LATEST FROM WANGANUI.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 8, Issue 438, 15 November 1866, Page 3

LATEST FROM WANGANUI.

(From the Wanganui Times, 6th November. Oue latest from the front is to the 2nd insi Since the capture of Keteonatea nothing of importance has occurred. The Kupapas on reaching Patea expressed their unwillingness to proceed without being allowed a few days rest, as the trip by the Sturt, which was full five hours duration, had exceedingly fatigued them. Lieut. Gudgeon, however, managed to move them along and on Thursday last they reached Ketemarai. On their arrival, there was the usual tangi, rubbing noses and a war dance. Their first inquiries were for Captain M'Donnell, who is getting on much better than could be expected, and as soon as he can be removed, will be sent to Wanganui. It was expected that rebels occupying a strong pa beyond Ketemarai would come in, but they have not done so. They have, however, sent in an old chief who has, as usual surrendered, that in case of the worst he may afterwards claim the laud for his tribe. The force was to march to the attack, on Sunday last, and the men of the 18th R.I. expected to re* turn to Patea after that affair was over. His Excellency the Governor has sent to inquire whether he could, with safety, proceed to Taupo. The up-river natives said it would be very desirable that he should go, but recommended that he should take au escort of an hundred Maoris, in case of need. In that recommendation there appears to be an eye to business. (From the Wanganui Chronicle, 7th November.) The news from the front is of a very fragmentary, but by no means-pleasant character, so far as it goes. Some days ago Major Rocke and Capt, Rowland were out with a reconnoitering party, when they came upon a number of Hau-haus, near Keteoneata two of whom were killed. In the skirmish a trooper

named Handley was shot, and a friendly native slightly wounded, Lieut. Gudgeon, on his arrival at the camp, headed a strong party of the Native Contingent on a long and arduous march inland. They failed in coming across any of enemy, hut as they passed what seemed to them an utterly deserted pa or village, they were fired upon, and another trooper shot dead. The pa was searched, but not a trace of natives could be found, although there can be no doubt they must have been there and bolted. Hercules Economedes, —either Greek or German, we are uncertain which—is the name of the man who has on this occasion fallen a vicitm to Hauhau treachery. He is the seventh man killed since the present expedition began. Ten have been wounded—making the former out of all average proportion to the latter. Te Waka, the rebel who shot Haggerty some weeks ago was discovered the other day on a mission from one tribe to another, and met his fate.

There has been some hitch in connection with Captain Leatham’s troop. We are not informed as to particulars, and therefore decline entering upon the subject, beyond simply saying that some breach of contract on the part of the Government was complained of by the men who refused further service. Through the intervention of Colonel Gorton, we understand, the affair has been patched up for a time at least.