WELLINGTON.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 6, Issue 294, 3 August 1865, Page 3

WELLINGTON.

Maori Prisoners of War.— The p.s. Sandfly arrived in the Harbor on Saturday morning, having on board 57 male Maori prisoners. She lay oft Pipitea Point, awaiting instructions from the Governor as to their disposal, and towards dusk steamed up to the Queen’s Wharf, where 33 men belonging to the Ngatiruanui and Waitotara tribes were landed under a strong escort of the 60th Regiment. A considerable amount of ex■citemmt prevailed in the proximity of the Wharf, which was crowded with persons anxious to obtain a view of the rebels. Their general hearing had that picturesque appearance so peculiar to the bush Maori, though among them we re narked several who had evidently been to reside in the neighborhood of Europeans. Their bearing was calm and collected, but by no means sulleip aud it was evident they possessed a full appreciation of their situation. We believe that they wero captured at Areiphi. on their way to join the Wereroa rebels, and brought into Wanganui, nnder a detachment of the 18th Regiment, last Monday, and handed over to Mr Duller, R.M. They were located for some time in the Rutland Stockade, and afterwards embarked in the Sandfly for this port. Several female prisoners were also brought down to Wanganui, but these, we understand, were liberated by order of his Excellency the Governor. Among these Maories are several rebel chiefs of note, two who subscribed to the oath of allegiance before Dr Featherston and Mr 'White, and several Rangitikei men (one of whom was lately a constable, and dismissed from the force by Mr Duller.) The twenty-one prisoners remaining on board the Sandfly are Whakatano men from the Bay of Plenty. Captain Levy, who will be remembered in connection with the Yolkner tragedy, went on board the steamer accompanied by the Inspector of Police, and pointed out from among the men drawn up before him two who were present at the accomplishment of that dreadful deed, and several others wero in his opinion, at Opotiki at that time. Thirty three of the prisoners are at present confined in Mount Cook Barracks, under a strong guard of Police. We are now aware of what the ultimate intention of the Government is with regard to these rebels, but we believe hat, pending the consideration of this, the Manukau will be chartered for their accommodation. They will be sent on board as soon as possible, and the hulk towed out into the middle of the harbor.—New Zealand Advertiser, August 1.