THE EAST COAST.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 165, 11 March 1864, Page 3

THE EAST COAST.

[From the Weekly Neivs, March 5.]

The correspondence from the East Coast reports affairs in Tauranga as in rather an unsatisfactory state at the middle of last month, although all was quiet at Maketu. The natives at the last named place regretted that the troops who had arrived at Tauranga had encamped there instead of coming to their district. In the latter event they argued that the presence of this force would effectually shield them from any inroads of the Ngatiporuu or Ngatiuwa tribes. They seem to have been haunted for the last six months with vague apprehensions as to a hostile visit from the Ngatiporous. Often has the report been raised that “ The Campbell’s are coming,” but it was believed by the settlers that the dreaded Ngatiporous had no such intention. In any incursion in this direction, that tribe would have to cross the Wahia by a.ford, distant about a mile and a half from Maketu, which could be commanded by their foes from the top of the lofty cliff on their side, so that it might prove to the invaders a pass of Themopyhc. None of the Ngatipofou had gone to the seat of war via Tauranga since the party of 40 that passed on the 7th Sept. last. The same correspondent of the Daily Southern Cross believes that any movement of the troops on to the Maori land would be viewed not only as an encroachment, but be the immediate precursor for the Ngatiawas at Matata and VVakatane making common cause with their allies the Ngaiterangi and Ngatiaw r as, at Tauranga. It is not likely that the military force, so long as matters remain quiet, will go out of their w j av to excite any such rising The Tauranga King natives had been concentrating at Te Puna, being the extreme West of Tauranga. The Ohuki natives, at the Eastern end of Tauranga, who are classed as Queen’s men, were, on the other hand in a state of alarm in consequence of a des-

patch received from Mr. White at Matuta, that 700 of the Ngatiporou had arrived there aud were about to force their way through Maketu. The natives were immediately on the alert, on receiving this intelligence. One of the native police was despatched to the Military Commandant at Tauranga, for aid, while another message was sent inland for native reinforcements. The road by which the hostile tribe mnst approach .Tan along the bead), and, as is stated, was so conspicuous from the distance, that the foe might be descried for hours before they could come into collision. Ample warning it was thought would thus be given, should they come in day-light, while a party of 140 were despatched to Waihi to keep watch during the night. At this point rifle pits were thrown up, and other preparations made for a stand. But at the last accounts there we no signs of the Ngatiporou, although there was no lack of reports as to their approach and their where-abouts. It was also apprehended that the King natives of Tauranga might despatch aid to the Ngatiporou. With the view of preventing such a junction a party of twenty men were sent on the evening of the 13 th ult., to watch the road between Tauranga and Maketu, but nothingturned up. It is stated that in these acts the Arawa have given another and signal testimony of their loyalty, and in perfect consistency with the fidelity they have evinced since the commencement of the war. A suggestion has also been made that their conduct at the sent time deserves some special recognition from the Government.