Whkre is Tito Kowaru ? — We cannot ascertain correctly the exact whereabouts of Tito Kowaru, although it is reported that he is quietly moving down to his place at Te Ngaire, yet nothing for certain is known. The present lull in affairs is anything but assuring, and merely looks as if the rebels were "taking breath," preparatory to another onslaught on the settlers. Whilst this uncertainty of the movements of the rebels exists, the confidence of the settlers will gradually give way. The Waitotara natives, it is sa:d, have left him, and are hanging about in detached bodies, ready for a swoop on any defenceless or unwary Europeans, whilst Te Wetere and the Ngatimaniopoto tribe remaining quiet since the late massacre, seems not only to puzzle our authorities, but everyone who is supposed to know the manners and customs of tbe Maoris. The information received by the Government is furnished by the natives themselves, and has of course to be received with caution, but, from all we can learn, the resources of the rebels on all sides are not so materially crippled as to compel them to give up the contest. The rebellion — like a thunder cloud —is hanging over our heads, and may burst again where we are least prepared for it, and when we least expect it. — Taranald Herald, Alarm at the Waitara last Sunday. — Some alarm was created at the Waitara on Sunday evening last, from hearing the natives on the east side of the river screaming and crying out that Tito Kowaru was close on them. The settlers were naturally much frightened, and congregated together at Messrs. W ebster Brothers' store; some even coming into town. The cause of this alarm we believe proceeded from a native woman, who having be n woke up by a native scout, that had just returned from ascertaining the whereabouts of Tito Kowaru, and misunderstanding him, she set up a scream, which was quickly taken up by the other women in camp, and thus caused the alarm to the settlers on this side of the river — Taranaki Herald, April 24. The Rebel Tito Kowaru.— From all we can gather we understand that this cannibal chief is quietly recruiting his strength at a place called Pukemakoi, where he and his people are occupying about three acres of land How long he is likely to remain quiet, or which is the next pace he will condescend to visit and commence his depredations, we of course cannot foretell, but it may be some consolation to the out-settlers to know that his movements are being watched with the utmost vigilance. The expedition under Major Brown which was to have gone to secure Tito Kowaru's women and baggage, has been postponed sine die. — Taranaki Herald, April 24. The Broad Arrow of the 16th January, says : " It is somewhat reassuring to learn that the peremptory orders for the embarkation of the 18th Hoyal Irish from New Zealand have been in some degree modified, so that it will rest with the authorities in the colony, to a certain extent, whether, on the arrival of the Himalaya, the reeiment should be despatched home or not. New Zealand appears to us to be altogether an exceptional position respecting the poli- y whioh will undoubtedly be followed by the present Government, of casting upon the colonies the expense of their defence. It is the only dependency of England where a savage and still powerful race threatens the stability of our settlements; and it is inconceivable that any statesman should believe that a set of simple-minded farmers and labourers would have left our shores for such a land except upon the assumption that they still continue British subjects, and would receive that protection from the forces of the State which their brethren enjoyed at Home. Service in New Zealand has certainly not been popular. It was always arduous — never glorious; and at the present moment the troops engaged in the last war are vainly expecting the promised medal, whilst the more favored Abyssinian army has long since been assured of receiving this final crowning of its lavish rewards."
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Bibliographic details
Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 102, 3 May 1869, Page 2
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686Untitled Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 102, 3 May 1869, Page 2
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