THE NATIVE WAR.

Grey River Argus, Volume VII, Issue 450, 1 December 1868, Page 2

THE NATIVE WAR.

(fhom the christchurch papebs.) Wellington, Nov. 24. A telegram, received by the Independent last night, reports that a hitch has occurred between Mr M'Lean and Major Lambert [commander of the colonial force in the Wairoa district]. The St. Kilda arrived at Napier yesterday, from Wairoa, and the Ahuriri from Poverty Bay. Mr M'Lean had ordered an advance to be made from both places, in order to get the enemy between two fires. The Poverty Bay force is now out pursuing the enemy, who is retreating, but Major Lambert, at Wairoa, refused to recognise Mr M 'Lean's i authority, alleging that he had separate instructions. -The plan is therefore rendered abortive. The Ahuriri has, in consequence, steamed for Wairoa, and it is supposed that the native force will be called upon to act, without reference to Major Lambert ; otherwise a disaster will impend. 5.15 p.m. It is openly stated in town to-day that the contents of the despatches from Colonel Haultain to Mr Stafford on Snnday indicated that the Native reports tended to the belief that a general rising was imminent. The steamer Tauranga had been along the East Coast as far as Opotild, strengthening redoubts by putting a few more men on pay to garrison them as places of refuge on any sudden attack. Mr Mackay held a meeting of natives at Tauranga, who professed unabated loyalty; but neither at Tauranga nor Opotiki had they, previously to his visit, heard of the Poverty Bay disasters. 7.46 p.m. Five hundred and twenty-five firstclass Militia have been sworn in, and the barracks and powder magazines are garrisoned to-night by Volunteers. The Defence Office is in a state of bustle, and it is reported that numerous small block-houses are to be erected through the disturbed districts. November 25. The reported crossing of Tito over the Wanganui is not confirmed ; but the opinion of the natives is that a portion of his followers had done so. Five block-houses are to be erected at Kai Iwi, if settlers will contribute half the cost. The Government will pay men' for the garrison. 7.30. p.m. To-night's Post says : — " From the appended suggestions for organising guerilla volunteers, it will be seen that the Wanganui people are thoroughly in earnest in their determination to put down the Hau Haus. The premium of L 5 per head proposed to be offered may at first glance appear a harsh and cruel measure, but when the circumstances are carefully considered, all candid men must allow that it is perfectly justifiable. Premiums are given unquestioned for the destruction of savage animals, andTitokowaru, Te Kooti, and their followers, having placed themselves beyond- the pale of humanity by their acts, can only expect the treatment of wild beasts." The Herald says the following suggestions for the organising of companies of rangers fit for guerilla warfare have received the express sanction of the Defence Minister : — The regulations provide for parties of say twenty going into the bush with cooked food for three or four days to prevent fires. The following two clauses are given in extenso : — "Each man would be entitled to receive the ordinary militia pay rations.'' " A premium of L 5 per head is offered for every Maori man or boy made prisoner, wounded or otherwise : and larger premiums will be given for the arrest or destruction of certain chiefs to be named by the Government." ..-..