WAIROA.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 6, Issue 320, 2 November 1865, Page 3

WAIROA.

["eEOM OtTE OWN COREESeONDENT.] 23 th October, 1865. The supposed imminence of hostilities at Turanga (Poverty Bay) has, of course, stirred up the natives here pretty considerably, and we have had two large meetings,—the one* of the inland tribes, under Te Warn, on Saturday, the 21st; and the other of the Government natives, under the auspices of Kopu and Paora te Apatu, at Kopu’s new pa, Hiora, on Tuesday, the 24th. The Hau-hau meeting was held at Wakamoe on the Waiau branch of the river, where some 250 to 300 natives assembled, to erect a flagstaff and talk over the newsfrom Turanga. Their deliberations have resulted in a determination not to let the Turanga Hau-haus fail for .lack of support; and should war actually break out in that district, Te Waru will not unlikely have the opportunity of distinguishing himself, as he did at the defence of Orakau. Te Waru, although a rebel, is, I believe, an honorable enemy, as he certainly is a brave and able one. He is the man of most influence among all the tribes inland of the Wairoa, and it would be well worth-while to secure his allegiance by fair means if possible. The inland Wairoa and Turanga tribes are badly off for food—so say the messengers who have returned from those districts. The-natives here beard through their own sources the news of the fighting at Waiapu and Opotiki several days since. At the meeting at Kopu’s pa our side mustered pretty strong, and nearly all the whites in the district attended. There was abundance of feeding and talking as usual, and the flag sent by the Government was hoisted and saluted. Kopu, Kohea, and seven others did the oratory; amongst the party Ihakara —who has abandoned the Hau-haus, as he before abandoned the Government side, and who is no great acquisition to either party,—gave his reasons, &c., for his change of views. The principal topic of the meeting was the aspect of affairs at Turanga; and it was proposed, and for a time agreed to, to send a deputation to Turanga ; but upon subsequent debate among the elders the project is abandoned for the present; and Turanga affairs will be allowed to develop themselves. The natives here arc pretty clear to keep quiet; and as they have a good deal to lose, and not much prospect of gain, we have material guarantee for their peaceable behaviour. It is, however, regarded as a settled thing that there will be fighting at Turanga. The Hau-haus report that they have built seven fighting, pahs, end intend to'take a deal of “ licking ” before they give in.