OHINEMURI.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3863, 2 October 1879, Page 2

OHINEMURI.

The Situation up the Rives*

Overtures of the ITgAtifcako. By the arrival of the Te Aroba this morning, we are in possession of.. the latest intelligence from " the front." It | appears that the situation is in the same unsatisfactory condition as when last; we had occasion to write on tho subject. The settlers are anxiously looking for the arrival of Mr James Mackay, who is looked on as a panacea of all kinds of of Maori disturbances. There is considerable dissatisfaction amongst the Europeans at the " taiboa" policy, but the rebellious Ngatihatto hare apparently began to fear that there is some sinister meaning in the " masterly inactivity " of the authorities. For some days past they have, by professing to have ut> personal ill-feeling towards the people of Paeroa, endeavored to open op friendly communications with them, probably with a view of discovering how the land lies. They have also several times lately endeavored to inveigle members of the police force to visit their settlement in the swamp and smoke the pipe of peace with them. Whatever was their motives in making these overtures they were unsuccessful, and, indeed, it was rumored in Paeroa yesterday that a letter written in Maori had been picked up, the contents of which, though mysterious, could be construed into having connection with a plot to capture Europeans, aud hold them as hostages. It is believed that they would be willing to give up Pakara and Epiha if they had some security that the law would deal with them lightly, and that the lands of the hapu would not be destrained as utu for their participation in the recent lawles9 acts. Such, then, so far as we can learn, is the present position. We have no doubt but that when Mr Mackay, with his well-known finesse and ability, appears on the scene that the affair will be brought to ft head cue > ay or toother.