MANAWATU.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume III, Issue 126, 14 October 1846, Page 2

MANAWATU.

A correspondent writes as follows, October sth : — " Rangihaeata, after leaving the neighbourhood of Otaki, remained some time at Ohau ; but on Thursday the 24th ult. he came to Poroutawao, a small native settlement between Horowenua and Manawatu, about three miles inland. The most of the natives on this river, being peaceably disposed, are grieved at his approach; nevertheless there is a considerable sprinkling of kindred spirits who are greeting him with a cordial welcome. The leading native of Poroutawao is known for almost everything but his good. On the capture of Te Rauparaha, it is said, he advised an attack upon the Manawatu settlers, but was prevented by the friendly natives. He lent all his influence to Maketu and the Wanganui taua, and has from the beginning made no secret of his being one in heart with the rebels. Rangihaeata is holding a kind of levee at present. On his arrival at Poroutawao, he sent off small parties of his men up the Manawatu, to invite all who were favourable to him to meet him where he is. A number of these have been collecting around him, ostensibly to hold a tangly but undoubtedly to supply him with provisions, ascertain his situation and intentions, and assist him as far as practicable in carrying out his plans. Among the numerous and conflicting reports among the natives, it is difficult to ascertain what he really intends to do ; possibly he may not have fixed upon any well defined plan. His future course will no doubt be guided very much by circumstances. It is said that he intends to' remain some weeks to plant potatoes on the Manawatu; that he will next go on to the Rangitikei river to plant there also ; and afterwards will proceed either to Wanganui # or else up the Rangitikei towards Taupo. It is, however, most likely that the Manawatu will be his place of rendezvous for some time at least. Some say he is very much afraid, others speak, of him as boasting most confidently. Both statements may be true. He talks vauntingly at one time, it is said, of throwing away all his muskets with the exception of a very few, these being quite sufficient to put the soldiers to flight. At another time he is said to speak of leaving his women and children on the Wanganui, collecting his warriors, marching inland along the mountains, and making an attack upon Wellington. . He is evidently anxious to make it appear that he was defeated solely by the maories, and to

impress the minds of the natives wjh ideas of Zrough contempt for the pakehas, especially the soldiers. Indeed, unhappily for he peace of the community, the natives, both hostile and friendly, while they entertain the highest respect for the courage and conduct of the militia and police, seem to cherish very little of that feeling for the regular military. " Whatever Rangihaeata may yet do is uncertain ; but one thing is obvious, that his ruling passion — the love of war — is as strong as ever ; and everywhere in the direction in which he is going, there are moie or fewer who sympathize with Jiim, and will assist him more or less. At Rangitikei, a few at least (and men * of mighty bone') speak boldly out in his behalf. Maketu and Nopera are at Wanganui. Karamu and his party are there also. Te Heu Heu, or Iwikau, does not disguise his sentiments. In passing up the coast he everywhere denounced the tvakapono (belief in Christianity) as a bad thing, because, but for their professing Christianity, the Ngatiraukawa would have joined the rebel chief, and he considered them blameworthy for not doing so. When these master spirits of mischief are approaching a common centre, what plans may be concocted to disturb the peace of the colony it would be difficult to conjecture ; Rangihaeata is the head of a depressed, but still dangerous and not to be despised party. The followers of Rangihaeata and Karamu are all well supplied with muskets ; several have two a-piece. Rangihaeata or Mokau's party, and those who sympathize with them, are by far the most clamorous about the imprisonment of Te Rauparaha ; a pretty clear evidence of their regarding him more in the light of a friend than an enemy. The friendly and loyal natives are much less anxious about - his fate. * What although he should be killed,' said one of the most intelligent natives on this river, •it will be for his kino (evil) : Mokau's thoughts and his were always one, their speaking only was different.' "