HIKUTUIA.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 90, 23 January 1872, Page 3

HIKUTUIA.

(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)

January 18th, 1872. There is not much information for the public from this quarter at present, it it being only in the bud, further than the erection of the Telegraph is progressing as it should be, as both Europeans and Maeries are working hand-in-hand vigorously for its completion, and not meeting any obstacles to annoy either parties, barring a few rugged spots here and there.

The chief Selwiu, with a really good feeling, is most indefatigable in supporting the Mackay and Pollen arrangement. I hope that the former will not feel any way jealous by pairing bis name with the latter, ns the old saying is we must wipe off as wo go. Selwin sports the Union Jack at intervals, which looks rather encouraging, and as most of tho public are aware that he shook off all connection with the Tawhido, Him, Kuril alliance long siucc and declared himself independent with his followers, I have no doubt whatever on my mind that the alliance, if the truth was known, are at this moment regretting their opposition, and have been calculating what their loss has been through being duped themselves and what they might have knocked out of the Government. Te Him, that most despicable, narrow-minded ex-rebel, must feel it sorely at being so clearly outwitted. However it is to bo hoped it will have a counter effect on his'part, and with the assistance of his cunning followers it will cause them to open the. imaginary goldfield, Ohinomuri, and may it turn out different from the old fable of iEsop, and something extraordinary, and more especially after the long-inquiring cant words which arc constantly dinning in one’s ears at the Thames and Auckland, “ When is Ohiucinuri to bo opened?” is a question nearly used up, and causes considerable relief for tlm needy schemers, which, f have no doubt, are pretty considerable, and are eagerly looking out for the rush when it does take place, and which looks nearer than it has done in former years. Of course that never-fail-ing Government plaisler will have to be substituted for the occasion, and then it will not he the schemer’s fault if a good few of the flats arc not bogged on that occasion—the latter have had plenty of warning, and it will be their own fault if they do get victimised. I was almost forgetting the welcome words that the chief Selwin addressed to his friend Mackay, the writer of this being present on the occasion, which were Tukua mai taku Taonga Ivia — haere ki runga i taku wlicnua kei a koo te wliakaavo.

If Dr Pollen should come across this he might give Selwin a lift l>y recommending him foi a moderate healer —it will have an effect which ought not to be lost sight of. We hear very little news from Ohiuemuri, in fact, that of any consequence is that Mary Kuril is convalescent, and that Te Him passed a quiet night, and that tho steamship ‘ Fairy ’ is at their disposal. I may as well mention a little about our old friend Taraia, whose name has become a by-word among his people. This old warrior chief, the champion of former Governors, and who now lies, by what I can hear, wallowing in the mire in an old. detached house —eight feet square —away from water, and not to be compared with a second-rate pigstye. I understand whatever lie gets out of his pension from the Government is pounced upon by tbe numerous cormorants that he is surrounded with, even his own daughter being the worst of them. I am not finding any fault whatever with his medical attendant as it would not be considered that lie should act as a stableman, but I think our kind-hearted friend, Air Pucke.y, ought to pay him a visit, and then he could judge for himself, and the propriety of seeing him cared for, and show a good example to his unfeeling people, who seem to have forgotten liim. lie is in good health, and with attention will survive for years to come.