THE OPENING OF THE OHIINEMURI.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 428, 25 May 1871, Page 2

THE OPENING OF THE OHIINEMURI.

EEPORTED ARRIVAL OF THE WAIKATOS AT WAIRAKAU.

A TALK OF A FIGHT. [FROM OtTR SPECIAL COMMISSIONEB.] Te Hira's, Ohinemuri, May 22,1871. A. ek»obt was current here ou Friday and Saturday that the Ngatihaua had arrived at Wairakau, the camp of the Ngatimaru and Ngatitainatera at Wairakau, to take possession of the land, and, if necessary, fight for its possession. To ascertain how far this report was true, Mr. Mackay, left here on horseback on Saturday evening late ; I write this at noon on Monday, but he has not since returned. I believe the whole thiag is a piece of bosh; the Maoris have no stomach for fighting; both sides will talk and bounce; if the Government will feed them they will be fed ; and they will laugh at the beards of the pakeha. There is so much moonshine going on that I am really 'a?hamecl to write it. If I were to attempt to til you even half the truth, you would most likely have a small half-dozen actions for libel; and I should probably bo an involuntary guest of Captain Eyre. There is now an aukati line on the road towards Tauranga. Jhe mail is not to pass. Te Hira was told tliafc the mail had been sent through. His answer was: " Well, the Government may send it through ; but that is a shabby way. If they want to get it through, let them send it openly." I feel as if L.fchought something like the old nmu. To be afraid to serve a warrant for cattle stealing, or to .punish jobbery nnd murder, and still to do such small work as the police and native agents and native assessors have been engaged in of late, is hardly the way for a Government to earn llie respect of the governed. If there should be any further news before the boat goes I will send it., In the meantime rest assured thoro will be no fighting.— "Herald." b