IMPORTANT FROM THE THAMES.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 7, Issue 386, 18 June 1866, Page 2

IMPORTANT FROM THE THAMES.

(From tbe Kew Zealand Herald, 7th June.) . Bx the arrival yesterday of tho cutter Fly from lOtowhakarcre, wo have further particulars concerning the rebel natiyes in the Thames. A gentleman on board has kindly furnished us with the following, and as tva have reason to believe that it can he relied upon, we give it in full:—. William Thompson's son and his secrc-tarv were at Kikowhakaere last week, and held several meetings with the natives there. They stated that they had been sent by the great rangaiira (W. Thompson) to raise a force to invade tho Waikato. They had also made an inspection of 'the different military st-ltlonnents, and as, the militiamen wore so scattered about in small cum-

hers, it would be easy for them to slaughter all the pakehas and set the Waikato in a blaze. The natives even went so far as to plan the attack, divide themselves 1 into different forces, and name the day. At one of the meetings the chief Monganui, hitherto a loyal and Queen native, made a lengthened Speech, said to be moat hostile to the Government. The Thames natives, with whom he was in some way connected, declare that they will have revenge for Mokomoko, who was hung here the other day, and who they say died innocent.

Tne natives are also greatly incensed against the Governor, and declare that if ever they get hold of Te Ua they will serve him as the Governor did Fulloon’s murderers ; they also state that Sir George Grey ought to have hung Te Ua long ago, and attribute to him the fact of the Governor’s signing Horomona Poropiti’s and the others death warrants.

Supposing the above to be all correct as to the manner in which these Maoris hare been “ bouncing,” we think it kind to tell them very distinctly and clearly that if they break the peace again, either in the Waikato or in the Thames district, they will find that the pakeha will take very few prisoners ; that there will be no playing at war and pa taking, but that the energy displayed by the Colonial forces and General Chute will bo looked upon as merely an incentive for the putting forth of greater energy and activity, and inflicting far greater loss upon them. The “ last straw breaks the camel’s back,” patience and forbearance have their limit, and we are thoroughly tired of being charged with injustice to the natives, snubbed by Great Britain, and taxed to pay large compensation to such rebels as Ihaka’s widow. '|'hcre will be sharp work in another war should it occur; but the Maoris will not be so tenderly dealt with as they have been hitherto. There will be both great loss of Maori life and of Maori land, should they recommence their “ little game ” iu this part of the Island.