AUCKLAND.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 7, Issue 351, 19 February 1866, Page 2

AUCKLAND.

Br the ‘Queen,’ Captain Thompson, which arrived hero on Friday morning last, wo have Auckland dates to the 13th inst. There is no news of great interest. The market reports will be found elsewhere. Of other news, we make the following extracts:— ** Native News feom Waikato.— I Theeatened Fight Amongst the Maoeis at Eangibiex. A well-informed correspondent in the Waikato sends us the following, respecting what might prove a serious affair between two Maori tribes at Whangape, the one party being led by Te Wheoro and the other by Te Kukutai. We understand that Mr Mackay has left Auckland for Waikato, and it is probable that he has gone to attempt to settle the question peaceably. Our correspondent writes: —“ The result of the great meeting of the Ngatinaho and Ngatitipa tribes to dispute the right to Lake Whangape is not yet known. Reports are very contradictory. It appears that (he Ngatitipas (Kukutai’s tribe), finding that the place could not be taken by noise alone, have at length adopted active measures to secure, if possible, possession. During last month the Ngatinahos received news to the effect that Ngatitipas were making preparations on a large scale to invade Wbangape for the purpose of possessing themselves of the land, by driving the Ngatinahos beyond the ranges. In olden times the chief fishermen at Lake Whangape, through want of skill in Maori warfare, were unable to repel the frequent invasions of their neighbours, and, accordingly, a runanga was held in Waikato, to appoint an agent to negotiate in their behalf, and make needful representations of their wants, which resulted in the choice of a powerful chief called Wangape being appointed by them as leader; and from whom the lake derives its name. Since then the Ngatitipas have kept in the background, until now, Un the morning of the 7th February a large number of armed canoes passed the Bluff, en route for Whangape, headed by Kukutai, who wore a cockedhat and sword, and was armed to the teeth. Before leaving Waikato Heads it appears that Kukutai beat up for volunteers for the contemplated expedition against the Ngatinahos; and some Maories, ever anxious for mischief, volunteered to the number of about 80, Many loiterers, becoming dissatisfied with the plans of Kukutai, refused to follow in the wild goose chase. Active preparations have been made by theNgatinahos for the defence of their so-called mana to Whangape. W. N. Searancke, Esq., R.M. at Ngaiuawahia, proceeded on Wednesday last to meet the natives,’ and no doubt he will use his influence to bring about a peaceable understanding between the two tribes. Jt is a difficult matter to judge how the dispute may end, in case Kukutai should attempt to carry his plans into execution. It is said that Te Wheoro’s party wish to have the matter investigated and settled by law, but Eukutai’s tribe reluse to listen. The lake in question, namely Whangape, with the adjoining land, is all within the lines of the confiscated block; consequently Maoris can have no just claim, unless by authority of Government. Maori chiefs who have been dubbed Kaiwhatawas appear to be just as much in the dark ns they were long before the pakehas came to New Zealand. Law (whakawa) is only a name with them, and is seldom followed up with justice.”—Daily Southern Cross, 13th February, The Uppek Waikato.—Rewi Buildiko a Pa. —A correspondent in the Upper Waikato writes: —“A large number of natives visited Alexandra the other day for the purpose, it is said, of seding horses. Several old hands from Taranaki were noticed amongst them. Ecwi’s people are building a large pa about three miles from Te Kopua, near the road to Hangatiki, on the Upper Waipa; what they mean by this I cannot say. It certainly does not look like quietness. Everything is going' on well here, and the natives, generally speaking, are peaceably disposed. They long to see Mr Mackay up here again to talk over matters with him. It was reported that he was coming to Waikato by way of Fiako, but we hear many such reports from time to time. Eewi, it is said, is at Kawhia on a vist. Thompson is staying at Matamafa with his people, and will visit Hamilton shortly to bo present at a land court to be held there.”—lbid.

Gum-Digging in Centeai Waikato.—A correspondent at Ngaruawahia writes:—“The natives of Central Waikato are all engaged digging kauri gum, which promises to turn out rather a profitable employment. They find it in large blocks in many places, and several tons had been sent down the Horotiu river to the Auckland market. Nearly 200 persons are digging. The finest kind of gum is obtained at the Mangaura ; it is found in the swamp about two feet under ground and is not difficult to dig. The natives are looking for high prices: £l6 has been given, but that is too much, when you take into consideration the freight to Auckland. The stores will do a good business if they are careful not to give too much trust in the first place.”—lbid.

Tee arrival of the s.s. ‘Beautiful Star,’ yesterday morning, has placed us in possession of two days’ later news. We extract the following paragraph from the‘New Zealand Herald’ oftheKthinst,:—

The Whakatane Mukde;)EsS.—The. ] relim • nary investigation into this matter was concluded yesterday, a few of the accused making short stele* ments. Tho accessories, twelve in number, we e then arraigned, and the investigation commo ce!. They arc nearly all fine noble looking men, and all chiefs. 'The principal man in the affair is Horomona Poropiti (Solomon the Prophet) a venerable old man, and on him seems to be thrown the blame of the murderers. Two witnesses were examined, and then the Court adjourned till Friday next.