TARANAKI.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VI, Issue 369, 17 May 1856, Page 5

TARANAKI.

Native Disturbances.—We regret to announce the renewal of the Native Disturbances at Bell Block, and a new inroad of the Ngatiruanui people swelling the combatants. From our inquiries it appears that Piripi of Wherefovwilh about forty of the Ngatiruanui natives, came up by the mountain route, and reached the Kaipakopako on the 12th instant, and commenced hostilities by firing ball cartridge at the Niuia. This new calling in of the Ngatiruanui people by Katatorc, and subsequent aggressive proceeding, occasioned tierce excitement, which has'led to a fatal conflict, in which several have been killed and a number mitre or less seriously wounded. The particulars of the affray are, as near as we can learn, as follows :—

On Tuesday the Ngntiruantii men, with Katatore's people, attacked the Ninia natives who were cutting the fern by the Mangatarawapo, and drove them from their work. Later in the day an irregular firing having been kept up between the parties for some time, they came ti) close quarters, and three of the Ngatiruanui people, including their chief Piripi, (eldest son of Te Rei Te Hnnataua) were killed, together with one of Wiremu Kingi's natives; and eight of the same party were wounded. On the Ninia sid-j one native was killed (Hakopa) and three wounded. One of the wounded Ngatiruauui is since dead, and it is reported that another body has been discovered in the fern. On Wednesday there was a truce for the purpose of burying the bodies, ami it was expected that, unless some new causes of exasperation should occur, there would not be any further hostilities until the main body of the Ngatiruanui, 200 strong, known to be ou their way, should have arrived.

No very great number on either side were engaged in the combat, nor, as far as we have been able to ascertain, were there any large numbers in the respective pahs at the time; but those who have visited them since the right compute the number of each at upward* of 200 men, all armed, and in a fearful state of excitement. The Resident Magistrate has issued a notice warning the settlers from going to the scene of strife, or in anywise interfering. Concurrent with the circumstances above related, is a report that Tatnuti Hone Rankawa, a Ngatiruanui chief residingalKutotaru,and who was defeated in his attack on Ihaia at Waitara in December, 1854, is coining to New Plymouth by- the coast line, with 300 followers, to seek payment from Katatore for the death of Ihaka te Kauri, who was killed with Rawiri Wai-aua. The choice of the coast line is considered a favourable indication, but the Ninia's people hrtve, notwithstanding, great suspicions of treachery, and are taking meaus to provide against ihe worst. This view certainly derives probability from the siimiltsueous movements of the two parties; and the news of the last fight may not improbably iuduce a junction of the two bodies.

Although the protection of a considerable Military force permits us to look upon the events occurring in greater security, and consequently with mure serenity than in times past, we feel bound to say that the native difficulties appear to be if possible in a less satisfactory state than ever. The different tribes are collecting their women ami children into one pah, and making1 every other preparation for a sauguiuary strusrgle.— Herald, April \dth.

We intended to euier more at lar»e upon the subject of the Native Disturbances, anil u> aitenipt a retrospect that might throw somu light on their sudden renewal, hut.have been compelled, by press of other matter, to confine our notice simply to current events. No further conflict between the Native tribes has occurred since our last, but a growing anxiety regarding the future appears to oppress both races. The looked for arrival of more of the Njjauruanui has not yet taken place, but the Native letters by the last overland mail speak of a general muster of that tribe for a raid upon this neighbourhood. Great suspicion appears to be entertained, even by the allies, of their intentions. One letter received from Wahieke, v j>a at Nigatiniiinui) i'lfiiuaius to the person

to whom it is addressed (Te Herewini) that he must hasten to his pa au4 join the whole tribe nf NgatiruiUiui iit an attack on the Ninia natives, in rerenge for the death of Piripi, and that they were to commence, their march on Monday next. The gathering is to be from the whole length and breadth of the district, including the Ihupuku Natives near Whanganui ; and those best acquained with their numbers estimate that th<?y will amount to little less than a thousand fighting men. Arama Karaka, we hear, puts them at 800. Katatore is said to be entirely in the dark as to their intentions; and, it is certain, has withdrawn himself, his people, and his property from the Kaiapakopako pa, and removed to one between that and the Ninia.

Happily we have a regular force at hand— not of a strength, it is true, to allay all anxiety, nor as his Excellency the Governor may consider sufficient for she crisis. The Ocean and the Zillah will have paced the Government at Auckland in possession of our condition, and his Excellency will have the benefit of our Superintendent's presence in matters of local knowledge. Beariny in mind also that thp General Assembly is sitting, we doubt not that such measures as the energy, vigilance, and prudence ot" tlie governing bodies of the colony may suggest for the safety "of the community will be taken.— lbid, April 26.