NEWS FROM THE NORTH.

Dunstan Times, Issue 356, 19 February 1869, Page 3

NEWS FROM THE NORTH.

(Abridged from the Daily Times telegrams. Wellington, Feb. 11. A smart shock of earthquake was felt here at 10.16 this morning. The vibration lasted for several seconds, and apparently proceeded from east to west. The occurrence of a case of small-pox at Wanganui has been confirmed. The patient has been placed on board a vessel anchored outside the heads, and considerable apprehension is felt on the subject. The “Wanganui Chronicle” says that the war is no nearer a termination than it was four months ago, and that, with a little loss military science and a little more promptitude, the Nukumaru might have been invested and the enemy captured, as there were no real difficulties in the way of surrounding their position. Colonel Whitmore is forming a light division of picked men, to follow the enemy into the bush. Captain Roberts will, probably, have the comman 1, and the Wanganui natives will be asked to join it. Colonel Whitmore would like to have Ropato and the Ngatiporou from the East Coast if possible. Feb. 12. The Wanganui papers of yesterday state that Colonel Whitmore has ascertained the position of the main force of the enemy' to be at the Seven Hummocks, Taringamutu, beyond the Waitotara River, in a direct line from Wereroa. Colonel M'Donnell, with No. 2 division, is about midway between Wereroa and the enemy’s position. Colonel Whitmore is at Wanganui trying to induce the Friendlies to join him in a sudden attack on the enemy’s new position. It is said at Wanganui that the Friendlies are jealous of, if not hostile to the Arawas, and that trouble is likely to ensuefrom this cause. Feb. 14. The Stormbird arrived here this morning with later news from Wanganui. Colonel Haultain arrived there in the Sturt on Friday with thirty Arawas, and went on to the front. The Sturt returns to the North for more Arawas. Mrs. Von Tempsky has forwardrd £SO to the widow of Corporal Russell, who was killed in the same engagement as Von Tempsky. Mrs. Russell has two children, and is said to be in very poor circumstances. Owing to some mistake, Coloned Whit" more failed to get a meeting of the Wanganui natives on the day fixed for it to take place.