THE ESCAPED MAORIS

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume IV, Issue 193, 23 September 1864, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE ESCAPED MAORIS

The escaped Maoris have agreed to return —not to the Kawau, for that place seems to have no charms for them in their captivity, but to Mangatawhiri, on the main land near the island, and where the Governor has purchased 4,000 acres, which are to be placed at their disposal as their present location. If they keep to their promise, which, no doubt, they will, it will be a satisfactory arrangement ; for it would be very unpleasant to have 200 Waikato braves prowling about amongst the northern settlers, unable to return to their own country, and unwilling to surrender to their captors. Mr Angus White has doubtless had a difficult task to perform, and one which must have required considerable tact

on his part to bring to a successful issue. He' has made three trips to the Otamahua mountain, a very difficult one to climb, and which rendered the position of these prisoners, if they could have supplied themselves with food, almost impregnable. Mr White brought back with him to the Kawau two chiefs from amongst the prisoners, and was to return for the main body. The chief Patuone, who, it will be remembered, gave information of the escape of these prisoners, and very considerately warned the settlers of it, expressed great delight at their promise to return. —Southern Cross, Sept. 22.