PIGEONGRAMS.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3336, 1 September 1879, Page 2

PIGEONGRAMS.

(FBOM OTJB OWN COBBEBPONDENT.)

OHX2TEMT7BX.

Paeboa, This day, 10.30 p.m.

The expedition has not yet started. Thirty Volunteers for service mustered last night at the Hall, but just at this time news arrived that active operations were in hand at Piekaka settlement to prevent the arrest of murderers. It waa decided to wait till morning, in order to ascertain more fully the intentions of the natives. This morning a parade was called, bufc Mr Puckey decided, in the face of the information to hand, it would bo unwise to proceed without reinforcements, and further instructions from the Native Minister. A messenger has been started with the latest information. . '" ' 12, noon. Messrs Puekey and Superintendent Thomson are starting for the Thames to consult with Mr Sheehan as to the steps to take under the new state of things. It has been ascertained that a great number of Piako and Waikato malcontents have congregated at Pakara's settlement, and intend resisting to the death any attempt to capture the murderers. A strong force of men should be posted in this township, for there is no telling what steps such scoundrels might take next. 12.10. Volunteers may congratulate them- ' selves on having escaped certain death. A half-caste woman, connected with the Ngatihakoes, has arrived with the information that a , large number of natives are assembled at Pakara's settlement, and are throwing _up earth works, building a pah and erecting houses inside. It is now known that, at the time Mr Puckey and the friendly natives were at the settlement yesterday a large force were concealed in the scrub around the village prepared to defend the murderers if any attempt had been made to .arrest them. The Ngatikoes, in whom Government depended, are throwing, every obstacle in the way, and this morning prevented a native guide engaged here to lead the party, from doing so, and have him now in durance vile. It is also said that old Te Hira who is now at Piako, intends joining the enemy. There is much excitement here in consequence of the above information. Superintendent Thompson and Mr Puckey are now leavingjn the Pearl to consult with the Native*' Minister and obtain reinforcements.