THE FRONT. Camp Patea, March 3, 1865.

Evening Post, Issue 28, 11 March 1865, Page 2

THE FRONT. Camp Patea, March 3, 1865.

His Excellency the Governor Sir George «rey disembarked from her Majesty's ship Esk, which anchored opposite this camp on the 28th ultimo, and had an interview with Sir Duncan Cameron. His Excellency embarked again during the day, and her Majesty's ship Esk steamed away in the direction of Wanganui. The rebels show themselves in groups in from thirty to forty in advance of our outlying picquets — range from 2000 to 1500 yards. They came on the other night with the intention of attacking the camp on the left bank of the river, but turned coward and fled when they found that the troopg were located inside of a redoubt. They were seen at daybreak, about 230 yards from the redoubt retiring; the soldiers did not fire as they were under the impression that it a was party of their own men from the other side of the river, but they were soon undeceived as the rebels opened fire as soon as they got out of range of the redoubt. A party went out after daylight, and found, where the rebels Were first seen, close to the redoubt, various khv's of articles ; also a number of mats and a quantity of potatoes, from which it would appear they intended taking up their residence somewhere convenient. An ambuscade on both sides of the river was laid for them the following night, under Major Butler and Captain Barnes, but they did not fall into it. The plan of the

campaign fr evidently to epen up communication between Taranaki and Wanganui before the winter sets in by establishing a chain of posts along tlie sea coast, connecting the two towns. Orders have been issued for all officers to stnJ back to Wanganui, per Gundagai, all articles of heavy baggage of which it will be possible for them to do without, as no other mode of conveyance will be available after leaving Patga but pack animals, and those to be granted very sparingly. . The redoubt is finished on the right bank 'of the river, and everything is in readiness for another move. The Wai to tar a camp has been considerably reduced ,and the troops sent on to the front- Another post is to be established between the Waitotara and Fatea rivers — the distance being too great for one da3''s march.