AUCKLAND.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2710, 24 October 1871, Page 2

AUCKLAND.

October 11. Reverting to the meetiug lately held at Te Kuiti, it may be as well to state that proceedings connected with it, and which seems most worthy of record, commenced on the 17th ult., and ended (so far) on the Ist inst., when six Kingite emissaries, including two Wahoo (Sandwich Islands) chiefs, left this harbour for the Bay of Islands. These dusky diplomats sailed in the Harriet, schooner, and were- eager to depart before Te Wheoro’s return to Auckland, as they dreaded interference of some kind, which they declined to indicate. They made no secret with respect to the object of their mission, which is to collect the opinions of leading Ngapuhis with ref.rence to the advisability of the king party making peace. It appears that one influeutialNgapuhi, whose napa I forget (Hoapi something), is imbued with a monarchical idea as developed at Tokangamutu, and the six ambassadors were of opinion that this obstructive would not easily change his political views. This chief is somehow partly descended from Heke, of fighting celebrity.—( Vide “ The War in the North.”) Every Northern chief of note is invited to attend the great Native gathering which is to come off at Te Kuiti some time in all February, 1872, or possibly earlier. The Governor is expected to be there, and special invitations have been forwarded to his Excellency and the Lon. the Defence Minister, Loyal chiefs who were at the late meeting say they have taken pains to get newspaper reports of what transpired translated, and find those reports inadequately relate the proceedings. One intelligent chief especially dwelt on the omission, which virtually ignores the important speeches delivered by Tawhiao and Mann hiri. I believe lam correct in stating that Te Wheoro considers that those two speeches were much more conciliatory than he expected to find them, all things remembered. It is hoped that the third estate will be well represented at the forthcoming hui, and certainly, though we occasionally hear it asserted that these Maori meetings are meaningless, it is very capable of demonstration that in reality they are potent for good pr for evil Te Wheoro behaved with great dignity on those occasions when he and Nuku (Todd’s murderer) came in contact, and nothing but Te Wheoro’s firmness caused the assassin’s ejectment from quarters previously assigned to the friendlies. Nuku has since boasted that he meant mischief, but found his 80 followers were too few. From all I can gather, it would rather appear that Nuku and Co. knew better than to meddle with Te Wheoro, who is very influential in Waikato, and the more so because he is the sole adult male representative of a warlike race of Rangatiraa, who at various times mostly perished in battle ; hence his designation of Morehu— i. c. , the last of his race.

The Hon. Dr. Pollen is finally arranging the troublesome Thames foreshore question. Great part of the beach has already been secured. Hitherto Natives declined to sell their beach claims, and the refusal has prevented owners of mines which lie adjacent to the sea from following the leaders which run in that d rection. The mail bag seized by Upper Thames Natives has been restored intact, and difficulties formerly connected with telegraph extension from the Thames to Auckland have, I believe, all but disappeared. Influenza has lately made its appearance amongst Esst Coast Natives, and several deaths are reported. This disease is usually very fatal to Maoris.

A considerable amount of interest is manifested in regard to the Agricultural League lately formed here, and -which appears likely to flourish. On all sides, for a long time past, might he heard the assertion that farming in this province does not pay ; and the assertion appears to be perfectly true. The League is already in part supplying a want which was severely felt, viz., the institution of some society which might enable our farm settlers to meet and discuss subjects of mutual interest, and no slight public importance. The newly-formed League is evidently alive to the necessity of obtaining some modicum of protection so as to enable our farmers to compete with foreign importations.

A plan is broached for supplying Auckland, Epsom, and Onehunga with pure water from Nihutupu River, situated by Manukau. From that source au ample supply can be furnished, flowing from au elevation of 800 above sea level. The plan is favorably received, and could be carried out without invoking enormous outlay.

The Caledonian low levels are at last freed from the constant accumulation of water, which has taken long to master, besides causing great hindrance to the proper working of the mine. I believe good results may be looked for. Whether they will equal former magnificent yields re rains to be seen. The Nonpareil, and one or two other claims, have lately been turning out very handsomely. The scout party organised last June to watch the Waikato frontier line is now fully equipped. Until lately, there was a deficiency of swords. The force is doing good service, and Major Jackson is justly credited with incessant vigilance. A short time back the scouts one night came across a prowling mob of supposed Kingites, whom they “ rounded up” and drove, sheep fashion, to a neighboring stockyard, in which they were impounded until several hours after daylight. Finally the wanderers were allowed to depart, after being warned not to roam again from their proper camping grounds. Female servants are scarce here, and a well informed lady has told me that to the best of her belief this province could now easily find remunerative employment for a couple of ship-loads of well-conducted young women, Lyttelton Times correspondence.