TARANAKI.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 392, 26 July 1861, Page 4

TARANAKI.

(From the correspondent of the Wellington j ndependeno Taranaki, JuJ- y 6th 186 L Now that toe subject of tha war has been by our legislative power, broag^ before the noti / e of the country at large, >; b appeara t0 bo the time lor say i ng S o m eth; ll)g towards clearing the setf' f d rs of Taranak'. from the many false accusations that hayie with so much injustice and want of principle been covertly circulated to their prejudice. Perhaps tbe crisis might have been avoided for some short time longer but all who were versed in tho feelings and disposition of the Natives more particularly in the neighbourhood of the Taranaki district had felt certain that war was inevitable, and moreover that the maoris did not wish to war with the whiteman from a dislike, towards individuals but from a feeling that the European with the innovations of civilization.:

'Came and grew, and spread, and they were not.'

The conversation of the young men in the various pas between Wanganui and Taranaki was constantly of war and the driving of the whiteman into the sea; by a very little reflection it is easy to arrive at the source of these often expressed feelings; in the maoris we find a peo pie coutent to live and reside upon simple diet and iv roughly constructed huts, with no occupation that would demand their rude energy, either physical or mental. The result has been, that similar to other nations in like position, tales of the wars of their forefathers have related as a means of beguiling time and have excited a feeling within them, to go and do likewise. The human mind, whether of savage or civilized man, cannot remain unoccupied and it is upon the internal condition of man that the visible condition of society depends.

From childhood deeds of bravery of a passed generation have been instilled into the mind of the inft-nt Maori and tima fitted it to think nnd speak of war not only as a means of punishing mii aggiessive enemy, but as an ennobling prac the worthy to be followed by tho groat on

earth.

We may consider the Maori race as divisible into two classes, the first will include those who from their living in immediate contact with a

civilised population have from a diversified conversation sources of thought beyond the establishing of a nationality that shall keep the savage ways of their forefathers unalterable. The second would be those who, living far away from any progressive improvements, find food alone for thought in the comparative exalted positions once held by the proud and valorous chiefs of New Zealand.

The road between Taranaki and Wanganui has been sufficiently often travelled by individuals as to render familiar the tone of the Maori mind. One gentleman within ten years has passed backwards and forwards upwards of thirteen times, he states that the conversation of the natives was constantly that of war, more particularly amongst tlie young aud vigorous, whilst from every traveller it was their endeavor to obtain knowledge of the manufacture of gunpowder. Long before the Waitara question was mooted were the natives busily engaged in experimenting on the prodaction of this necessary munition of war. Another person whose veracity is undoubted was present at a meetirg that took place at Manawapo five years ago, when the leading chiefs proposed at once to commence an onslaught on the whites when those present in token of assent struck their tomahawks in the ground j previous to this the Ngatiruanuis had offered to assist Eatatore in driving the whitemen into the sea, an offer at the time refused.

Wi Tako's letter written on the commencement of the present strife confirms the idea of the Waitara question being a mere subterfuge for war and pillage. He does not condemn the Maori for fighting but for prematurely commencing before the melon was ripe, his plan would have been to have made a simultaneous rise throughout the whole of the Northern Island.

Again, a few days beforo the first outbreak of tbe present war, a Maori chief from Warea spent a nigbfc at a settler's house in Omata. In conversation the native stated that he should be sorry if war broke out, as he would be bound to join his countrymen in the day of battle, in the same manner that we as Englishmen, would flock to the banner of our Queen.

I do trust that the above assertions will eventually receive sufficient corroboration and publicity to remove the odium that has been cast upon us. Rest assured it is sad enough to look around on our homes desolated and ruined ; our farms producing in place of profitable productions noxious weeds; whilst we ourselves are in possession of no free or independent will, being bound without the possibility of reaping the slightest personal advantage, to go forth and risk our lives whenever we /nay be called on to do so ; but all this would be of a minor consideration if we felt that we possessed the sympathy of our fellow colonists, in place,of being unjustly blamed and pointed out as the casus, belli.

The militia aud volunteer force,.in accordance with the directions from Auckland, have been divided into three classes; the first class in all probability, will be considered as a fiying column,; the second as guerilla men; afld the third as tbe reserve.

Active measures are now being taken to fit us by appropriate drill for bush fighting. A party of fifty volunteei'3 bas been told off to take part with the regulars, ia training, to meet the fl^ris, if required, with their own tactics it is proposed that the volunteers should march in a given direction and secret themselves under the cover of the bush and broken country, the 57th are then to advance and strive to out manseuvre the ambushed party.

Taranaki, July Bth, 1861.

Whether we shall have more fighting or aofc tbe late news from Auckland has rendered still more uncertain. Notwithstanding that the Southern natives are said to have stated in. unmistakeable language their firm determination to fight !until they are all killed, this sews is brought us by the arrival of a native, overland from Wellington.

So far as Taranaki is coaeeroeii, notwithstanding the small amount of troops at the commanding, officers disposal, there exists every confidence in the safety of the town and its immediate neighborhood. This morning orders have been read on parade relative to the posts that will be held by the regular and civil forces in case of alarm.

The whole gairigon on the bugles sounding the assembly ws *J v the alarm will at once march to their appointed rendevous. "the protection of the town will be effected by tbe garrison divided into three divisions, No. 1 under Major Butler, 57th regt., will take tbe Northern suburbs, No. 2 or centre under Major Herbert, the Southern, No. 5 under Major St. Clair, will act as reserve on Marsland hill, whilst the men stationed at the various blockhouses will be under arms and ready to act on emergency, escorts will be told off from each division to march out to the relief of outlying settlers, at the same time patrols will parade the streets, whilst the women and children are directed to remain under the protection of their houses and extinguish all lights. By this excellent devised plan the whole country around would in a very short space of time be securely protected by a line of picquets with their supports and reserves, thus doing away with the necessily of again cooping up the inhabitants in the space of 50 acres.

Tho orders embodied in such clear and concise language aa to enable all aud every one to understand their various duties and what is required from them.

(From ihe Taranaki News, July 11.)

There are various rumors in circulation which iuduce the impression that the term of our .present quiet in the outlying districts is drawing to a close. It is no doubt very desirable that no unnecessary alarm should be created, but it is equally desirable that no laxness of precaution prevail. It may then be better to give such reports aa from time to time they shall come to band with the materials of credulence belonging to them, rather than withhold them altogether; because we are unable to lend entire credence to their veracity ; and we are the more inclined to this course from the fact that on previous occasions such rumors have usually been tbe forerunners of coming difficulties.

Ifc is asserted that W. Kingi is again at Mokau, and that several postmen, or emissaries of the Maori King have passed the Waitara and gone south, that their object is to the Ngatiruanui, and that the determination is that the natives friendly to us ato to be made proselytes of, or destroyed. The isaiivr-s at Waitara are des-cril-od .';:! bei:;g in mi anxious and excited state. Fiom the B'juth ifc is said that the Ngatiruanui have icsolved on a fresh raid ou Taranaki as soon as the councils assembled have determined their business.