WANGANUI.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 35, 27 February 1862, Page 6 (Supplement)

WANGANUI.

Tim Natives. —We understand the Resident Magistrate has informed the River natives that they cannot be allowed te pass through this settlement armed, on their way to the King meeting at Otaki on the anniversary of the hoisting of the King flag there—the 12th of March. They have replied, that his answer does not satisfy them, and that they must have the Governor's judgment on the case. The meeting is expected to be a much larger one than that of last year, deputations from the northern tribes intending to be present as well as those from the more immediate neighbourhood. It is intended to consult about the removal of the Otaki flag to an inland situation. The Kiugites consider its present position too exposed, being near the sea, and quite accessible from both sides along the coast. They wish it put in a more defensible place. We believe the King flag up the river is meanwhile laid aside, the natives being unwilling to do anything which might bring on hostilities in this quarter. A deputation Waikatos—Kingites—lately visiting them, agreed that if war did commence at Waikato, assistance should be sent north, but that no rising should take place here. The Ngatiruanui and Taranaki tribes have been advised by the Waikato to allow the mail to pass between Wanganui and New Plymouth and have resolved to consult the southern tribes that is those in the ncighbourhood.of Otaki. If they agree, the mail will be allowed to pass if the Government desire it. These tribes are exercising their veto on travellers with great impartiality. John Williams, a native teacher, who lately left this for Auckland, where he is shortly to be ordained a clergyman of the Church of England, had great difficulty in getting along the coast to Taranaki. Ho was set upon by the Taranakis, and only after much parley did they permit him to go on, upon his paying a toll of 20s. The natives report that Mr. Parris, of New Plymouth, was on his way to Waikato to meet the Governor there, but fell from his horse at Mokau, and was obliged to return.