WAIRARAPA.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXI, Issue 2431, 23 October 1866, Page 5

WAIRARAPA.

ARRIVAL OF COLONEL HAULTAIN. ATTITUDE OP THE NATIVES. (feom otjb own correspondent.) Masterton, 20tli October. As so many letters have appeared in your columns lately, relative to the attitude and su pected intentions of the Wairarapa natives, it is necessary that I, as your own correspondent, should send you information as to tue actual state of affairs. Native news is always doubtful and contradictory. Tlioir movements are so constant from place to place, and as deceit and suspicion regulate their conduct with regard to Europeans, little credence can be placed on anything heard from them. There has been no armed demonstration of Hau Haus passing through Greytown and Masterton as expected. The threat was made, but probably never intended to be put in execution. To-day, in Masterton, every one is telling everybody else that there are 300 armed natives at Huinuiorangi and another pa, only waiting the arrival of 200 more from Waikato or Taranaki to commence operations. The arrival of the Hon. Colonel Haultain has only disposed the settlers to believe that a Wairarapa campaign is imminent, while Major Von Tenipsky's arrival in town is regarded as most opportune, seeing that he would make an excellent commanding officer for the volunteers. Had the Electric Telegraph been in operation between Masterton and Wellington, lest night's telegram would hare been — " War in the Wairarapa expected. Alarming reports about the natives. Colonel Haul tain's arrival beneficial, as shewing that the General Government and Dr. Featherston were taking the necessary precautions." Captain V. Smith sent special messengers round and mustered the greater portion of his company in less than two hours, for inspection, and to try what could be done on an emergency. Sunday afternoon. Colonel Haultain is still in Masterton. Ngatuere, who always is friendly to the Europeans, sent a messenger to the Colonel this morning, intimating that the armed Hau Haus meant to pass through Greytown, but a later message has been received direct from the Hau Haus, in answer to Colonel Haultain's communication — ordering or requesting them not to pass armed— saying that there need be no apprehension of their doing so. The settlers in Greytowa, Carterton, and here are on the qui vive looking earnestly to every passing horseman for information. # The natives will bounce to the last possible moment. The loyal natives say that no danger need be apprehended. But they, rely on the interference of armed Europeans. They also say that no measures of an aggressive nature will be made until spring, when a reinforcement of disaffected natives from other districts may be expected. It is hoped our valley may escape without «ren such a brush with the natives, as the Hawkea' Bay Volunteers tave^ately experienced, the details of which are already known amongst them. There are 30 armednatiyes under We Waka^ and Ngairo ; 50 Taranakia under We Hapi a»d 45 at Tupurupuru, Tuihetuherata, (Mr. McMasters) &c. total 125. The above are drilled and bear double barrelled guns ; a number of others have tkeir spears, tomahawks, and taihas. With such an armed force in their immediate vicinity, it is no wonder that the settlers are un«asy. As Volunteers and fighting for their homes they feel every confidence in themselves, though, regretting that their peacefully progressive district should be disturbed. Powers should be given to commanding officers of Militia companies to call out their men if required. As your correspondent, I have been asked by a number of persons to bring under Government notice the special want of a police constable for Masterton ; there is a loolc-np and every convenience; there^ is a Maori constable detailed to the Resident Magistrate's Court, a very efficient man in his way for serving summonses and placing Mr. Wardell in communication with the natives; but drunken Europeans have a very great disinclination to be taken in custody by a native policeman; they would prefer fighting him. The authorities will add to the peace and comfort of the settlers by appointing one. It is a strange anomaly that in a large township, shortly to become the terminus of an Electric Telegraphic line, a© policeman can be found to stop a drunken disturbance. The last disgraceful scene was two men fighting strpped to their waists, in front of Mr. Bannister's shop, surrounded by an eager crowd.