OHINEMURI.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 95, 29 January 1872, Page 3

OHINEMURI.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. January 27. The letter of your Ilikutaia correspondent to us in this most remote quarter is very amusing and instructive, possessing, as it does, a knowledge of events which overshadowed this district a quarter of a century ago. Still there is a good deal of the admixture of old individual prejudices introduced, which spoils the spirit of his information, for instance, “To Hira, that most despicable, narrow-minded ex-rebel, must feel it sorely at being so clearly outwitted.”

It would be well ifyour respected Hikutaia correspondent would confine himself and the laudable doings of his chief Selwyn (whom is highly respected by all the old residents of the Thames) to a narrative of events as they are now occurring in his own district, without interfering and holding up to ridicule those individuals who are using all their influences to bring about a change in the advancement of this place, and which unfortunately has so long been closed up through foreign influences which now are losing their last restraints. He anpears to be anxious about his old friend Taraia, whom he says is “ wallowing in the mire in an old detached house, eight feet square, away from water, and not to be compared with a second-rate pig-stye, &c.” I have much pleasure in informing him that the old chief is convalescent, and considering his age and infirmity, is doing well, and what is more feels very grateful to Mr Puckey and his subordinates, who tenderly watch over and care for him. True, the house is old, but it is weather proof, and is more than half as large again as your corres pondent represents; it is also kept remarkably clean and wholesome. There are man 3' mischievous stories about, which continually “ float up with the flood tide” from the Thames, and which cause considerable anxiety and discussion amongst the natives, tending at times to threaten the good understanding which happily exists amongst us, and which promises marvellous changes for

the future. As an instrnce of the confidence of the natives of this part, I have great pleasure in recording the fact that Te Hira, with all his followers, are at this moment encamped, fishing, near the mouth of the River Thames, within sight of Shortland. I am told that he expressed amazement when he beheld the great change of events which has resulted through the Thames becoming a goldfield. On passing under the telegraph wires, the onlj' remarks which escaped his lips were, “ Europeans are a wonderful people, but we Maoris arc very foolish, for what mischief can therfe silent wires do 11s.” From Tauranga, the news is very satisfactory. The obstructions at Te Tahawai to the telegraph line have been removed, with a promise that no further interruptions are to take place. The Hon. the Native and Defence Minister, on being informed of the circumstance of the hostile attitude of the Ilauhaus, at once telegraphed to the chiefs and assessors of Tauranga, instructing them to lose no time in causing an investigation into the matter, with a view to stop any further interruption. On the arrival at Te Tahawai of these chiefs, accompanied by Mill. Clarke, who were not only formidable in appearance, but, what is more, sanctioned and supported by law and justice, caused the infatuated natives to feel sensible of their guilt and crime, acknowledging that it was the emissary of the King’s doings—Hunia, a noted celebrity.

Upon this, Hunia addressed the friendlies, ricHing them:' that . it was the decree! Jof , the > [King's, ; which was that’ telegraphs, <£c.',’wS "o to cease until the days and months already decreed had elapsed, when a new change of affairs •irto take place, and all wenc to become united and one people. The friendly chief Holiepa Hikutaea rose and exposed their crime in daring to interrupt the Queen’s telegraph, and ridiculed the days and months named by liunia, plainly telling him and his followers that it was only a sensibility of their weakness that caused them to cry for unity, their strength being gone. Mr Floyd, with his staff, were diligently engaged when the last messenger arrived caunecting the wires of the line to the South with the station at Bowen Town, Katikati, and may be expected on this side in a day or two.