LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 163, 26 February 1864, Page 3

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

The Front. —With the exception of the gallant affair of the 11th instant, little of moment, as least as far as the public knowledge goes, has transpired at the advanced posts. It was also not anticipated that any general attack or assault of the enemy’s position would be made for some days to come. At the same time there can be no doubt the General is improving the interval and maturing his preparations for the grand result. Three additional Armstrong guns left for the Front on Thursday morning, and as it may be safely inferred that these are ordered up to bear a part in the melee, their arrival would necessitate sqme delay, even supposing all else were ready for the advance. Some anxiety has also been felt in consequence of the interruption to the efficient transport of the stores from the mishap that befel the Avon steamer. But vve are glad to say that at the last accounts, any inconvenience or delay arising from this cause was so far obviated by the new steamer Koheroa having been found fit for this all-important service. Last Sunday evening this small river steamer was enabled to make its way to head-quarters with two boats in tow, and bearing 30 tons of provisions. As the correspondence from the Front states, this vessel, with her freight, was a most welcome visitor. Although not yet finished, she is in working order, as this result has proved ; and as her services can be ill-spared at this time, she will make two or three additional trips before being taken off to have her fittings completed. There is also some hope of raising

the Avon, and having her again prepared for service ; hut if successful that must still be a work of time. The Sandfly , whose new boilers have arrived from England by the City of Manchester, may be expected to be ready and under weigh in about a fortnight. This will prove a most important accession to the steam transport service.

The latest news from the Front is of a somewhat negative character. Events of some interest have occurred, but they have not been productive of any satisfactory results. On the 15th instant some curiosity was caused by the fact of flags of truce having been seen flying over the native fortifications. The interpreter went forward and was allowed to approach pretty near the fortifications, when he was informed that a letter was in preparation to the Governor, and that on its being submitted to certain leading chiefs it would be forwarded to the General for transmission to its destination. The modest request was made at the same that the General should send the rebels 50 figs of tobacco, there being a scarcity of that very necessary article to some persons at Pikopiko and Paterangi. The next morning the flag of truce having been struck, firing commenced again from the native forificutions and nothing more w r as heard of the letter.

The Front. —There was no news from the front last night. The General was to have made an advanced moved on Saturday, but so far as we know, no intelligence of his having done so was received. —Southern Cross, Feb. 22,

Latest from the General’s Camp.— We have been favored’with the following extract from a private letter received by a gentleman in town last night;—“ Camp, Te Bore, 20th Feb., 1864. The force moves to-night, and, as they have to pass close to the Maori position, they are almost sure to have a brush. I Battery goes with the three 6-pounders; C Battery remain in the advanced camp.— N. Z. Herald, Feb. 22.