New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAITS GUARDIAN. Saturday, May 11, 1846.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume II, Issue 84, 16 May 1846, Page 2

New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAITS GUARDIAN. Saturday, May 11, 1846.

Epuni, a few days ago, sent one of his people to Porirua to obtain information as to the movements of the natives under Rangihaeata- The intelligence brought back by this messenger, who visited Rangihaeata's pah, is to the effect that that savage will be able to collect from Otaki, Wanganui, and other places, two hundred men, who will arrive at Porirua under pretence of holding a tangi over a chief lately dead, and will, afterwards, proceed to the Hutt and establish themselves at the Taita. Rauparaha had jtst sent a present of food to Rangihaeata, consisting of , potatoes, kumeras, and four hundred eels. Epuni, a fortnight since, tendered the services of his A tribe to the Superintendent to keep watch up the Hutt, and, if provided with arms and ammunitiorijfto resist any attempt at intrusion by strange natives. He and his son Henry, proposed to deposit at Petoni the arm« they might receive from the Government, and to distribute them only to those on duty, or in case of actual fighting. They seemed much pleased at the idea of an offensive and defensive alliance with the military. But Major Richmond declined their proposals, ( n the, return of the messenger above mentioned, the old chief and all his people, highly affronted at the distrust of j them exhibited by Major Richmond in his rejection of their services, declare their intention of taking no part in the contemplated struggle, and of removing to Parangarau upon the first indication of its approach. On Sunday morning a party of the force stationed at Porirua proceeded up the noi them arm of Porirua harbour to reconnoitre Rangihaeata's position, and the foremost boat approached within a very short distance of his pa, when they were fired upon by the natives. They effected their retreat without loss under a heavy fire kept up by the natives, but the fire was not returned from the boats. We believe that this reconnoissance of the enemy's position has been since disapproved of by the authorities. We wish not to complain out of our province, or to alarm the public, but to record passing events and to warn the authorities, les-t hereafter they should attempt to evade the responsibility of the impolitic and pusillanimous course they are now pursuing towards an undisguised enemy of the settlers and the Government. Is Major Richmond in command at Porirua, now under Martial Law ?—lf? — If not, let the officer responsible beware of adopting the oldwomanish views of the Superintendent of Wellington ! For the credit of the British array, to which the latter no longer belongs, and from the solemn duties of which he has always contrived to escape with profit, we pray that the interests of this settlement, entrusted to the detachment now j stationed at Porirua be not smothered by his Honor's stolid indifference to them, or wantonly sacrificed by being left to those uninstructed as to the question at issue, or inexperienced in measures calculated to effect a successful termination of it. We cannot, in connection with this subject, refrain from contrasting the conduct of the Superintendent towards Rauparaha and Epuni. The former, notoriously treacherous and crafty, is courted and treated with respect, his participation in" the atrocities of

Wairau appears to be forgotten, — gifts are lavished upon him, the only effect of which is still further to excite his cupidity, and to cause fresh demands to be made by the shameless importunity of this savage, whose rapacity knows no bounds, and whose constant cry is give, give. And yet the utmqgt he professes is that he will preserve a neutrality, — that he will not join Rangihaeata in any contest with the British forces. And we have seen these professions are so ill observed, that he does not scruple to supply the enemy with food and information, while no one doubts that in the event of any serious struggle, the force of former ties and old associations would move him openly to give Rangihaeata still more active assistance. On the other hand Epuni and his people, who have uniformly been the friends of the Europeans from the first moment the settlement was founded, are treated withindif-' fet ence or mistrust, and their offers of assistance are declined. Such conduct is not calculated to strengthen our position or increase the respect of the natives for the Bri- . tish Government, and we are not so secure as to be able to despise their co-operation, neither is it expedient at the present juncture, if worthier motives are to be disregarded, to estrange the affections of our old and stedfast friends.