WAIRARAPA. Greytown, May 1, 1864.

North Otago Times, Volume 1, Issue 13, 19 May 1864, Page 6

WAIRARAPA. Grey town, May 1, 1864.

It seems that the Maories have profited by the suggestion to form a military settlement in the "Forty Mile Bush," and when Dr Featherston threw the useful project overhead, the Maories took it up, and have commenced the election of an asylum for robbers, rebel", and murderers— a regular bandit's den is being formed, in an isolated position, where plunder can be disposed of with impunity About this time last year the Kingites were preparing for mischief in the populated portion of the Valley, and they were bunging their designs to a head when the Volunteer movement arrested the rebellion's progress, but the spirit of the movement was not broken, it smouldered on, and has once more gained a position. The rebels have deemed it prudent to concentrate their forces, and offer strong temptations for other choice spirits to join their ranks; knowing that it is becoming rather too hot for rebel comfort m the north, their kind friends here are providing a snug retreat for them on the north spur of one of the Tararau ranges ; loads of grub are being collected. The faithful Kingites in Greytown are sending great quantities of potatoes, &c, to the stronghold, so that the garrison may not be short of provisions in bad weather, or want vegetables to their beef and mutton, which commodities are now most decidedly in danger, and this may perhaps cause the authorities to move a little. Mr Wardell will most likely write to the Native Minister, and Dr Shortland will reply, censuring the pakehas for having formed Volunteer corps, and thereby driving " the innocent children of nature to the mountain fastnesses." liy-the-bye this Secretary Shortland is a great favorite with the "Aboriginal Protection Society." This body of howling philantiophists are about to present the Doctor with a medal, and " Fair Play" with another. The medal will represent the greatest wonder in New Zealand— a Maori returning thanks to his benefactor, while the background is filled in with another Maori concealing himself behind a bush, tomahawk in hand, ready to cut off the pakeha's head; and at a short distance appears an old aboriginal lady preparing a native oven for the purpose of pieserving the head, so that it may be forwarded to the Aboriginal Protection Society, as a proof of Maori gratitude. I must ask pardon for this little digression, and as there are four pages written, any further remarks about our position with the natives shall be deferred for another communication; and in the meantime if you should happen to fall in with his Honor the Super-

intendent, just be bo kind as to ask him if it would not have been better to have had a military settlement in the Forty Mile Bush than f rebel encampment. — Correspondent of "Advertiser."