FIGHTING AT WANGANUI.

Evening Post, Issue 10, 18 February 1865, Page 2

FIGHTING AT WANGANUI.

FOCTR REBEL NATIVES KILLED. The Independent issued an "Extra" to-day, containing the following letter from its special correspondent,' dated February 10:— Great news this morning from up the river ; more fighting and four rebels killed, loyal native* unhurt, bub fighting still going on when Mr. Booth left. This gentleman ax* rived in town at six o'clock this morning, having travelled all day yesterday, and last night, from Pakieka. It' appearsithat old Pen! had a large pah at Ohoutahi, just opposite Pukieka, and the loyal natives have for some time occupied Erua Araraoho, which is some three-quarters of a mile lower down the river. About half way between the twe|j positions is a fence, which constitutes the boundary, or native rubioon^jthe passing of which would be the signal for war. Close to this line, on the friendly Bide, is a email outpost of the loyal natives under John Williams. On Saturday last Rori Kingi 'sent a letter to Pehi, Advising him to give up the "Pai Mairiri " creed and become a loyal Native, and make peace. Pehi would not "answer ' Hori's letter personally, but ordered a slave to do so, which, as Hori is a greater chief, was done for the purpose of insult. Pehi 'said, that". the only terms upon which he would make peace wefe, that Hori Kingi, and all other natiV%from there to thfrjeay Should come over to the King, and destrt the Queen and Pakehas. Not satisfied with this, Hori Kingi went Jiimself With a flag of truce to the boundary, .and asked for. an interview with Pehi, Topini, and T»h»na ; but it was of no avail. On Tuesday* morning, John* Willianu found four rebels close to his outpost, but as General Cameron had forbidden them to commence, the men were sent back uninjured. Ten men were found and treated, afterwards, in a similar manner. " Then commenced a series of movements on the part of the rebels, who tried to cut off the outlying positions from the main ones, but the loyal natives having-; good leaders, not only did the same, so as to render the rebels' attempts futile, but have actually, surrounded one of the outlying rebel posts from which there is no eloape except by night. It was during the collision of the out-flanking parties that- four rebel natives were killed. This is all known, at present, but the fighting was going on all yesterday. „ ¦ . (from the -wanganui ofiaosiOLß.) It, will be remembered that the .prisoners taken ''at Moutoa were' put under the charge. Of the friendly' natives at' Putiki; they naVe since been pardoned, but still remain at Ptftiki, or go about where they please. They 1 are rebels, arid belong to the §ai marire fanatics. Is it not in the highest egree absurd that these fellows should be allowed to go at large and do what they please at a time like this ? . . Yesterday a, detachment of the 14th were sent up the river as far as Kaiwhike. They are to occupy a redoubt to "be built by them on Mount Trafford, a high hill on the right bank, nearly opposite and overlooking Kaiwhike pah, w „„, We that a general CourtMartial is to be held on the iwo militiamen, Calcrof I ±and Yfaitt, who were out on Thursday evening along with John Hobadn. The charge is being absent from. evening parade, and disobedience to order'!. , • On Sunday evening the house of Mr Kidd, at the Kai Iwi Mlsslbn Station, was visited by Maoris, who did not* do much harm, except helping themselves to some food, and ripping up .the seats ofsome chairs, probably in search of money. The visitors are supposed to have been three Kai Iwi natives., whb were seen in that neighborhood, on Monday afternoon.