WAIKATO.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 130, 10 July 1863, Page 6 (Supplement)

WAIKATO.

Native Gathering.— We have been privately informed that there was to have been a large meeting of the Waikato natives at Rangiriri, on the 23rd inst. An estimate of its importance may be formed when we state that William Thompson, the king-maker, who would have to travel a distance of fifty or sixty miles to attend, -was expected to be there. The object of this gathering is, of course, unknown, but a native in the employment of the Government had arranged to be present at it, if possible. By this means the authorities will probably have an early intimation of the result of the proceedings. We have also been informed on good authority that ■within the last few days native scouts have been observed on the other side of the Waikato whose mission appeared to be to watch the operations of Colonel Leslie and the troops in strengthening the defences cf the redoubt. —Daily Southern Cross, 25th June.

The Waikato.—The following is an extract from a letter which has reached us from a correspondent at the Queen’s Redoubt; it is under date 22ud June :—“ All is quiet here at present, but there are certain indications reminding one of a calm before a storm, and I think the former is not expected to continue for a very long period. We are repairing and heightening the breastworks, and have also loosed ten rounds of rifle ammunition, so that if the natives muster sufficient courage to attack this position, we are prepared to give a good account of them Colonel Leslie, who is in command there deserves great praise for bis indefatigable exertions to place the redoubt in a thoroughly prepared and fit state for all emergencies ; and his attention to the comfort and convenience of those under his command. All the natives who come here from Waikato contend that the butchery of the officers and men of the 57th Regiment at Tataraimaka. was no murder (kohum) , but strictly in accordance with all native usage, as the Governor was, they say, warned not to trespass on native land, that is, to march his soldiers on it, a block of which, they affirm, intervenes between two blocks of alienated land, and on which the men were killed. Now, sir, when such opinions as these are held by a considerable portion (I do not doubt but that these opinions are universally held) of the natives of Waikato, and considering their treatment of Mr. Gorst, their conduct towards the settlers, and their defiance of British laws and Government, may we not soon expect to see them proceed to some more uumistakeable acts. I must apologise for my presumption in taking up so much of your valuable time, but the statements I have made are strictly true, and as I have a tolerable knowledge of the Maori language, I have a better opportunity of eliciting their opinions than most persons living here, and I heartily wish that the peace-at-any-price party who disregard your timely and valuable warnings, were as well convinced of their truth as I am sir.” — Ibid.