New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIG GUARDIAN. Saturday July 25, 1846. IMPORTANT NEWS! CAPTURE OF TE RAUPARAHA !!!

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume II, Issue 103, 25 July 1846, Page 2

New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIG GUARDIAN. Saturday July 25, 1846. IMPORTANT NEWS! CAPTURE OF TE RAUPARAHA !!!

Intelligence was received from Porirua yesterday of the most important nature. Te Rauparaha has been arrested as a traitor ! It is reported that his Excellency has received information of a nature to convince him that while this arch-traitor was full of friendly professions to the Government, he was in secret and constant correspondence with Rangihaeata, and his messenger was seized in the act of conveying a letter to the latter chief promising to send him a supply of arms and ammunition. He was accordingly arrested with six of his followers early on Thursday "morning, and they are now prisoners on board the Driver. Among them are Charley and the murderer of Rush. On attempting to take him prisoner, Te Rauparaha seized a musket and defended himself, but was soon disarmed. He refused to walk to the boat, and bit through the hand of the sailor who had captured him. Nine kegs of powder and thirty stand of arms were also seized at his pa. His remaining followers fled in every, direction It was reported by the person who brought the information that Rangihaeata's

pa was attacked by the troops when he left Porirua yesterday morning. It is impossible to describe the universal satisfaction which this news has diffused throughout the settlement. This arch-miscreant has been suddenly arrested in his villany, has been caught in the very act, in a manner to leave no room for doubt or question. He has for - some time past been playing a deep game, but he has overreached himself, and his treachery has now become manifest. This vigorous and decided step has inspired confidence in every mind. There can be no doubt that his Excellency will follow up this commencement with other measures of a similar character, and that these miscreants and murderers will be brought to justice, and effectual steps will be taken to relieve the settlement from any further - apprehension on their account. It is most,*^ devoutly to be hoped that Rangihaeata may not escape, as there can be do security while he remains at large. But the capture of Te Ranparaha is an earnest that all that is necessary for the ends of justice, _ and the safety of the settlement, will be done effectually. His Excellency by this act of decision has secured the gratitude of the settlers, and we are too happy to offer our tribute of praise on the fortunate result of his expedition. We may hope that justice will be vindicated, the atrocities of the Wairau expiated, and the peace of the settlement secured. The natives will rejoice no less than the settlers on this occasion. The influence that Te Rauparaha has exercised over them was for evil. He was always working mischief secretly, and now that the common disturber of the peace is .removed, both the natives and settlers will dwell together in undisturbed security:

When the Driver left Wellington on Monday evening, she proceeded direct to Waikanae, where his Excellency landed, and communicated with the friendly tribes; at Waikanae, Otaki, and Ohau. The Driver then returned to Porirua, where Rauparaha was arrested as above described. On Thursday evening the Driver left Porirua,_with lu"s Excellency, and the troops and'sailors^ and again proceeded to Waikanae. Just before his departure, his F.xcellency received a despatch from the Superintendent, informing him of the arrival of the" reinforcements »n the Levant from Sydney, and it is understood that the Driver will return to Wellington immediately to convey them to Porirua. The Wanganui natives under Napara and Maketu are reported to be in the neighbourhood of Orewhenua, and it is probable his Excellency intends to intercept them. Despatches arrived from Porirua last night, but no further information has transpired.

The Levant arrived from Sydney on Wednesday afternoon, after a passage of fourteen days, with detachments of the 58th and 65th regiments. It was contemplated at one time by the Local Authorities to send her immediately to Porirua to the Governor's assistance, and no doubt such a yeinforcement at so critical a period would have had the very best effect, but several obstacles unfortunately interfered to prevent the execution of this step. A despatch however was sent off to his Excellency acquainting him of their arrival. It was reported at Sydney that -during the continuance of the present disturbances, New Zealand would be made a separate Naval Station and placed under the command of a Commodore. Lieut.-Col. M'Cleverty the Special Commissioner for deciding the Land Claims, had arrived at Sydney in the Jlgincaurt, and may be shortly expected in New Zealand. It is reported that the whole of the 65th regiment will be sent to New Zealand, and that the head-quarters will be fixed at Wellington. The latest Sydney > dates are to the 9th July, the latest English news via Sydney, is to the 24th March — copious extracts will be found in to-day's paper.

From a desire to give as many extracts as possible from the Sydney papers; we have postponed oar observations on the hints for Ordinances to our next number.