WAIROA.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 7, Issue 372, 30 April 1866, Page 4

WAIROA.

(fsom OUB 6wn COEBESPOSTDEHT.) Friday, 27th April, 1866. A xttmbeh of natives left hero on Monday last, 23rd mpril, under Kopu, Ihaka, and Paora, of fiohaka, with the intention of surprising the Hau-baus. On Wednesday, they came across a party of the rebels on tho river in their canoes, surrounded them, and took 56 prisoners. The friendly natives report that the rebels are in a large pah close handy to this place. On Tuesday, the 24th, Major Fraser, with tho Volunteers and Military Settlers, left this place in search of the rebel stronghold. On Thursday night last, two privates and a sergeant returned. They report having taken 70 prisoners, but they saw nothing of the pah. Their object in returning was to procure provisions, and to take all the available force with them, as Major Fraser intends going right through to the Fast Coast. To Warn has falien back on his stronghold, To Reni. Quite a sensation was caused here yesterday on the receipt of the mail from Napier, to find that the p.a, ‘ Huntress’ was to be laid up, and all her crew, with the exception of three, discharged. What can have caused this sudden change I cansay ; but there she is, moored stem and stern, in front of Mr Lockwood’s house, with the chief mate, engineer, and cook to take care of this most precious ornament. TVairoa, I think, is much further ahead in the sporting line than Napier. On Saturday, 21st April, there were games of all kinds held at Turiron. Walking the greasy pole seemed to afford tho greatest amusement. The pole was lived over a creek fourteen feet deep. The winner, Kori, a native, fell four times into the creek before he succeeded in walking to the end of the polo. There were roars of laughter as each competitor who was unfortuuatc enough to slip off was immersed iu the creek. The whole township was at the camp, end every one seemed to enjoy themselves amazingly, I may mention that the sports on this occasion were in celebration of Major Fraser’s birth-day, which was last Monday week j but, owing to some of tho men being absent, tho fun was put off till they should return.