wellington Independent, Volume XX, Issue 22, 17 June 1865, Page 5

WAIRAKAPA.

ATTITUDE OF THE HAUJIATJ FANATICS. (FROII OUIt OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Masteivon, Juno 14. The Nuinalhau meeting, to which I alluded in my last communication, was not attended by Wi Tako. The Iluinuiorangi natives refused to attend, not being desirous of hearing him. Ngairo and a number of his men attended in fighting costume, and armed, contrary to tho instructions of Mr Wardell. As soon as Mr Ward left, the Hau-haus commenced preparing for a campaign in tho valley, and their white ilag, indicating tho practice of their rites, has been Hying at Huimiiorangi and Papawai. Manihora has accepted the new rites and directed his followers to do likewise. Of coiu-se he ia bI ill loyal in his pretensions, but it shows what an absorbing fascination the new religion has over the native mind, in making a convert of Mamhera, who has had long and intimate intercourse -with European society, and writes aud reads English flueutlr. Ngairo state 9 that the Hau-haus will do as they think proper, not being in the least afraid of the Government interfering with them, as they consider the Colonial forces in tho Wairarapa, and especially in Sfasterton, inadequate to cope with their followers or coerce them in any manner ; but there is a good deal of bounce in all tins — the fact is that unless the natives managed to procure a fresh supply of gunpowder they would not be in a position to enter the field against a European force. They have not been sparing in pigeon and duck shooting, added to which their J'eu dejoie and volleys on the occasion of the deaths of distinguished relatives have considerably reduced their supply of ammunition ; they are personally well aware of this, and what they have is retained for defensive and not aggressive purposes ; but with the cunning of semi-savages they use braggadocio with consummate art, and like a merchant on the eve of bankruptcy carry their heads highest when most needing resources. The Maoris have always considered Masterton as their rallying place and fighting rendezvous. It is essentially the key of the Wairarapa, and commands direct communication with Hawke's Bay and Mnnawatu. Ngairo' s pah has been selected as the place of resistance. The greater portion of their best guns are stored there, together with two kegs of gunpowder ; they have also wharea in which then' favorite esculents — potatoes, maize, &c, are stored in large quantites. It is a singular fact that the land which Ngairo occupies for his lrianga has been alienated from the natives and is Government, property. His Honor the Superintendent ia expected to visit tho Wairarapa in a few days. His personal influence will doubtless bo beneficial in arresting fanaticism and deciding vraverers to adopt the right course.