POVERTY BAY.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 6, Issue 321, 6 November 1865, Page 2

POVERTY BAY.

[from orb own cobuespondent.] Turanga, November 2. Native Affairs have-at length almost readied a climax in i’owrty Bay; the undetermined aspect hitherto maintained by the majority of the natives is giving p)dce to a decided hau-hau attitude. Aggressions upon the property, stock, and sheep, cf tiie settlers are of frequent occurrence ; hostile palis are being built and fortified around, and last, not least, the conversation and demeanour of the natives as a body show that fighting is close at hand. At a great meeting of the hau-hau party on Tuesday last the animus of the rebels was distinctly enough exhibited. A large party had arrived, on the previous evening from Mawai with the expressed intention of provoking or commencing hostilities, and the influence of these men on the minds of our wavering allies was too plainly to be seen at the meeting. It was unanimously resolved to commence hostilities at once. The families of the settlers are mostly in and congregated for safety at Turanganui, where they will remain until the storm lias passed over; 5 pm. As the Sturt is just leaving, I add a line to the above to say that it is reported that the taua is close at hand, in fact almost within sight, and wo are expecting a turn with them perhaps ere night closes. We shall aim at making the struggle short, sharp, and decisive. November 3. By the Tawera I send you another line to soy that our expectations are fully realized, the taua is upon us. They are burning and destroying houses and property all round ; have turned out, and it is said, taken prisoners those of the people who did not take warning and come in, and burnt their property in their presence, but as yet we hear of no murders. You may believe that I have not time to write more now.