COROMANDEL.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume V, Issue 254, 19 April 1865, Page 3

COROMANDEL.

(From the correspondent of the Southern Cross.J April 8. H.M.S. Eclipse came into harbour about midnight, landed the native chief who accompanied Mb. Mackay to Kennedy’s Bay and returned to Auckland without delay. From what I can learn here through the chief of Coromandel and others, I am led to believe that the report emanating from Kennedy’s Bay that several Pai Marires were located there bears some truth. It has not transpired, however,’ that they had any decided intention of disturbing Coromandel, as was stated by the messenger who visited ■ Kikowafcariri. After, the arrival of the Eclipse at Kennedy’s Bay, Mr. Mackay, the Native Commissioner, called a meet--ing of the natives at which it transpired that several natives from the South, professing Pai Mairirism, were then amongst them. It was also stated that they were aware of evil reports having been circulated, but could not trace the source. Ultimately a native, named Jeremiah, acknowledged, that ho went to Kikowakariri and reported there that the Kennedy’s Bay natives intended making a raid on Coromandel for the sake of plunder. : Before the Eclipse left Kennedy’s Bav Mr. Mackay ordered all the Pai Mariris to leave'* and to the number of ten, they went away while the steamer was there. Sixteen stand of arms were placed in the hands of the Europeans, also a supply of ammunition. The arms that were to have been left in. Coromandel have been carried back to Auckland. As I said in my last, the visit of the Eclipse, and the prompt measures taken by the Native Commissioner, will have a beneficial effect on the minds of the natives. An occasional visit of one of the steamers stationed in Auckland to the East Coast would tend to show that the Europeans are protected. I hope that this affair, which has caused some excitement for the last few days, is now disposed of; the circumstances attending it are so conflicting that your readers will not be satisfied until they have Mr Mackay’s report, which, I think, will in no feature, differ from that of your ■correspondent.

A party of four miners are proceeding this afternoon to the east shore of the Thames to prospect for gold, and I hope shortly, to report that they have been successful They are armed with a letter of introduction to the chief of Hauraki, who has promised them his assistance and protection.