LATEST FROM THE WAIRARAPA.

Evening Post, Issue 79, 11 May 1865, Page 2

LATEST FROM THE WAIRARAPA.

Mr. Police Inspector Atcheson arrived in town last nighl from Wairarapa, bringing despatches to Mr. Weld, having left Masterton yesterday morning. The party under Mr. Ward reached Masterton on Monday last at about noon, and, upon learning that the Pai Marires were still upon the further side of the Taueru River, messages were sent to Messrs. Donald and V. Smith to come to Dixon's accommodation house for the purpose of consulting as to what measures should be adopted. Before anything was done letters addressed to Messrs. Ward and Wardell were received from Wi Waka and Ngairo, two chiefs of the worst character in the district, stating the hau haus were coming to Masterton and if they were interfered with by the police they were prepared to resist. When the meeting was held at Dixon's the matter was fully discussed, and a special messenger was despatched to Featherston for the purpose of hastening on the troopers to Masterton. The troop, under the command of Captain Leatham, arrived at Masterton about noon on Tuesday, and arrangements were being made for the onward movement of the expedition wl»n a message was brought to Mr. Ward, warning him not to proceed further as a party under the command of Wi Waka and Ngairo were lying in ambush for them in the neighbourhood of Te Ore Ore. Upon this intimation being given, Mr. Ward ordered the troopers and police to mount, and the whole party_under the guidance of a man named T. Hill—scoured the plains, but they only saw one Maori riding towards the Taueru, and upon his being stopped he said he was going to the fanatics, for the purpose of persuading them to turn back. Finding that the natives did not put in an appearance, the whole party returned to Dixon's and shortly afterwards a message was received by Mr. Ward to the effect that some of the friendly natives requested to see him at the pah of a friendly chief (Isaiah), but he returned an answer to the effect that if they wanted an interview they should oome to Dixon's. Shortly afterwards about a dozen natives arrived. They stated the object of their visit to be for the purpose of obtaining liberty for the body of Pai Marires to come to their pah on a Iriendly visit, and they positively asserted that their mission was not to teach or practice the Hau Hau doctrine. Three hours' discussion ensued during which Mr. Ward read the Pai Marire proclamation to the natives, and he pointed out to them that, although they might not teach the doctrine at Masterton, they had been practising it along their line of road, and had obtained some one or two converts to their belief. The principal chief (Karaaria) reiterated the assertion that they were coming unarmed, with women and children and that their intention was not to gain converts or sow dissension among the natives. The chief dwelt much upon the fact that the Wairarapa natives had always conducted ihemselves with propriety—had always respected the law—that they were most loyal— and it was very hard that their guarantee for the good conduct of their friends could not be taken by the Government. After hearing all that was to be urged, a consultation was held, and the following conditions were offered to the Pai Marires :— Ist. Not to cross the Ruamahanga on their way to Ngairo's place. 2nd. Not to teach the Hau Haißoctrines. 3rd. Not to remain longer than a week. The deputation stated thac they should accept the terms because they were beaten, but they considered they were hardly dealt with. Mr. Ward remains at Masterton with the force for the purpose, if necessary, of enforcing the terms of the above conditions. We understand that the settlers of the Wairarapa were highly gratified with the prompt action taken in this matter by the Government, and no apprehension of any danger is felt. Mr. Maunsell acted as interpreter throughout, and we understand that Captain Boys, of the Grey town Volunteers, volunteered his services as a trooper under Captain Leathanij and accompanied the force in that capacity. —Advertiser.