WANGANUI.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 384, 28 June 1861, Page 3

WANGANUI.

(From the Wanganui Chronicle.) The Natives.—Those at Wahotara held a meeting last Friday, 7th June, at which it was resolved that the £500 paid by the Government to them for land should be retained, and it was distributed among the owners accordingly. Abraham and the coast natives strenuously objected, but their point was carried by Pehimana of Pa Karaka, and Hare Tipene. A request has been sent to the Government for payment of the balance of the purchase money. The money distributed is already begining to find its way into the tills ot our storekeepers.

The Ferry.—We are glad to observe that Messrs. Hughes and Lockhart have pot a stair down on this side of the river for the accommodation of passengers; and to learn that a cutting is to be made on the other side, so that goods may be got upon the road without difficulty. The ferry has been handed over to Meßsrs. Hughes and Lockhart for a year without rent, on the understanding that the fares are lowered. These are now, for passengers li|d. each ; cattle and horses, 4d. each; sheep 3s. pet 100; goods l^d. per lOOlbs. The additional traffic that may be induced by these low rates will no doubt remunerate the ferrymen, and we trust they will pay more attention to the convenience of passengers than has yet been shown. They would do well to erect a bell on this side of the ferry—as ladies can scarcely be expected to cry loud enough to attract attention, and it would always be a more distinctive signal to themselves. Suicide at Rangitikei.—On Friday night, the 24th ult., a sawyer oi the name of Win. M'lntyre, committed suicide by jumping over the high cliff at Daniell's Bush into the Rangitikei, in a fit of delirium tremens. His body has not been found. He came from the Ahuriri about two months ago.

The Ngatiawa, between Otaki and Waikanae are. being regularly drilled for the service of the King. At the latter place Wi. Tako is at the head of the movement. V On Monday last, an armed party all in military array, with knapsacks, powder horns, guns, &c., marched from Puke Karaka to Waikanae. Their conduct was pacific. A art of the Otaki natives still remain loyal subjects. Some Europeans at Otaki have been summoning natives to tha King's runanga for debt. This should surely be at once prohibited.