LATEST NATIVE NEWS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue IV, 28 December 1869, Page 2

LATEST NATIVE NEWS.

( From the Taranaki Herald). We learn by way of Wanganui that Te Kooti's movements, are being .closely watched by ■ Topi a aud the friendly allies who are quietly surrounding him. It i 8 said that Te Konti, with a hundred of his followers, hud arrived at Taumarinui, and that Topia had supplied him with food, advising him to go lower down the river aud locate himself at the settlement' of Mfikokomako. Topia immediately sent . word to Pehi's people and to the other , Wangauui chiefs, telling them that he thought hy their combining they might surround Te Kooti and his followers and take them. Mojor Kemp, on hearing of this, went up the river with some friendly natives, intending to surprise the rebels. When he came to Paparoa, below Makokomako, Major Kemp landed there, and sent word to Topia to. advance. towards Te Kooti's position. The Waikatos have communicated, with Topia, and promised help when he. in forms them of Te Kooti's whereabouts. Topia, Ihai, and Parata would have attacked the rebel chief, but were afraid of a defeat. As Te Kooti is in this position, we may naturally expect to hear shortly of an attack being made on him by the friendly natives. From other sources we hear that Te Kooti is anxious to return to his own country, and wishes to avoid fighting in that district. He apparently is unaware of Topia's change. The friendly natives are in high glee at the prospect of securing this rebel.