TARANAKI

Lyttelton Times, Volume VI, Issue 376, 11 June 1856, Page 5

TARANAKI

From the " Herald," May 17

During the week a messenger arrived at the town pa from the South with intelligence that the Natives at the pas on'the coast line were preparing to move on to New Plymouth, and that their provisions for the march were cooked and packed.

Sundry reports are also rife regarding the disposition of the Taranaki Natives, but the statements are various and contradictory. a We have been favoured with a translation of a letter from a Native chief at Patea, dated the 30th April, which arrived by the Overland mail on Friday. Written a short time back, the substance of it seems to point to the result stated by the messenger above referred to.

" Patea, 30th April, 1856

* * * "Listen! We are in trouble about Piripi, who is dead. The committee is about to assemble to consult about going to fight. Let me tell you the JMgatiawa have become outrageous. Piripi has been killed by them, who was shot, and afterwards his head mutilated, and then his body, therefore, my friend, great is the crime. We are of opinion that payment should be obtained for his death. Listen !

the cause of his death was Waitaha, which Katatore gave to Ngatiruanui to hold. Piripi went to maintain this, and he died in consequence. This is the cause. " I cannot tell you the day on which the Committee assemble.

" From

RIHARI TaMAIAKINA."