THE NATIVE WAR.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 469, 23 February 1869, Page 2

THE NATIVE WAR.

ANOTHER MASSACRE. TE KOOTI AGAIN in the FIELD. By the Murray, which arrived on Sunday, there was brought an indefinite report of Tito Kowaru having appeared in the Rangitikei district, and having killed a number of settlers. We cannot discover, however, on what authority the report was made, and our Wellington correspondent, who is usually very attentive and punctual in despatching telegrams, has not telegraphed anj news for these past few days. By the Waipara, last evening, however, there was received a report which seems to be more authentic, yet we are at a loss to understand how we have not received it by telegraph. The report is to the effect that there has been a massacre of Europeans at the White Cliffs, Taranaki. A party of Natives are said to have risen, and to have killed several persons ; Mr Whitelay, who had been among the Maoris as a missionary for thirty-five years, being one of the number. Lieut. Gasquoine, his wife, and two children are also reported to have been murdered. Some of the bodies have been recovered, but that of Mr Whitelay had not been found. A telegram of this fresh atrocity had been received in Hokitika yesterday, but, probably relying on our Wellington correspondent, it was not forwarded to us. Telegrams from Napier state that from Ahuriri reports that Te Kooti was entrenched near Wairorea

block-house, at Marari, on the 3rd instant, and was then awaiting reinforcements from the Uriweras. He says God has given the district into his hands. Major Mair advises all the settlers in the district to bring their families into camp. All the horses belonging to the friendly natives have been taken by Te Kooti to mount bis cavalry corps. Te Kooti's forces are said to be engaged in forming a strong pa in the Wairorea Gorge, not far from the block-house, and making preparation for an attack. His Excellency the Governor is on a visit to the Wairarapa, but little feeling is manifested by the settlers.