INTER-PROVINCIAL ITEMS.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 14, Issue 746, 23 December 1869, Page 3

INTER-PROVINCIAL ITEMS.

Under the heading "Important from ty'uikato," the Auckland Evening News, Dec. 17, says that a telegram was received die previous evening by the hon. the Sa tive and Defence Minister, informing h'.m lint intelligence wa9 received Tuhua, Upper Wanganui, to (lie eft'eot that Te Kooti and Kereopa had effected a junction of their forces. Ifc is further stated that they had sent a joint message to the King informing him of their intention to c 'me to the King's place and make laws for the Maoris. The news appears to have spread quite a sensation amongst the King natives. The King was on his way to Kawhia when (he intelligence was received by him. lie immediately returned to fokangamuiu, and collected his followers, to whom he communicated the news he Imd received. The name of Te Kooti's »nd Kereopa's native messenger is Aporo. There was a fixed determination io come to meet Kereopa and Te Kooti if rhev should appear in the neighborhood. A messenger was at once sent back to fJuhuti announcing this decision to the rebel chiefs. It is a favorable sign that ihe Waikatos express their determination io repel these cannibal rebels. The Evening Post, 11th December, informs us that a yery savage and brutal assault was committed on board the s.s. Storm Bid, lying alongside the Welling ton wharf. Two men known as " German Charlie" and "Jemmy the Fireman," had some falling out abmt missing money, wiien Jemmy seized Charlie with his teeth and bit two large pieces out of his lip and chin. The pieces, having actually on them the hair of the man's beard, were picked up and shown at the Police Court, where an information was laid for assault, after Charlie had his wounds dressed at the nos pital Jemmy, whose real name is /ames Vl'Kenna, having been arrested by the police, was placed in the dock and sentented to 14 days' imprisonment, the leniency of the sentence being on acccount of the provocation given by plaintiff A notice (says the Thames Times) has been posted in front of the office of the Receiver of Grold-fields Revenue, stating that tlie hon. Donald M'Lean has intimated to the officials in charge that they are not to issue any miner's rights for beach claims. What is meant by this intimation of the Native Minister we are at a complete loss to understand. No miners' rights are, nor can hey be, issued for particular claims. Hi y are is:iied for distiicis, and are transferable from ore district to an olh r, so that the injunction of the Native Minister cm be only meant as another uie; e of s ft soap for the Maori propneto s to show how anxious the Government are for their interests.

We learn from the Thames Advertisei that polling for two members to represent i lie Thames gold-fieid in the Provincial Council of Auckland look place on the 16th December, and resulted in placing dames Mackav, Esq., jun , and D Grove. l£sq., as I lie held ol life poll. Air Coin missioner JN'auglitpn and Sergeant Lloyd were ail about during the day, and a pretty strong force of police were inside the office, in case of emergency. The following is a statement of the result of the polling at oliurlland, Tapu, and Coromaudel:—

Mackay 1421 Grove 1388 Rowe 1013 Broad 719 —When the numbers were made known, there was loud and general cheering from the supporters of the successful candidates, and groans from those who had voted for the unsuccessful. Mr Mack.iy and Mr Grove ascended on the barricade, and briefly addressed the electors, thanking them for the honor that had been done them. We vvou d have been glad indeed if we cou'd have recorded that the election passed over without anyone having suffered violence. Mr Patrick Nolan was again attackrd, and again rescued by the police. Mr Blakcsly, Inspector of Nuismces, was knocked down and very cruelly injured. Tiiese and others were rescued by the police, and we are only sorry that the police did not succeed in capturing any of those who committed such acts.

As showing the rapidity of the growth of the Native iiax, the Oamaru Times men tions that Mr Urr took the trouble to measure the height of several bushes which were cut off by him on Saturday week at about a loot from the ground, and, on remeasuring them on Saturday last, it was found thai the leaves had grown fully six inches, or nearly an inch per day. The Thames Times, Dec. 13, says that an eccentric individual of apparently unsettled theological principles, stationed himself opposite St. George's Church yes terday afternoon, at the conclusion of the service, and addressed the congregation, as they were leaving the place of worship, on various questions of religion. His exhortations were not attended with success. The conduct of the editor of the Charh s ton Herald in not reporting the late riot which terminated fatally to one man, is severely commented upon by the Westport limes. The tone adopted by the Charleston Herald is sympathy with the offender.-, but not a regret is expressed for the murdertd man lvirk.

The Wauganui Evening Herald contains the following : —We are informed by Mr iii. VVoon, who has his information from Aperaharua, of Putiki, that letter, have been received from Kemp and Mete Kingi at Ohinemu.u, that Topitie te Mamaku has joined Te ivooti, and in consequence Kemp and Topia have had a muster of their forces, have picked out the braves ot the tribes, and have started for the scene of action—4oo strong.

The following official report of tho lion. Mr M'Lean's visit to the Upper Thames has been handed to the Auckland papers for publication.:—

The Hon. the Native Minister and party, consisting of 11. T. Clarke, Esq., Civil Commissioner and E. W. Pucfcey, Esq., accompanied by Te Moananui and several other chiefs, left Grahamstown on the rnorniug of the Bth instant, for Ohinemuri, reaching Rapata's settlement late in the evening of the same day.

Shortly after the arrival of the steamer, a message was received by Mr M'Lean from Te Ilira, requesting that the contemplated meeting might take place at the house known as "Te Whakaliaere o Hauraki," whither the steamer proceeded on the following morning. The house had been prepared for the reception of Mr M'Lean and his party. Rapata and his friends were first on the ground. Te Ilira and his following (about twenty-five in number), advanced with a Ilauhau ilag, and with the usual welcome of "Haeremai, haeremai." After repeating a Ilauhau prayer, and some short time having elapsed, lleihana, on behalf of Te Hira, welcomed Mr M'Lean.

Speeches of a friendly nature were made on both sides, in which, however, no allusion took place in reference to the question of opening up the Ohinemuri country for gold mining purposes. After a considerable time, Reihana, addressing himself to Mr M'Lean, inquired whether the only object he had in view in coming to see them was to renew their old friendship, or whether there was not some other subject on which he wished to speak to them. Mr M'Lean replied that there was another subject on which he wished to speak to them, and one which was very closely allied with the peace of Hauraki —an object which they had expressed themselves as so anxious to attain. He alluded to the goldfield alleged to exist in that neighborhood.

Opinion being divided between Te Hira and other chiefs as to the advisability or otherwise of throwing open the land at Oiiineinuri for gold mining purposes, he (Mr was anxious to lieai what each party had to say on the subject. Te Hira, after several had spoken, in a very temperate speech represented that the southern boundary of the goldfield at present opened, viz., Omahu, had been determined by the pakehas and the chiefs favorable to gold mining, but not by himself or any of his followers ; that a very small portiou of the land had bec.i left to him ; that he was not favorable at present to the opening up of Ohinemuri, but that he wished to look around him for awhile and see the light break. He complained of the Europeans ranging over Ohinemuri and requested that t!;ey might be ordered back.

Mr M'Lean, in reply, said that he was assailed in all quarters about the opening up of that portion of the district for gold-mining purposes. Feeling confident that the welfare of Hauraki depended on it, he was anxious to promote the peaceful and beneficial occupation of the district, and to develop the riches supposed to exist there, and which weie unknown to their ancestors. That the pakehas did not desire their lands save for the purpose of developing the resources, which were of no value if not worked.

A proposition to divide the land equitably between the claimants was rejected, as tliey wished for time to consider the question. Te Hira's tone is much altered, and lie seems inclined to concede. The prospect of opening up the country is hotter than ever, but any uudue pressure brought to bear on the opposing natives —many of whom are found amongst those professing to be friendly—must inevitable damage the present favorable aspect of matters, and frustrate the object in view. It is known that many of those natives who outwardly profess to be in favor of opening up the field, are, in truth, instigating Te Ilira to hold out. The meeting terminated late in the afternoon, and Mr Puckey visited Te Ilira in the evening. Next morning Mr M'Lean had a meeting with Rapata and his people, who promised to be guided by Mr M'Laan's advice. The old chief, Taraia, spoke strongly in favor of opening the field. Mr M'Lean then took leave of the natives, amongst whom were several of Te Hira's supporters, who were verv cordial.

By agreement, Mr M'Lean then met a party of diggers at Mr Cashel's. Ila explained to them frankly the exact position in which his interview with Te Hint, had left the question. He hoped that they would not retard the prospect of opening up the district by any rash, illegal, or premature action on their parts, and returned to Shortland on I'riday afternoon. Mr M'Lean returued to Auckland on Saturday. And now for a word of advice : If the diggers persist in hanging about the place, or if an attempt) is made illegally to prospect, the successful termination of the negotiation for the throwing open of the field may be indefinitely postponed. In their own interest, therefore, and iu that of the country, let them wait, relying upon the elforts which will be made by the Government to effect the object iu view. With regard to the Shortland beach question, the statement which has been going the rounds of the papers, to the effect that Mr M'Lean informed a deputation which waited upon him at Shortland that the titles to lands below high watermark, and included in the schedule to the Shortlaud Beach Act of last session, were to be decided by the JN'ative Lands Court, is quite incorrect. Mr M'Lean made no such statement.

Tiie title of natives to lands below high water mark lias been recognised—first, by section 9 of the Gold-fi'lds Act Amend meat Act, 1883; second, by Mr Mackay on behalf of the Government; and, subsequently, by the Shortland Beach Act, 1809. The Government is bound to recognise and adhere to the law as it stands; and this is practically what Mr M'Lean told the deputation of Europeans who waited upon him, and the native chiefs in their different interviews with him.

The Auckland annual race meeting is announced to come off on Friday Dec. 31, Saturday, Jan. I, and Monday, Jan. 3. A large skate, weighing 1201b5., says the Wanganui Chronic e, was brought over here by the s.s. Wal'aby on her last trip from Nelson.

On the 17th December, the ps. Roy d Alfred brought to Auckland, from the Thames, 3,5 iO ounces of gold on behalf of the Bank of New Zealand. On the 11th December, another fire broke out in Westport, this time in Freeman street, whereby three houses were destroyed, viz, Q. 0.15., Old House &t Home, and Ship Hotels. We learn that the lion. Mr Tolleoiaehe, an old and well-known colonist, is about to revisit the colony, accompanied by Mrs follernaehe. Their names appear in the pas-enger list of the ship Wild Duek, which left London for Wellington on Oct. 2.

The Tauranga correspondent of the NewZealand Herald says that some anxiety is being manifested on the part of the natives in that district regarding the amount of the reward likely to accrue to Hula Tanga ia for giving the information which led to the conviction, at the last s.'s ion of the Supreme Court, of Thomas Short, A.C., for a breach of the Aiois Act. Tin; Maoris say that they knew of several instances of similar violations of the law, but declined to give inforruati mi, having no faith in the promises of the Government of the p rijd. It would be vvie ecmomy on the part of his Excellency's Government to bestow .iberal rewards to informants in such case.-.

A sight seldom witnessed by laudsine.i, and but occasionally by seaman, greeted tie eyes of a favored few at Auckland on the 16th December Tiie New Zealand Herald siys that at about 5 p.m. a heavy bank of clouds, movi ?g si >wly up from the northward and eastward, passed over ilangitoto, and when, above liie channel between th <t ialand and the North Head, commenced taking in a supply of moisture from a waterspout of consid rabid magniiude. At length, gorged to repletion, the body of vapours cast oif the suction hose, tnd fi.iully discharged its aqueous contents over our city, in one of the heaviest show ors that we have known for a long time

past. An amusing incident occurred a few days ago which illustrated the truth ot in old adage, " Where there's a will there's a way." A resident in the neighborhood obtained a verdict in the itesiuent Magistrate's Court at the Aha Lira, against another resident fjr goods sold and delivered. iu order of the court for immediate pa- - merit was issued, and the q icstion arose now it was to be served o.i defendant, ila was known to be planted somewhere in the vicinity of Keid's station. The pi iintiff went there, but as soon as the man he wtm in search oi saw him approaching, he bolted, a id as he is young and iciive, and can run like a deer, he soon ieft his pursuer behind. However, that astute individual was not to be " bested," so he returned to the Junction, and after hiving a horse and saddle for a lady, he dis-'uis.d himself in female attire. When rdie finishing touch was put on, in the shape of one of Mrs B 's window curtains, which was made to duty as a ved he m ide, i fresh start, accompanied by a male friend. vVdien they came nisijhtof the station, the " lady " adjusted herself ii a more iadydke position in the saddle, and as t.iey came nearer she saw the object of her fond solicitude leisurely and unsuspectingly airing himselt i:i front of the hous. 1 . When the pair rode up to the hut, 1 , true to his reputation for gallantry and politeness, came forward, and offered to assist the lady to dismount. She thanked him, (with, no doubt, a sweet smile on her lace, if her face could have been seen through ;,tie window curtain), but just requested him in a deliciously confidential whisper to " take charge of that small parcel for her," handing him, upside down, the order of ihe court neatly enclosed, and addressed to himself. A loud and very unl'emiuine guffaw from the lady, and another from her protector, made I suspect thai he had been sold. The lady did not dismount, but it is said thai she left the skirt of her riding habit in in I 's hands, which no doubt will come in handy for saddle cloths.

The subjoined paragraph from the Tararanaki Herald has been going the round of tiie press. We look upon this story, winch, by the way, is '' from a native source," as rather doubtful :—"lt has often been remarked that the small native birds are gradually disappearing. Many causes are attributable for their decrease ; amongst diem, that they have become the prey ot wild cats, but from w:;at we can hear, they hive a more treacherous and deadly enemy m the bee. From a nuti.e source we gather that these little birds are in the habit of gathering their food by dipping thei>long tongues into the blossoms on native trees, tiiuce bees have been introduced, ihey have sought the same bloosums for honey, and vvnile lying couoeabd in the flower have stung the tongues of the birds, which has caused death. Hie natives compare these littlo birds to themselves, and say that then* own gradual decrease is caused in the same way. Unconscious ol the dangers introduced by civilisation, they rush into them, and are killed at once or die a lingering death."

The weather at Auckland, which had fo* some time been sultry and threatening, culminated on the 13th hist, in a very pretty thunderstorm, with a townpour of rain, which has afforded decided relief. On the sounding of the first peal of thunder, the shops in Queen-street emptied themselves, the occupiers rushing out to know what was the matter ; horses and carts bolted, contents were upset. Hobbs, the draper, had his flagstaff split by lightning. A man leading a horse and dray from Jones' auction mart was knocked down and escapjd one of the wheels by a miracle. .