LATEST FROM THE FRONT.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3231, 7 November 1881, Page 3

LATEST FROM THE FRONT.

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(PHOM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

Pungarehu, November 5

Before Te Whiti's arrest he and Tohu spoke, urging the people to be peaceful. The demeanor of both was admired, and no anger was displayed. They were brought to the camp in wagonß, escorted by the Taranaki Cavalry. Hiroki was marched. The troops camp at Parihaka for a few days, and are now erecting a mimi redoubt. The whole movement of the forces waß carried out successfully. The volunteers carried out their instructions splendidly, and the Native Minister thanked the officers and non-commissioned officers for their efforts. The Wellington volunteers camped together .The Navals were the first Volunteers to pass through Parifcaka., Two days have been given the strange natives to disperse. The natives are .till in meeting. On the advance from Rahotu the Thames Scottish formed the advance guard, and the Nelson men the leading column. The Wanganui volunteers camped on ground commanding the settlement, the Canterbury men being on tbe right flank, and the Marlborough men on tbe left. At Parihaka all is quiet to-day. The •troops bivouacked at night. The volunteers were under arms from 4.30 a.m. until 5.30 p.m., but all behaved splendidly. The day was clear and warm, and the work of advancing through the bush with the heavy swags being very trying, Tbre e cases of epileptic fits occurred, but two recovered. Lieutenant Nelson Artillery, was sent to New Plymouth to-day by wagon. Doubtless the long exposure to the heat, and the absence of usual nourishment, was the cause. In complimenting the force the Native Minister said that, but for the presence of tbe volunteers, the programme could nql have been carried out. Major Pitt ably carriedout bisinstructions, assisted by Captain Wildmon and Captain Schofield, the Adjutant of No. 1 battery. Captain Homersley, with the Canterbury, Makura, and Wairarapa troops, held .their position from 9.15 p.m. until $.30

p.m. This party, to which Captain Durham was Adjutant, are deserving of great praise for their steadiness. One hundred of the Wanganui Rifles were brought into Parihaka before the arrests, and occupied a forward position, Te Whiti, Tohu, and Hiroki passing through their ranks. The Marlborough, Wellington Navals, and one hundred of the Wanganui and Marton men, marched at 2 p.m. to-day for Rahotu. Captain Watt remained at Parihaka with the remainder of his contingent. The remainder of the tents at Rahotu have not been to the front. Major Atkinson passed along the road to-day to Pungarehu. A Cabinet meeting will be held to-morrow, when a further proclamation will be issued. It was reported this morning that the Maoris talked umongst themselves of war. A reliable gentleman told them that they would be swept off the earth, besides many had no guns. The Maoris replied that they had plenty of guns and ammunition. On enquiry from the natives this report was not confirmed. The natives congregated in the meeting place all day. Te Whiti's wife returned to Parihaka from Pungareha, where the prisoners now are, and brought a message from Te Whiti for the Maoris to go out as usual for bread, and to shoot bullocks and pigs. If they were shot by the Pakehas it could not be helped.

The further arrest of three leading natives, two being Pito Kowau and Kangi, was expected by tbe Maoris today, but it was not contemplated by the authorities.

The Maoris presented sixty bags of potatoes this morning, but the offer was declined by order of Mr Bryce. The Armstrong gun from Parihaka will be taken to the camp to-morrow. Sentries were placed round the village to stop persons entering, but many visitors evaded. In the A.C. lines all civilians were refused admittance, a piece of unnecessary uncivility, and preventing the public from receiving the fullest information. Major Baillie commands at Rahotu, with Captain Ruck. An unfortunate correspondent wandering through the camp at Parihaka last night was arrested and kept a prisoner all night, with only a waterproof coat. Many corps made mimis. The Nelson contingent lay down by their arms in column with the officer's picket, tbe A.O. on the hill commanding the settlement day and night. Doubtless the severity of duty stimulated the appetite, but it is to be regretted that native pigs were killed, and potato kits were opened and the contents stolen. November 7. At daylight this morning the natives were assembled in their meeting house. They were quiet, but.treated those who were successful in getting into the pah friendly. The chief Rangipuhuahoaho addressed the people last night. This is one of the chiefs who was imprisoned at Dunedin, and addressed the natives while in custody. He takes a prominent part in the management of affairs at Parihaka.

It has transpired that several pigs belonging to the natives have been killed by the volunteers. Major Atkinson returned to camp this morning. The Mounted Rifles left Pungarehu for Parihaka this morning, taking with them the six-pounder Armstrong. It is now raining heavily, and it is the first wet day the volunteers have had under canvas.