VOLUNTEER MOVEMENTS.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 133, 31 July 1863, Page 5 (Supplement)

VOLUNTEER MOVEMENTS.

A general feeling of indignation was expressed throughout tho town on Saturday, when it came to bo known that about fifty natives who came from llotorua had been armed with rifles, to proceed with the Naval Brigade to the Manakau. The excitement over this occurrence was great, but it was somewhat allayed when it was found that the Naval Brigade with “ a pluck” that does them credit, refused to move a step with such allies. They positively would not go with them if they were armed, under any consideration. The indignation expressed by tho members of the Naval Brigade, to see a number of far from prepossessing looking Maories armed with the deadly rifle, could not have been greater than that expressed by tho public. It was in everybody’s mouth through the town, and loud and deep were the blessings that were heaped upon those who were supposed to have been the authors of such a mad freak. The Superintendent very properly at once waited upon the Governor to know if- his Excellency had authorised the natives to be so armed, and his Excellency declared he knew nothing about it. Mr. Dillon Bell and Mr. Teuton were questioned, and they stated that it had been done with their authority. The natives were of course disarmed again, and they went off with the brigade quite sulky, as no doubt, poor fellows, they naturally should bo. Mr. Fenton is represented to have offered himself as a hostage, for the faithfulness of the natives, but this security was declined, as not being of sufficient value. The Naval Brigade reached Onehunga on Saturday evening.—Daily Southern Cross, July 20.