THE WAR IN WAIKATO.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 157, 15 January 1864, Page 3

THE WAR IN WAIKATO.

LATEST NEWS. NGARUAWAHIA. [From the Correspondent of tho Daily Southern Crois, of January 9.] January 6. This afternoon, about half-past 3 o’clock, the steamer I’ioneer arrived here with a force of about 400 men, consisting of detachments from the 12th, 40th. and 65th, under the command of Colonel Murray They left Rahiupoketa about half-past 1 o’clock, leaving about 100 soldiers encamped there, and also a number of blue jackets. Tho force now assembled at Ngaruawabia is estimated to be about 700 at the present moment, but it is believed that in a few days a considerable proportion will bo marched onwards to the front to form another encampment in communication with tho one lately taken up by (he General at Tuitui Karamea, but on another side of tho enemy’s position.

The General has a force at present with him of about 1,200 men and is said to be within seven miles of the position taken up by the R glan force and seven miles near Rangiawbia. Their force is variously estimated at from 700 to 2,.000 They are said to have erected pas on tho tops of five hills closely situated together, and tho base of the hills has been rifle-pitted to such an extent as to render the assault a matter of the greatest difficulty, and, if well-manned, must result in very great loss of life. No action on the part of our force it is believed, will take place for a week or so, until! a much larger force can be assembled. Communication has been had with the Raglan force by Tuitui Karamea. It is supposed the General will return to Ngaruawabia to arrange about tho departure of the troops before mentioned, to strengthen his hands at the front. It is not expected the Avon will leave hero for that place before Friday, as the troops have been supplied with four days’ provisions, and all requisites. Tho camp at Wliata VVhata has been entirely abandoned, the small flagstaff erected there alone remaining standing, as a memento of the first forward movement after the investment of Ngaruawahia.

Mr. C. Ileaphy, in a recent trip up the Waipa river to the new camp, took sketches of its scenery, and I am informed by persons who have seen the sketches that they were most admirably and faithfully executed. Tho river is very sinuous in its course, so much as to make many miles of difference to the camp—the distance by water being near upon forty miles, and by land about twentyfive. The route by land is not considered safe without escort, but a Maori youth carries despatches along daily. lam told uo person is allowed to accompany him.

I mentioned in a former letter that a Maori spy had been captured here on Tuesday night. Ho appears to belong to Te Wheoro’s tribe. His capture was brought about in the following manner : During the course of Tuesday afternoon, some troopers of the Colonial Defence Corps were sent out. foraging, and came across the native at some distance from the camp. He was spoken to, but no steps taken to approiied him, as many friendly natives occasionally visit the camp. When tho men returned to camp, the subject was talked over, when it was thought the native was prowling about with no good intention in view, and two troopers, under command of Inspector Turner started off to capture him. It was evening before they had fairly got away from the camp; but they made the best of their way towards a native village a few miles dislant and in the vicinity of which the native was first seen. On arrival there, they found he lighted a fire, and taken every pains to make himself comfortable for the night in ai Chare —at least, as far as Maori ideas of comfort extend. He was then taken in custody and brought to camp, where he was placed, with ten other Maori prisoners, in the king’s palace, which has fallen to the condition of a what'ehei'ehere. A guard is kept day and night over the grave

of King Potatau I, to prevent his bones being car" ried away stealthily some night,—that is, if the Ngatimaniapotos did not walk away with them, as reported, just on the eve of the General’s approach. A box, said to be filled with bones, lies on the ground, outside the tomb: but grave doubts have been raised that its contents are not the remains of his majesty, but those of a young horse