THE NATIVE DISTURBANCE'S

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 361, 26 September 1868, Page 4

THE NATIVE DISTURBANCE'S

The latest files, we have received, brought by the Wallabi are only to the 19 th inst. "We extract the following from the Chronicle of that date. —

The p. s. Sturt came into the river on Thursday night, bringing down from Patea many of the women and children of that unfortunate district. Yesterday afternoon the p. s. Woodpecker brought down a few of Capt. Page's men, who, it will be remembered, were enrolled in Wellington, for three months' service, and whose time expired on the 16th. They did not choose to re-enrol. It was agreed that these men were to be conveyed back to Wellington, but by some oversight there is no order to that effect, and although the Sturt sailed for the capital last night, they were not allowed to go with her. A talk has been got up of cutting the busb, and the Sturt, it is said, has brought axes for the purpose. The mention of this seems feasible enough, but we believe it will be found utterly impracticable when put to the test. Armstrong guns are also spoken of. These too will do us little good. Capt. Fairchild informs us that the force from Hawke's Bay, under Major Frazer, is composed of steady, well disciplined, well behaved men, and that in these respects they are quite a contrast to some of the others who have gone to the Front. There is therefore much to hope for iu this accession to our force.

Our correspondent's letters furnish any further intelligence to hand—intelligence which cannot by any stretch of imagination be considered either pleasant or reassuring. In. fact, and there is no use disguising it, the position of affairs has become so critical, through one species of mismanagement and another, that the most likely thing seems to be that the whole force will have to be concentrated on Patea. It is said that the rebels, in considerable force, have already shown themselves within sight of the township.

[fCOM OTJB OWiV CORRESPONDENT.] Patea, Sept- 16, 1868. The whole of the friendly natives at Taiporoahenui and Matangarara, with the exception of Nahina and about 12 men, have joined the rebels, The night before last, Sweeney's publichouse, near Hawhera, was burnt, and yesterday morning Captain Morrison's house and outbuildings were also burnt. Tito Kawaru and the whole of the rebels have left Te Nugtu-o-te-Manu, and are now busily at work building a pah at Taiporoahonui in the open, about one mile from Turu Turu Nokai. The Pakakohi still remain neutral. Fatigue parties are employed taking all spirits and beer out on the public-houses and the stores of those who have public licenses; Mr Holland's store, however, is excepted.

The position of affairs is very critical. If the Pakakohi rise, as I have already said, the whole coast to Waitotara will be unsafe, but if they don't we have still a chance.

Patea, Sept. 18, 1868. Yesterday the rebels crossed the Tongahoe river and set fire to the block-house and other buildings at Mokoia. This last movement confirms the news we have already received that the Pakakohi will join Tito Kawaru. On Tuesday last, at noon, the rebels crept down towards Tura Tura Mokai, and fired a very heavy volley at the outlying sentry but fortunately, missed him. Eusign Morrison, in the absence of Captain Spiller, who had gone to Waihi on duty, immediately ordered all hands under arms. Soon after volley at the sentry, a settler's house was set fire to, and immediately following Mr Grilfillan's house also was burnt. The rebels were clearly seen from the camp, an lone or two volleys fired at them, which caused them to take cover rapidly in the adjoining bush. About a quarter of an hour after ths destruction of Mr CHlfillan's house the rebels were seen runniug towards Mr Cameron's whare, in the direction of Matansarara, and the force at Turu Turu Mokai again opened fire on them, but could not save Cameron's house.

Yesterday most of the families left here for Wanganui, and it is probable that the remainder will leave when the Sturt returns. The position of affairs here is indeed so critical that it is not desirable that women and children should remain. Yesterday Col. M' Donnell, accompanied by Colonels Haultaiu and Whitmore, left for Waibi. Major Frazer and his company have also left for the front.

The majority of the Wellington Bangers will take their discharge, and, in compliance with the terms of enlistment, will be taken back to Wellington by the Sturt. The loss of so many men at such a grave crisis will be severely felt.