LATEST FROM THE NORTH.

Southland Times, Issue 738, 18 October 1867, Page 2

LATEST FROM THE NORTH.

The following is taken from the latest

Northern journals : —

THE THAMES GOLDFIELD,

A great deal of excitement has prevailed at the Thames goldfield, in consequence of a rumored hostile gathering of Hauhau natives in the Upper -Thames, with the view of attacking the diggers. The Resident Magistrate, Mr Lawlor, acting in Mr Mackay's absence, felt it to be his duty to write at once to the agent of the General Government, apprising him of the report, and asking for 250 stand of arms and ammunition. Dr Pollen, instead of complying with this request determined to go down to the Thames and ascertain the. facts for himself. Major Von Tempsky was previously present to keep the panic from spreading by his advice and example: and it proves that the alarm has been altogether groundless.

information derived from

Erom

Natives who are thoroughly acquainted with the whole circumstances, the Southern Gross is enabled to state precisely what led to the fright, and to the demand for arms which has been so properly refused. Our contemporary Ba y S . — « It will be remembered that Mr Mackay extended, or wished to extend, the ground which might be prospected, up to Hikutaia, but in consequence of some doubts as to the disposition of the Natives in that quarter, we believe he did not wish the diggers to go close up to the boundary line. A chief at Hikutaia, Te Herewini, of Ngatimaru, professedly a Queenite, but associating and sympathising a good deal with the King party, wrote a letter to Tawhiao and to the ' potis,' or committees of the "Kivia" trihftß .rnnoliprl in JP.vy atrnna language, giving over his land air Hikutaia to the charge of the King, and asking the Hauhau ' potis' to come down and assist him. This letter was despatched to Matutaera, but Te Hira, hearing- of it, determined to stop it, Baying that it would afford the more violent of the King party an excuse for

coming down to the Thames, and ---creating; disturbances. The messenger , was therefore stopped near Ohinemuri, and the letter taken from him. Shortly after, several made their way up to Ohinemuri. Te Hira said to Te . Moananui, ' Tou are of that side ; take

care of these Europeans, by sending them

badk again.' This was done, and the Eluropeans were sent back to Kaueranga.

Another thing which has caused excitement amongst the King party is the talk that has. been amongst the Queenite

Ngatihauas about opening their land to the Aroha Mountain ; and a third, a statement which has been circulated

amongst them that Mr Clarke, of 'Tauranga, was going to send the surveyors to Katikati and Te Punu. All these matters tended to agitate the King

Natives in the Upper Thames and beyond, and meetings have been held to

■' whakatakoto tikanga,' or devise measures for their future conduct. The have no idea at all of making any attack upon the prospectors."

SUCCESSFUL BEBEL EATD AT OPOTIKI.

The correspondent of the Southern Cross -at Opotiki describes a successful rebel raid by the Maoris in that district. It appears that a blockhouse is now being erected near the W r aioeka, and the rebels, watching their opportunity, entered it, carried off the tools, &c, and

burned part of the timber which was to be used in the erection. The correspondent writes, Sept. 23rd:— "We had

begun to fancy ourselves secure from any further predatory visits from our sable enemies, and were consequently a little surprised on the 12th inst., about eight o'clock, to observe in the direction of the Waioeka unmistakeable signs of some large conflagration. It was surmised that the whares in the redoubt were on 1 fire, some rifle shots had also been heard a short time previous, and there was a bare possibility that the Maoris had again ventured to attack. A body of cavalry, with . the Major, proceeded immediately to ascertain the particulars, —whilst the Militia fell in and were orderedto remain on the parade ground,

until the return of an orderly with prders

for their future disposal. About nine o'clock, the cavalry returned with the iritelligericse that the Maoris had entered the blockhouse (now in course of erec-

carried- off nearly all the tools, together-; with two kegs of nails, and before- .leaving had piled all the spare timber against the walls, and set the bullest-proof building oh fire. On account of its being filled, however, -between the 'lining and weatherboards with gravel, the^ fire did not take such an effect on it as it ; otherwise would, but sufficient damagehas been done to; remind us thatthiey are: still prowling about. A picquet of some! fifteen men are now stationed at the! : btockhoi^se, which ; is only about a milej and a half from the redoubt. Since the above little excitement, the weather has proved so inviting that most of our inj .tending setters are either fencing^ placet-: - jftjp, p? {tfougtiisg their acres,