NATIVE AND DEFENCE INTELLICENCE.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1658, 13 June 1879, Page 3

NATIVE AND DEFENCE INTELLICENCE.

WELLINGTON, June 12. The "Post” received a special to-night from Hawera, which says that information was received there yesterday that a heavily laden dray, guarded by six Maoris, and supposed to contain arms and ammunition, was observed on the road going in the direction of Hawera. Captain Marshall at once sent a few mounted constables in search of it. They were out all night, and returned this morning without having discovered any sign of the dray, which it is supposed passed down the Beach road. Some Maoris at Normanby offered 30a a pound for powder. They also offered four bullocks for a quantity of ammunition. The storekeeper, however, declined, and informed the constables. It is felt here by everybody that too much caution cannot be exercised in Wellington and other towns in respect to the sale of arms and ammunition.

The shipment of rifles and ammunition recently sent to Patoa was very welcome to the settlers, who expressed themselves delighted at the promptitude of the Government. The volunteers of the South Island would do a graceful thing if they were to forward their Snidera to their brothers-in-arms here, where they are likely at any moment to be called upon to fight for their lives and their families and homes. One good man with a Snider is equal to five with an Enfield. Young and old are joining the volunteers. Inspector Goring inspected the Armed Constabulary and redoubt at Waihi this morning. He is a smart officer, who has seen service, and he complimented Captain Marshall on the efficiency displayed by the men under hia command.

A new arrangement has been made for the defence of Waihi in case of an attack. The redoubt will be defended by the Militia and Volunteers, the Constabulary taking the field to protect the settlers’ homesteads. Major Noakes has enrolled and armed 249 Volunteers at Normanby and Hawera in the short space of two days. He left for Wanganui this morning, leaving Captain Marshall in command of the Waihi Volunteers. The Waihi and Patea district settlers are disgusted at the action of the Maoris, and are anxious to go in and have it out at once and for ever. AUCKLAND, June 12. A Waikato correspondent says that during the late Maori meeting a storekeeper was licensed to sell arms, and sold a lot of ammunition and several double barrelled guns to the Natives, the license being signed by a J.P. He was told that eleven guns were sold in one week and were afterwards seen at the meeting. The “ Star ” reporter, who attended the meeting, says that Tawhiao's so-called t rmy, had not more than 180 guns altogether, mostly old, and that thirty men with Sniders would be more than a match for the whole “ army. About forty of the army had only long sticks or spears. The “ Star ” says that the Ministry of the day must be held responsible for every gun which, by permit or negligence, gets into the hands of the Natives. NEW PLYMOUTH, June 12.

Tho Natives who were ploughing Courtney’s land have left, taking their ploughs with them, according to TeWhiti’s order.