LATE TELEGRAMS.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1072, 16 May 1873, Page 2

LATE TELEGRAMS.

STARTLING NEWS FROM THE WAIKATO. MACKAT ATTACKED BY A lIAUHAU. WOUNDED SLIGHTLY ON THE TEMPLE. Intelligence has been received at AucklaLd that Purukutu, with about 60 followers, was established at a place called Ngahokowhitu on the Maungatuutari ranges. It is said if attacked or pursued he will be supported by " the other side,', including of course Ngatiraukawa Haubaus. Mr Mackay pushed on from Alexandra without interruption; arrived at Kuiti on Monday night, accompanied by Homo to One, Waiafia, and Eruiti Onariwi. They were well received, food given them, and a tent erected for Mackay. About half-past six o'clock yesterday morning he was awakened by some one entering his tent, and on looking up saw before him a Maori armed with a Taiahou or long club. The man shifted the position of the weapon so as to grasp it with both hands evidently with intent to strike. Mackay rose up into sitting position and seized the weapon. A struggle then ensued Mackay being at a disadvantage through not being able to get on his feet, and his assailant strove because of his advantage to wound Mackay with the sharp end of the Taiahao.

Mackay cried out, and several natives rushed into the tent, and dragged the assailant out. He was found to be a Hau-Hau named Hum. His capturers at ouce took him before Manuhiri.

The natives at the settlement were generally indignant on account of the outrage.

Rewi soon arrived and took Mackay away with him, remarking that, " if he (Kewi) wanted evil ho would do it in a large way, not in that sneaking manner."

Mackay replied that lie regarded tbe assault as tbe act of one man, not as tbe act of tbe chiefs. He added that, without further noticing the matter, he should proceed on the business of his mission.

It is much regretted that during the struggle with Kuril, Mackay received a slight wound on the temple. He is now under tho protection of Eewi and other leading chief's. No further violence need be feared.

The Government received the following telegram from Mackay : Kewi and Maniapoto are in a great rage. Eewi has taken me to his own place, and says he will escort me back safely. Eewi came to me in a large meeting-house and said :—" You will not remain here now. Tawhiao, Manuhiri, and myself cannot talk to you, as you have only just escaped our weapons,' [meaning that they were so much ashamed that they could not talk.] I said : —" Ido not accuse you nor the chiefs ; as I am not killed my blood is my own, had 1 been killed it vi ould be that of my people. I had come to deliver a message from the Government, and that I did not intend to go back until I had done so. Eewi went to Manuhiri, and on his return said I could stop. Ngalimaniopoto, Waikato, and Ngatihana are all assembled now, discussing the attack on me. Every one is in state of pouri (annoyance) about it. Tawhiao i 3 absent. Euru belongs to the hapu who killed Todd, but'l hear he is not one of the party concerned in the murder.

Waikato telegrams state that Tawhaio readied Kuti on the Bth. Mackay is at To Wira awaiting a reply which Manuhiri promised to send to the demand for the surrender of Sullivan's murderers. Mackay had not seen Tawhiao and when ho was asked to leave Kuiti at first refused to do so until lie received a decided answer By advico of Eewi ho afterwards went to To Wira where he is staying with Wahanui and others. Government telegrams say that Tawhiao has not refused to give up the murderers, but fears that if'he does so those of Whitoly and Todd will also be demanded. Mackay has instructions not to leave Tawhiao without a definite reply. Sullivan's heart was left at the door of Sophia's house. She and her husband were highly indignant and immediately buried it. A large native meeting called by the Ngatipau natives and attended by many Waikatos was held at Tamahere ; the proceedings woro conducted in the European fashion. Eesolution passed condemning the murderers, and six of the most influential chiefs were appointed to go to Tawhiao and demand the murderers.