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Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3095, 7 January 1871, Page 2

Although there appears to be no foundation in the report which reached us on the eve of the. New Year regarding the killing of fifty Europeans in the Waikato, it is still possible that the action taken by the Waikato tribes in relation to Todd's murder may eventuate in hostilities. Should such an unfortunate alternative be forced upon us, we have the satisfaction of knowing that fche bulk of fche quondam supporters of fche King party disapprove strongly of the course the latter have seen fit to pursue, and have withdrawn from theirconnection with thosetribes. Weare, therefore, in a better position to deal with the emergency than we havo been since the removal of the Quoen's troops from the colony. The tribes against whom we have recently been fighting, or from whom we might have anticipated trouble, have been rendered helpless. The Urewera, a people who have heretofore shewn themselves most obstinately opposed to us, and who have supported those bands of marauders that have from time to time harassed the East Coast, are now utterly broken ; their chiefs have] surrendered, and their country can no longer harbor within ifcs fastnesses tho desperadoes who formerly made ifc their refuge. The Lower Wanganuis, in consequence of the circumstances connected wifch the outrage alluded to, have expressed their displeasure, and will no longer uphold the King party, and the settlement; of the Manawatu difficulty has aided most materially to remove the feeling of distrust in the minds of the natives which has hitherto operated against vs — indeed, too much importance cannot be attached to a measure which has hitherto been looked upon with so little interest. In the occupation of the Taupo country by our forces, we have established a barrier against any attempt of the enemy to threaten the East; Coasfc. We can check his advance into the Waikato from Cambridge, and by sending a ship of war into Kawhiajjwe cut off his communication with that coast and deprive him of the sea board. Under these circumstances, our operations may be confined within the King country, and we can employ our resources in such a manner as will enable us most effectually to utilize them.