OPOTIKI.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume XII, Issue 515, 7 October 1867, Page 1

OPOTIKI.

(From tfce Correspondent of the Cross.) SUCCESSFUL SAID EYTHEBEEEL It is seldom that communications from this seUioiueiit are iiol seasoned with something sensation il, and this will not bo au exception to its predecessors. We had begun to fancy ourselves secure from any further predatory visits from our sable enemies, and were consequently a little surprised on the 12th instant, about eight o’clock, to observe in the direction of jWaioeka unmistakeable signs of some j large conflagration ; it was surmised that j the wbarea in the redoubt were on fire, some shots had also been heard a short time previous, and there was a bare possibility that the Maoris had again ventured to attack. A body of cavalry, with the Major, proceeded immediately to ascertain the particulars, whilst the militia fell in and were ordered to remain on the parade ground until the return of an orderly with orders for their future disposal. About nine o’clock the cavalry returned with the intelligence that the Maoris had entered the blockhouse (now in course of erection), carried off nearly all the tools, together with the two kegs of nails, and before leaving had piled all the spare timber acainst the walls, and set the bullet-proof building on fire. On account of its being filled, however, between the lining and weather boards with gravel, the fire did not take such an effect as it otherwise would, but sufficient damage ha* been done to remind us that they are still prowling about. A piquet of some 15 men are now stationed at the blockhouse, which is only iibout a mile au a half from the redoubt. Since the above little excitement, the weather lias proved so inviting that most ui our intending settlers are either fencing, planting, or ploughing their acres. We have been honored by a short visit from Colonel Moule, on some official business, 1 suppose. I hope he may take soma steps to cause the cash allowance in lieu of clothing to be paid to those who are entitled to it, as not one shilling has yet been paid to the men here, although they were distinctly promised it by the Defence Minister, and it is paid on the Waikat# lonn aco with the monthly pay. We bad a slight shock ot an earthquake here on the evening cf the Zlst instant; ,t lusted about two minutes, and was felt b. n arly all the inhabitants. The weather continues' fine, and great progress is being made in the improvement of the acre* here.