AUCKLAND.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 165, 11 March 1864, Page 2

AUCKLAND.

THE FRONT. There has beea a lull in the military operations since the advance to Te Awamutu. The latest news from the. Front will be found in the correspondence from head-quarters. The rebels were assembled in force between Hangiawhia and Maungatatari, about three miles in advance of the former position. They were engaged in throwing up earthworks. They were evidently resolved to dispute the further progress of our arms. An expedition under Colonel Waddy, consisting of about 600 men, had proceeded to Kihikihi on Sunday last, in order to take measures for the construction of a Redoubt. No resistance was offered to their advance by the natives, who fled, and in their hurry to escape left their household effects behind them. On the following day a party of Maoris were constructing rifle-pits so as to command the .line of road to the village of Orakau, which is distant about 3 miles from Kihikihi. The latter position was then occupied by detachments of the 40th and 70th and also the Forest Rangers. An expedition under Colonel Waddy,.numbering about 550, was sent forward to interrupt those Maori operations. On reaching the place they found that a line of defences had been commenced by the enemy, who fled on the approach of the troops. A strong fence had also been thrown across the path, and which was soon thrown down by the Forest Rangers. It is said that the General has given instructions to commence the erection of huts for winter quarters. — Weekly News, March 5.

TERMS OF PEACE. It is rumored that the following are the terms which have been sent to the rebels in reply to their proposals for peace. That the Government shall take possession of the whole of the land as far as the Mokau on the West Coast and across the island, and which is abcut 25 miles past the farthest point which the General has advanced to. Every rebel is required to come in singly and lay down his arms and then retire to some part of the country which the Government shall appoint and remain there until certain land is defined and appropriated for his use.' Such, we say, are the terms, which it is rumored luivp lifien proposed by her Majesty's representative, and if so there has been hardly sufficient time yet to know the result. That the obstinate foe will accept this ultimatum is not at all likely.— D. S. Cross, March 1.

Sergeant M’Kenna. —We are much pleased to hear that this gallant soldier, who has been complimented by the General, the Governor, and the Duke of Newcastle for his gallant conduct at Tuakau, when his superior officers were placed hors de combat, has received something more gratifying and substantial than mere compliments, in the shape of an ensign’s commission. We congratulate Ensign M’Kenna on his promotion. —New •Zealander , March 7.