AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 44, 25 November 1871, Page 3

AUCKLAND.

[From the correspondent of the “ Lyttelton Times.] The deputies who lately went to Tokangamutu, to ascertain the intentions of the king party with respect to extension of the telegraph via Ohinemuri, have returned, to report favorably of the reception accorded to their mission. Further details will be known —probably to-day—when the deputation is expected to make a statement to Thames and Ohinemuri Natives. These telegraphic negotiations have been very tedious, and during their progress Mr Puekey has exercised great tack and forbearance. For some time past be has been ably seconded by an influential chief, and quite lately Mr J. Maekay, ;junr M lias rendered valuable assistance. Mr Maekay is popular with many of the Thames natives, and at one time it was thought that he could settle the Ohinemuri question, but unfortunately he quite failed to do so about two years ago, and there exists no good reason for supposing that, alone, Mr Maekay could do more at -the present time Parati, porewareiva (prophet), eke a wizard, and like all Maoris of his diabolical profession, an unmitigated nuisance, has been shot dead at Kawhia by one Hone Kiwi, otherwise Toby. The deceased bad threatened to bewitch (maJcutu) bis executioner. As several natives were supposed to have previously died by Parati’s enchantments, or by his poisons, Toby, savage-like, sought satisfaction in his rude way. Parati was. a bit of a chief, and it is likely that his relations will take utu, and kill Toby. One of our evening papers lately stated that Rewi Maniopoto had taken Te Kooti under his protection, and demanded that his interesting protege should no longer be pursued. But, though it is well known that some of the King party would like to shelter Te Kooti, it does not appear that Rewi is at all desirous to patronise him, and there is good reason for believing that Te Kooti’s seizure of Waikato heirlooms made him hateful to leading chiefs of the King party. It would be a herculean task to refute all the apocryphal native news that is manufactured here from time to time, and obtains temporary credence further south. Naturally enough, for the individual ophidian that beguiled Eve could not have related that species of intelligence more plausibly. The wer steamer Ramelin, last from Noumea, remained here rather over four days, departing for Valparaiso at halfpast five last Sunday morning. She is a long low vessel, with beautiful lines, and heavy rig; everything connected with her is very neat and ship-shape, and the crew looked most respectable. In that respect the Hamelins would compare favorably with English seamen. On several occasions, at night, I noticed sailors belonging to the Hamelin waltzing on Queen’s wharf and singing the Marsellaise. Before the Ilamelin left, her officers, very gentleman-like men, were invited to dine at the Junior Club. The Hon Dr Pollen presided. I hear that H.M. ships Blanche and Basilisk are shortly expected here. Capt Simpson, R.N., and four -seamen arrived from England lately, to join these ships. It is intended, I believe, to forward some of our best oarsmen to compete in your forth-coming great iegatta races. Boating is a favorite pastime here, and as we have enjoyed a great deal of delightful weather lately, smart gigs have been passing over the Waitemata in all directions, almost every day. With us, the proposal to make Parliament perambulatory meets with nearly unanimous reprobation. Your Auckland correspondent hopes to be forgiven if a stern sense of duty compels him, as a veracious writer of contemporary history, to record in this letter how several wellexecuted effigies of the resolute and redoubtable Guido Fawkes were yesterday publicly paraded through the streets ot this city, preliminary as it were to various auto da fes celebrated last night with acclamations and youthful enthusiasm, stimulated by ignition of rockets. Catherine wheels, and Roman candles. I note that staid citizens do not approve these celebrations, and, in fact, do not seem to reflect upon the fate that might befall our legislators ; but the youngsters more than make up for this apathy, and duly remembering the “ 5 th of November, Gunpowder Treason and Plot,” are

evidently of opinion that Parliament must not be blown up with impunity. It is true, some of the aforesaid youngsters do not always duly discriminate between historical characters, and I even heard one coatless youth remark how like his effigy was to our worthy Superintendent ; but boys will make mistakes, and no harm was done if some of them really imagined that they were roasting Mr Gillies’ adumbration.