THE WAIKATO.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 62, 4 September 1862, Page 3

THE WAIKATO.

Yesterday a report reached this city that a large body of natives, from the Upper Waikato, had come down to reconnoitre the advanced military posts on the banks of the Waikato river. Their numbers have been variously stated at from 500 to 800 men. It is also said that the Pokeno natives, belonging to the Lower Waikato tribe, had joined the strangers, and that a meeting was being

Jmld on the bank opposite to our troops. T The immediate cause of this demonstration is said to be the fact that some of our officers have been engaged surveying the river and taking soundings, with the view, rumor also has it, of placing a steamer on that superb stream. "We are not in a position to do more than give the rumor, as we have had it from several gentlemen yesterday.. "What the ultimate end of the affair may he it is difficult to imagine. It is hardly likely they will attack our redoubts at the river, although they may cause the operations on the river to he temporarily suspended. We hope that the Upper Waikatos may bo induced to go back to their own district in peace. It is impossible for us to withdraw from the attempt to open up the interior of this country, and the sooner the natives are quietly, but firmly told teis, the better. A steamer on the Waikato in connexion with a railway from this city to the river, would be an invaluable agent in the work of ; and no amount of “ bounce'’ on the part of the natives should be allowed to deter us from the attainment of these objects. Since writing the above we received more specific intelligence, in reference to the descent of the upper Waikatos, which we append. On Thursday last about 800 natives came down from the interior, and located themselves on the banks of the Waikato opposite our troops, who are in winter quarters at the advanced posts. On Friday, the entire inhabitants of the native village of Pokenp lelt their homes, and have been known to join the Upper Waikatos. A close watch is being kept on the movements of the natives. This intelligence, which cannot be doubted, shows most conclusively that the troops are well watched as can he. None of the natives can be trusted; and the sudden secession of a part of the lower Waikatos, on the first appearance of the King natives in force, is a strange commentary on all that has been written about their loyalty by civil commissioners and others. It rests with General Cameron now to decide upon what is to he done, in the absence of Sir George Grey at Wellington. The settlers of Auckland place implicit conlidence in General Cameron’s judgment and courage, and will be satisfied with his decision. —Daily Southern Cross, August 19.