LATEST NEWS FROM TARANAKI.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 108, 20 April 1863, Page 2

LATEST NEWS FROM TARANAKI.

MILITARY MOVEMENTS. (From the Taranaki Herald , April 11.) AYe reported in our last (he starting of a fotce to occupy the Tataraimaka block from St. Patrick’s Redoubt on Wilkinson’s farm. The force consisted of 200 men of the 57th, under Colonel Warre, C. 8., Capt. Woodall, Limits. Brutton, Thompson, Tragctt, Cos, Waller, Lieut, and Adjt. Clarke, and Asst. Surgeon Hope ; also 100 Ro3’al Artillery as a mounted corps, with two guns, under Capt Mercer, R.A., and Limits Rait and Pickard, R.A. together with (i of the Royal Engineers, under Major -Mould, R.E. His Excellency the Governor Lieut-Ceneral Cameron, C. 8., and staff, the hon. Air. Domett, Colonial Secretary, the hon Air. Bell, Native Minister, and Mr. Parris, Asst. Native Secretary, and suite, arrived from town at the redoubt at 5.i.30, and soon after their arrival the force moved southwards; the detachment of the 70th, under Major M ullocks detachment at Mace’s farhi, occupying the redoubt, vacated by the 57th ; the li'-lh under Capt. Ralston, taking the ■place of Major Mullock’s detachment at Mace’s farm. A long train of commissariat carts, with the baggage and military stores, &c., in charge of Asst. Cum. General Maule and Capt. Travers, L.T.C., impeded the progress of the troops, and it was after a tedious inarch of several hours that the force reached the Timaru river, the northern boundary of the Tataraimaka block, no natives having been seen on line of march. The troops were hutted and encamped on McDonald’s farm, where a well extended camp was formed ; the Governor, the General and suite having proceeded to the extremity of the block, where Hoani whose kainga is at the “ gate,” over the Katikara, the southern boundary of the block, with a few of his people, welcomed the Governor with the usual “ Hu ere mai, haere mat” and speeches. The people were in fighting costume, but had white flags flying; and we hear that Hoani told his Excellency to “ sit on his land,” (Tataraimaka.) It was decided, after choosing several sites, to build a redoubt on Bayly’s farm, near the edge of the cliff over-hanging the road near the Katikara river and commanding the surrounding country. The. troops have been employed, as the weather per* mitted during the week, on this defence and which we hear is rapidly nearing completion. During the week several rumours have been circulated in town respecting the conduct of the Southern natives since the occupation of Tataraimaka. As we have no means of getting at the truth of any of these, we will only mention one or two which we believe to have some foundation.

It inaid that Hoani’s proceedings on Saturday last has been disapproved by the iwi (tribe,) and in consequence he has been summoned before a runanga and ordered to hold no communication with the troops. We also hear that the occupation of Tataraimaka has been made without any consent on the part of the natives j and as it is said no communication of any kind has been had, it may be concluded that the silence of the natives is Ominous. We have heard from natives in town, that they are preparing to resist not only the occupation of Tataraimaka but also af Waireka, and that natives from the south are gathering in Taranaki. We have also been told fliat a letter has been received from a native down the coast, felling the friendly natives to bo tupato (on their guard.) We give these statements as wo hear them, for what they are worth, and we do not vouch for the truth of them. The General has not returned from Tatarairaaka; but his Excellency, Mr. Domett, and Mr. Bell, returned on Monday, and his Excellency has since remained in town. Wo hear he has been detained by the non-arrival of the mail-steam-er. An armed party of natives remain on guard at the gate, and no European is allowed to go beyond Tataraimaka. Parenga Kingi was absent when the troops occupied the block, and we hear he was very much excited when he heard that Tataraimaka was in the hands of the soldiers. We have received the following from a native in constant communication with the South. We have only his word for its being true, and we hope that part of it, at least, may prove false. The “ terms” (not of peace, as that already exists, but of reconciliation, we suppose) offered by the Government to the Taranaki tribe are these:— 1. That the Waitara shall be adjudicated. 2. That their offences shall be wiped out. (Zb nga Tiara Tea muruaj. 8. That the Government will notgo upon (take) any Maori land. The words of Mr. Bell were these:—" When he and the Governor heard that the road to the Waireka was stopped, they went and occupied that place; when they heard that Tataraimaka was closed against them, they went down and occupied that place; they are now living there quietly, and if any man comes to interfere with them they shall look to it.” But Taranaki made no answer. Our informant states also that the feeling of Taranaki and Ngatiruanui is decidedly hostile, and that there will probably be war, if they get the assistance of other tribes to whom they have sent. Latest Intelligence. —We are informed that the Governor has received a letter from the Southern chiefs, but do not know the purport of it. A reply from his Excellency left town at 2 p.m. Yesterday (Friday). Colonial Defence Force —The following regulations relating to the pay of the non-commis-sioned Officers and Privates of the Colonial Defence Force, and other matters connected therewith, are published for general informal ion : —The men will be enlisted for two years. The rate of pay will be—Sergt.-Major 10s., Sergt., 7s. Gel., Corporal 6s. 6d., Trumpeter, Cs. 6d., Privates, Gs. per diem. The men will find (heir own rations, and no extra allowance will be made for forage for horses. They will provide their own horses, but if any private is unable to do so, horses will be provided by Government at a sum of £25 for each horse, which will be stopped out of the pay of the private for whom it is supplied. The Force, or any portion thereof, will be liable to be moved to any part of the colony where their services may be required. The non-commissioned •officers and privates will be sworn in as constables. Anns, accoutrements, and uniforms, will be furnished to the non-commissioned officers and privates. Further rules and regulations will he published hereafter. The portion of the Force now to be raised in the province of Taranaki will be and continue on active service till further orders. M. G. Nixon, Lieut.-Col. Taranaki, 7th April, 1863. r Shooting Wild Ducks on the Oakuba.— The following notice was posted on the town bridge on Wednesday last:— Whereas information has been received that on Sunday last certain persons went down to the native land on the Oakura river to shoot wild ducks, whereby a serious disturbance had nearly taken place. His Excellency the Governoris pleased to command that this caution be published, warning all person not to trespass over native land south of Omata for any purpose of sporting or otherwise, or any person proceedin'! on business to Tataraimaka is requested to keep to the public road in crossing the native land between the block and the Town.