LATEST FROM THE FRONT.

Grey River Argus, Issue 118, 13 October 1866, Page 3

LATEST FROM THE FRONT.

A TROOPER SHOT AND TOMAHAWKED. (From the Wanganui Timea.)' Ha'wera, 24th Sept. On the 2nd instant 1 gave yon a short account of the failure of Mr • Parris's attempt at peace-making, and related how Major M'Donnell at once resumed active operations by a night march in the direction of Ketemarai, resulting in the skirmish with the Ran Haus next morning, in which Captain Ross and cithers were wounded. On the sth inst. the Wanganui Rangers and the Native Contingent marched from Hawera to Ketemarai, and encamped outside the bush. On the 7th they moved to an old Maori pah, situated about 600 yards from the bush, and have built a redoubt there which has been named Te Whennku. The close proximity of this position to the bush, affords the Han Haus a good opportunity of wasting their ammunition, of which they have not been slow to avail themselves. On the 14th instant, they showed in force on the skirt of the bush, and, occupying an old Maori pah, amused themselves by tiring into the redoubt. The Rangers and Native Contingent turned out, and advancing in skirmishing order, returned their tire— with interest it would appear, as we were informed by the friendlies at Hawera that "the Hau Haus had two of their number dangei'oualy wounded, whilst we had no casualty. On this occasion a white man was distinctly seen in advance of the Hau Haus, tiring with a long rifle, and particularly aiming at a group of officers. The road from Hawera to Te Whenuku runs parallel to the bush, and in some parts approaches to within 300 yards of it. As may be easily imagined, ambuscades are frequently laid by the enemy to cut off solitary travellers. Captain Uewland and Cornet Kenrick had a narrow escape on the 13th, and orderlies and others have often been fired at, but up to yesterday no one had been hit. I much regret to relate that the Han Haus were more successful yesterday. It appears that a cart was sent from Hawera to Te Whenuku with stores, escorted by three troopers of the Wanganui Yeomanry Cavalry. When I about half-way they were fired into. Private Haggerty and his horse were shot dead; and also one of the cart horses. The other troopers appear to have behaved most gallantly. They covered the escape of the carter, and retired slowly, firing. The Hau Haus tomahawked poor Haggerty, and captured the shaft horse. A party from Te Whenuku brought in the body, and the cart, which latter strange to say was not looted. Captain Leatham's troop of Defence Force arrived at Patea to-day ; they are a splendid looking corps, and a welcome addition to our small force.