New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Saturday, October 31, 1846.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume III, Issue 131, 31 October 1846, Page 2

New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Saturday, October 31, 1846.

Thb news brought from Wanganui by the Katherine John&tone is of a very serious character. It appears that a number of armed natives belonging to different tribes, chiefly from the interior, to the number of from one hundred to one hundred and fifty, have visited Wanganui under Nopera and Maketu, two chiefs of that district who were acting with Rangihaeata during the late rebellion. The settlers who were in no condition to defend themselves from this invasion, fully expected that their property and perhaps their lives would be sacrificed to the wanton violence of these savages, and they were probably only saved from all the horrors which would have resulted from the unchecked gratification of the inflamed passions of these marauders, by the timely and efficient aid of the missionary natives of Putiki, who firmly resisted any attempt at violence and declar- | ed their intention of assisting the settlers to ! the utmost in the event of any depided act of hostility on the part of the taua towards them, A report prevailed at one time, that the steamer would arrive with troops for the protection of the settlers, on which a party of the taua posted** themselves in ambush in the fern near the mouth of the river, with the intention of cutting off any reinforcements which might attempt to proceed in boats to the assistance of the settlers. After remaining some days in the settlement, during which they threatened all sorts of violence, which it required all the prudence and

caution on the part of the settlers to prevent from being carried into effect, the taua dispersed on the 26th instant, part of them joining Rangihaeata, while the greater number proceeded up the river in their canoes. On their departure they threatened to return in greater numbers in two months time, and warned the settlers in the interval to leave the settlement. A public meeting of the settlers was held at which many of the Putiki chiefs were present, and a Memorial to the Governor was adopted praying for efficient protection. Intelligence has also been received from Manawatu of acts of robbery and violence committed by Rangihaeata's followers on the settlers in that district and at Ohau ; the Catherine Ann has returned without being able to land her cargo, Rangihaeata has warned the settlers to leave in a few days, threatening in the event of their refusal, to attack them. The settlers for the present have returned to their dwellings from the assurances of the natives resident at Manawatu of their determination to unite in protecting them from Rangihaeata's violence, but unless something more is done we may shortly expect to nnd these outsettlers forced to abandon the field of their labours, and consult their own safety by retreating to Wellington, as there is no doubt that he will carry his threats into execution, The intelligence has just arrived in time to be conveyed to his Excellency by the Auckland. He will find that his presence is more than ever needed in this settlement, that the war is not ended but only begun, and it is very possible unless a good deal of vigour and determination is displayed in quelling these disturbances, that they will assume a very serious aspect. We cannot to often repeat that until Rangihaeata, Te Karamu, and the other chiefs who have acted with them, meet with the punishment justly due to their crimes, any cessation of hostilities can only be regarded as temporary. We may hope that his Excellency may shortly have additional reinforcements at his disposal, and he will during the ensuing operations have the advantage of fine weather. We may therefore hope for more decided results than have yet been gained. One thing is certain, that no half measures must be adopted, whatever is done must be done effectually if peace is to be established in this district, or the settlers are to be secured from the violence and aggressions of the rebels.

Immediately after the arrival of the Katharine Johnstone Mr. Hulke who came from Wanganui as a passenger, waited on Major Richmond to explain the critical state of that settlement, and the necessity for affording immediate protection to the settlers. His Honor promised to consider the subject and to give an early answer, but we have not heard whether any active measures are decided upon. The trade of Wanganui is of considerable importance to Wellington, and has been steadily on the increase. The Katherine Johnstone, the means of communication between the two districts, performs on an average fifteen trips each way, and the amount of produce consisting chiefly of hams, bacon, lard, &c, brought by her to this port, is estimated at between three and four thousand pounds per annum. This trade and the supply of European and other imported goods required in that district, is now in danger of being destroyed unless prompt and decisive measures are adopted.

On Thursday evening Fuaha accompanied Major Last and Major Durie to Wellington, where he intends to remain a few days. He is staying at Pipitea pa. His object jn visiting Wellington is said to be his desire to shew his confidence in the pakehas, and the groundlessness of the rumours recently circulated to his prejudice.

Several influential chiefs from Otaki visited Wellington this week. They requested to be permitted to see Te Rauparaha, but were informed this could not be allowed without the Governor's permission. They said they were only desirous of seeing him, and the other prisoners that they might be able to assure their friends, on their return, that they were alive and well. They expressed their determination to side with the pakehas in the event of any fresh disturbances by Rangihaeata.

The Souvenir arrived on Wednesday evening from HobartTown, after a passage of twelre

days. She brings flour and a general cargo. The Java had arrived al Hobart Town with the greater part of the 65 th regiment, and had proceeded on to Sydney. H. M. BrigChilders left Hobart Town October 3d, for New Zealand. Through the kindness of Mr. Perry we have had the loan of some Van Diemen's Land papers of the latest dates, from which we" have made a few extracts.

Wk have had an opportunity of perusing the correspondence between the Nevr Zealand Company and the Colonial Office, which has been printed as an appendix to the Twentieth Report. As the subject is of considerable interest we shall endeavour in our next number, to give an outline of the suggestions offered by the Company with Mr. Gladstone's remarks, with the view of discussing the merits of their proposed plan.

In this day's Spectator will be found the commencement of Mr. Spain's Report on the Taranaki claims ; we hope to include the remainder of the report in our next number/ and shall take an early opportunity of considering the question of extinguishing native titles, which at this particular period possesses unusual interest.

Britannia Cricket Club. — The attention of our readers is directed to a notice in our advertising columns calling a meeting of the members of the Britannia Cricket Club this evening, at Mr. Jenkins'. It is with great pleasure we perceive that; this noble and healthy game is progressing in the southern settlements, and that it is likely to become a permanent pastime in our adopted country. The presence and support in the field of the naval and military officers stationed here, has contributed greatly to its success. We suggest and hope that all of our fellow-set-tlers who are interested in the game will likewise contribute their influence and example to support the Club. We are informed that several matches are shortly to come off here, which will no doubt create considerable interest, and that there is every probability of an amicable trial of skill with the Nelson gentlemen in the course of the summer, which will still further aid in cementing the good fellowship and harmony at present existing between the two settlements.

Wairarapa. — We are very glad to learn that the lambing season has commenced very favourably, and that there is every prospect of an abundant increase of the flocks at the different stations. At one station we are informed there is an increase of fourteen hundred lambs, which are all healthy and doing well, and the lambing is not yet over. The late seasonable weather has been wry much in their favour.

Fire. — We are very sorry to learn that Mr. Allom's house, on his station at Tauanui, Wairarapa, was burnt down last week. The house was built of tohi told, and the chimney was made of clay and karewa, and the clay having fallen off in parts the fire communicated to the chimney, and in a few minutes the house and all it contained was destroyed. The fire occurred a few minutes after ten o'clock at night. It is fortunate it did not happen later in the night, as, if the inmates had been asleep when the fire broke out, it is very probable from the rapidity with which the flames spread, they would not have succeeded in effecting their escape. We hope that outsettlers will in future be careful .toconstruct their dwellings either of wood, or to build the walls of cob or other materials likely to resist fire ; when the house is constructed after the native fashion they are exposed to constant risk, and if any accident occurs, from their isolated position it is impossible for them to receive assistance.

Wellington Savings Bank. — Mr. Jonas Woodward, Major. R. Baker, Mr. J. Blyth, and Col. W. Wakefield, the Managers in rotation, will attend to receive deposits at Mr. Ross's office, from seven to eight, o'clock on Saturday evening, the 31st Oct., and at the Union Bank of Australia, from twelve to one o'clock on Monday forenoon, the 2nd November. We are also requested to give notice that , the monthly meeting of the Superintending Committee will take place at Barrett's Hotel, on Monday evening, the 2d November, ; at eight o'clock. -