LOCAL AND GENERAL

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume V, Issue 237, 10 March 1865, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The Pai Maeiee. —We learn that a numer of these people have arrived at Omaranui, and we believe they purpose proceeding to the kainga of Te Hapuku. Meeting of Natives. —A large meeting of tho natives of the district was held at the pa, Pakowai, on Tuesday last. A very large number of natives, Sir Cooper, Civil Commissioner, and several other Enropeans were present. The avowed object of the meeting was to discuss the “ hau-hau” or pai marire superstition, and it was universally condemned by all present, except a few fanatics who were strangers, and who did endeavor to advocate the new creed, but could hardly obtain a hearing. With regard to the friendly reception given to the fanatics by Te Hapuku, it was said that this was owing to the old standing land feud existing between him and themselves. We have no doubt this is correct. It is old disputes of this kind that divide the natives into two parties, and we shall probably shortly find in Hawkes’ Bay, as elsewhere, the two parties in antagonism; but we shall continue to have but little faith in the term “ friendly” natives.

Threatened Hostilities ix Waikato. —The following is the concluding portion of the Southern Cross’ Te Awamutu correspondent’s letter. It will he seen, says that journal, that it has reference to the threatened hostilities in Waikato, but we (Ed. H.8.T.) are of epinion that Hawkes’ Bay was their destination. We may expect to hear further details by the next mail: —“ 9 p.m., February 27. —Since writing the above I have received intelligence that more than one hundred natives, lately resident at Cambridge and its vicinity, have left their places of abode, no one knowing their object nor their plate of retreat, I can state on good authority that telegrams have been sent to all the neighboring stations advising extra alertness, undl ordering detachments to be kept under arms, to be prepared for a surprise. I write this hurriedly to save a post, but will gather all the information I can and forward particulars without fail in my next letter.

Napieii Fire Brigade, —> meeting of members of the Fire Brigade was held, according to advertisement, on the evening of Tuesday last, in the council Chamber, Capf Curling E.M. having taken the Chair and opened the biasness of the meeting Mr. Holder, the Honorary Secretary, proceeded to read over a draft of rules prepared by the Sub-committee appointed for that purpose, which were with a few verbal alterations adopted. It was also resolved, that Mr. Weber be requested to accept the appointment of Superintendent of Brigade; that Mr. Holder be requested to act as Secretary and Treasurer ; that Mr. Miller be requested to act as Captain; and Mr Faulknor as Foreman. The following were appointed members of committee, —Messrs Sutton, Lindsay, Robinson, Haymes. The meeting was well attended, and after a vote of thanks to the Chairman was concluded.

The Waixangi Bridge. The heavy swell in the roadstead referred to in our last has had the effect of raising our tides to an extraordinary degree, and this we regret to say has carried away a temporary bridge that was recently erected across the Waitangi River. We are glad to find that it is intended to replace it by another that will not be liable to this mischance, but shall be of a permanent character. Tobacco For The Troops.—An order, emanating from the Lieutenant Gene.al Commanding, has recently been issued to the effect that all future supplies of tobacco to the troops serving in New Zealand will be made duty free, and that the price will be at the rate of Is. 4|d. per lb,, being a reduction of about 2s. per lb. on former issues. This is a great boon to the soldier and only just as off,cer’sluxurieshaxealwsiysheen ‘dutyfree.’ Bon Mox. —A gentleman who dined lately in Auckland with a member of Cabinet who has a reputation for being witty, gives the following as authentic. The conversation happened to turn on the war and the Ministry’s proposal to send home to the troops' “It is evident,” said one of the guests, “that the General believes in Numbers.” “ I am inclined to be a little more sceptical,” said the host, “ but 1 believe most firmly in Exodus.”

Unclaimed Letters. —We notice that letters are lying at the Post-office, Auckland, for A. C. Haymes and R. Ockenden.