THE WEST COAST.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 6, Issue 299, 21 August 1865, Page 2

THE WEST COAST.

[From the Independent, August 15.] Fbom letters received by Saturday’s mail from the West Coast, we learn that a considerable number of the hau-hau fanatics have returned to their head-quarters at Awahmi Orona, a place about fifteen miles from the township at Manawatu. They keep quiet enough at present, but as usual, there are a good many rumors current as to their intentions, one of which is to the effect that they meditate hostilities. The Surveyors are pushing on with their work at laying off the block. Several allotments in the township have been surveyed, and a tram-road is being laid off. It is to be hoped, that the Government will push on the' formation of roads in the Manawatp district as rapidly as possible, and that the time is not far distant, when through the sale of tl}e block, a European population of enterprising settlers sufficiently numerous to put an end to all danger, will be located there. From Waikanae to Manawatu, there are some 30 miles of coast, with a few settlers scattered at different parts of it who are too weak for self-defence in the event of being attacked. It is only two months since much alarm was felt, when a body of Hau-hau fanatics went from Manawatu to Otaki, and only through the firm attitude of the friendly natives, was the danger averted. The presence pf a detachment of the Defence Force ou the coast, and the organisation of the friendly natives into an armed body under European control would no doubt, secure the safety of the district fpr the time, bnt the real and permanent remedy consists in the settlement of the Manawatu block. We, are glad to learn that the friendly Manawatu natives are anxious to sell several other blocks of land at present—the place where the Hau-haus have their stronghold included, —and it is to be lipped that the opportunity will not bo lost of thus acquiring some valuable territory.