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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 146, 21 June 1881, Page 2

A correspondent writes to the Taraiak News : — " A most daring attack was recently! made by .a. swarm! of large rats on John Ailing, of Cape Egmont. Ailing lives in a whare not far from the Cape camp, and a short time ago' complained of rats being very numerous: about his place, but not considering them dangerous he did not .trouble himself about them . About 2 o'clock on Sunday morning, however, he was awakened from a; Bound sleep by a dreadful 1 sensation, and to his horror (found' several monstrous rats busy disfiguring.his face. He did'ali in his power to frighten tbiem^away, but they clung to his! bedding until a light was secured, when they ; made away like a pack of hounds. AllirigV. flesh wounds are not of a serious nature, %is \ ears having been bitten the most. As"bV fears the "carnivorous roleats may., take. .it into their heads to pay him another, visit, he intends to quit his present quarters as soon as possible. This account will convey an idea of • how' dangerous rats are -at tirries, | especially when they get the taste, of blood. J i -The l" W'lirarapa Daily says,,, that the; Heathen Chinee bida fair to be eclipsed in Masterton A rabbiter todk a parcel of skins to. Messrs Vile and i D'Arcy'* recently, the weight of which.wos lOlbs, an,d ; the ; price for that quantity was duly paid. On being separated, there Was 'found to be no less than 3 libs weight of oats tied up with the skins. . •! ; •■'•',•"'" A native, named Hioki, who baa gained the reputation amongst . hit fellows of being a sorberer, bad hJa' whare 'phlled'downraDd waa mobbed by natives at' Wai wakaiho a few days ; ago. ! He is supposed' to have Caused the death of two Maoris jby nia wizard propensities, and> for a second time be' has been .obliged; to, eeek-retuge Kt Parihaka, I •■'••" ■•' '