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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 5, Issue 277, 12 June 1865, Page 3

We are in a position to state that orders for a large number of torpedoes have countermanded by the Cor federate Government, which looks like the abandonment of the sea-coast line, harbors, and rivers, or faith in some early cessation of hostilities.—Army and Navy Gazette. The Troops.—On the publication of the news by the last English mail, together with Mr Cardwell’s despatch, we expressed our belief that in the now extremely critical state of affairs in the Forth Island, the troops would not be withdrawn, and we hear that our anticipations in that respect were correct, and that not a soldier will be sent home at present. It is well known now that the matter rests entirely with the Governor, who has, no doubt, seen sufficient cause to delay the departures of any of the troops untill affairs are in a more settled state. The definant attitude pf the fanatics at Opotiki, and the negotiations with William Thompson, may account for the retention of the troops. It may probably be in his Excellency’s mind that the kind of peace, the only one we shall get by the present course of action, may not be far off, and that a knowledge that the whole of the troops are still in the country may make the rebels come to terms more easily. The result will no doubt be, that when a hollow peace is achieved, not only five regiments, but the whole of them will be dispensed with. But we are afraid that the allegiance of William Thompson will go but a small way towards even patching up a peace. Amongst his own people Thompson possesses great influence, no doubt; but he would have none over the scattered tribes now in rebellion. As it regards his promise to take the oath of allegiance, we may say that we have heard that he has recently placed a large quantity of land under the adjudication of the Fative Land Court, and his desire to obtain a Crown title to it looks as if he really meant to give up the King. But we cannot conceive how Thompson could take any such step with regard to land formerly owned by him, for it must bo evident that as a rebel in arms lie can possess no land except what the Queen in her clemency may award to him after he as taken the oath of allegiance.— S. Cross.